Correct location of antenna for 1966 FJ45 ??
- Thread starter In2cruisers
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Well a stereo wasn't standard in '66 and I am not even sure it was and option, so there really is a "correct" location for it. With that in mind I'd say put it where ever you like
Im probably going to hide a satellite radio unit in mine. Better question is where are u putting speakers?
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I haven't tried the am/fm app yet for the itouch or iphone but you could easily install an itouch jack into you Land Cruiser without needing an antennae and also have a removable sound system.
the amplifier can be tucked away just about anywhere.
the amplifier can be tucked away just about anywhere.
I realize you have an 1960's model that didn't come with a factory radio, but you might want to consider how it was done on later models.
On the 1983 LHD longbed there is a factory welded nut to receive the lower factory antenna mount inside the truck on the Left A pillar between the kick vent opening and the lower left door hinge With it there is a corresponding hole drilled to receive the antenna lead, and another welded nut further up the inside A pillar on the cowl for the upper mount.
On the 1982 LHD longbed, and on the 1979 LHD FJ43, the same factory holes and nuts appear on the Right side A pillar to accept a factory antenna.
On the 1980 LHD longbed there are no factory mounts, and the local dealership typically mounted the antenna on the Right side in the same A pillar location, or forward of that between the kick vent opening and the louvered side cowl.
The above are LHD trucks and show variation between Left and Right; and perhaps things got reversed should you have a RHD version. Maybe there are some photos out there showing these or other variations over the years; maybe some factory sales brochures for various export markets that offered the optional radios.
Some drivers voice concern that various antenna locations can be distracting in their line of sight, some argue for being able to wind down the window and fiddle with the antenna whilst driving, and certainly mounting the early-style A pillar mirrors might interfere with the antenna when also mounted on the A pillar--- so I guess the choice to be "correct" is wide open to you.
Another related issue is where the CB whip antennae got mounted during the 1960s to 1980s--often behind the driver's line of sight on the curve behind the Left seat, similar to the location of the filler neck on the right side. But here again, there doesn't appear to be a "correct" location.
On the 1983 LHD longbed there is a factory welded nut to receive the lower factory antenna mount inside the truck on the Left A pillar between the kick vent opening and the lower left door hinge With it there is a corresponding hole drilled to receive the antenna lead, and another welded nut further up the inside A pillar on the cowl for the upper mount.
On the 1982 LHD longbed, and on the 1979 LHD FJ43, the same factory holes and nuts appear on the Right side A pillar to accept a factory antenna.
On the 1980 LHD longbed there are no factory mounts, and the local dealership typically mounted the antenna on the Right side in the same A pillar location, or forward of that between the kick vent opening and the louvered side cowl.
The above are LHD trucks and show variation between Left and Right; and perhaps things got reversed should you have a RHD version. Maybe there are some photos out there showing these or other variations over the years; maybe some factory sales brochures for various export markets that offered the optional radios.
Some drivers voice concern that various antenna locations can be distracting in their line of sight, some argue for being able to wind down the window and fiddle with the antenna whilst driving, and certainly mounting the early-style A pillar mirrors might interfere with the antenna when also mounted on the A pillar--- so I guess the choice to be "correct" is wide open to you.
Another related issue is where the CB whip antennae got mounted during the 1960s to 1980s--often behind the driver's line of sight on the curve behind the Left seat, similar to the location of the filler neck on the right side. But here again, there doesn't appear to be a "correct" location.
I meant to get a pic of what the PO of my troopy did but it is dark and rainy outside now. A small bracket that uses the same mounting holes as the hood cushioning rubber that sits on the side of the cowl - so the antenna sits just outboard of the rear corner of the hood. The antenna wire drops down and enters the vehicle via the side louvres near the kick vents of the cowl and into the engine bay then through one of the grommets in the firewall. Although I think your 45 might predate the side louvres so probably wouldn't work for you but I like the idea of using some existing mounting holes and hardware to find a solution and not having to cut something.
Just went through this very same exercies with my '67. The recommendation was that if I wanted to have OEM "looking" antenna, to put it on the drivers side cowl, just in front of the kick vent (40's have them on the passenger side, similar location on the cowl, but due to Vents, kick panels, internal bracing, mirrors, etc..., it was determined that on the 45, best mounting location would be on the drivers side).
The recommended location was smudged on to the cowl, the circle where the hole would be drilled, the vertical line showing the line of the antenna:
In the end, I didn't want to drill a hole into the cowl, so I went with a hidden antenna from crutchfield. It has mixed reviews on reception, I figure I'll get good reception in the city, outside of the city...will have to hook up to the ipod.
The recommended location was smudged on to the cowl, the circle where the hole would be drilled, the vertical line showing the line of the antenna:
In the end, I didn't want to drill a hole into the cowl, so I went with a hidden antenna from crutchfield. It has mixed reviews on reception, I figure I'll get good reception in the city, outside of the city...will have to hook up to the ipod.
I put mine on the passenger side mostly because I have my radio in the glove box and the antenna wire is closer that way I used a cd player with a remote .