Topic: The Scott Drake 65-66 Antenna

[Tiggie]

I have one of the 65/66 style Scott Drake reproduction antennas. From my observations and searching, here's what I know about it:

• rattles
• innermost mast doesn't fully retract
• the top ball is stainless not chrome
• the reception is horrible (I added this one)

My car is a driver and good reception is a must, as is a mostly correct appearance.

Has anyone tried the Daniel Carpenter version? It is supposedly made in USA, doesn't rattle, and has the mast that fully retracts. https://www.dcmustang.com/shop-by-category/exterior-and-trunk/antenna/c5zz-18813-1965-68-antenna-assembly

Additionally, can someone school me on how a 67/68 antenna is different from a 65/66? 

[ruppstang]

The difference between the C5 and C7 is the top section of the C5 does not fully retract. I am glad to hear Carpenter has reproduced the C7, hope it is quality.

[Tiggie]

The difference between the C5 and C7 is the top section of the C5 does not fully retract. I am glad to hear Carpenter has reproduced the C7, hope it is quality.

Thanks for the info on the differences.

My car was missing the antenna when I pulled it out of the woods, so I don't have anything to compare it to. I guess I'll tell me wife I want the Daniel Carpenter version for Christmas. Much better than socks!

[aaatp]

Have you tried tuning your antenna to get better reception?  Next to where the antenna plugs into the radio is a tuning screw.
Tune your radio to a station between 1400 and 1600, then turn the tuning screw till you get the best reception.
I did this with mine, it made a huge difference.

[stangfan]

aaatp...can you do this without pulling the radio out? Mine is a 68.   Thanks.

[jwc66k]

aaatp...can you do this without pulling the radio out? Mine is a 68.   Thanks.

The tuning should be done with the radio in place. You may have to remove the glove box, possibly the passenger's seat if you qualify as a "large". A console complicates things. I recommend an insulated tool to do the "tooning" (pun intended).
Jim

[aaatp]

I have a 66 and all I had to do was move one of the defroster ducts out of the way. So yes, I tuned it with the radio in place. Not sure about a 68, but it's certainly worth a try.

[Tiggie]

Have you tried tuning your antenna to get better reception?  Next to where the antenna plugs into the radio is a tuning screw.
Tune your radio to a station between 1400 and 1600, then turn the tuning screw till you get the best reception.
I did this with mine, it made a huge difference.

I've heard of it but haven't tried. I plugged in an original Ford antenna from a similar era pick up truck and the radio works great. This made me think it was the Scott Drake Antenna and not my radio.

We do not have a local AM station in the 1400-1600 range. We do have a 1350. This is an original 68 AM/FM.  Can I tune in the FM band as well?  I will check for the screw this weekend once I get some garage time.

[Bob Gaines]

I've heard of it but haven't tried. I plugged in an original Ford antenna from a similar era pick up truck and the radio works great. This made me think it was the Scott Drake Antenna and not my radio.

We do not have a local AM station in the 1400-1600 range. We do have a 1350. This is an original 68 AM/FM.  Can I tune in the FM band as well?  I will check for the screw this weekend once I get some garage time.

The AM will get the best results. You can pick up some FM stations even if the antenna is not plugged in so it will be harder to fine tune. AM stations need the antenna the most and consequently you will see the most improvement from fine tuning there.