When I bought the Karmann Ghia, I thought it was unfortunate that the an after market antenna was installed in what I thought was an unusual position. I think all of the antennas were installed at the dealerships but most were positioned higher on the fender and closer to the windshield. The installation for this car meant you had use an antenna that had a ball that allowed the antenna to be oriented in most any direction. I looked at the other “fixed angle” antennas found on many Karmann Ghia but because of where the hole was drilled in this case, none would work. I started searching for other options and came across the Retro Antenna that designed to be mounted on the dash or by the rear window in order to pickup up the radio signal. It is a powered antenna so the claims are that it will boost the signal. Reading the reviews suggested they were not very effective in pulling in radio signals but given how unattractive the antenna on the car was I decided I would try Retro Antenna.
My goal was to drill no holes, so I started considering locations for the antenna. Any place on the dash was ruled out since I would either have to drill or the antenna cable would be too visible. Eventually I decided on mounting the antenna outside of the car on the front bumper bracket. I could use the stock hole that the original antenna cable used holding the antenna in place with zip ties was an easy and flexible solution.
With the antenna installed, it was time to see if the reviews were right. With the location I placed the antenna, I found that it was not able to draw in the station signals as well as the typical fender mounted antenna but around town it did an acceptable job pulling in the station. With that said, given it was almost invisible and I did not have to drill holes, I found it to be a good compromise. Plus…when I travel out of town I just switch over to satellite radio and the problem is solved. And what about that satellite radio antenna, well it is small and held in place with a magnet. When I get to a car show I just pop the hood and move the satellite antenna inside the trunk.
Oh, and about the antenna hole…I found a plug that fits the hole nicely. Someday, when either I or a future owner decided to do the body off restoration, the hole can be patched permanently.
