I'm thinking of going with a radio delete plate and a hidden stereo in my car, and I was just wondering if any of you have tried any of the "hidden" antennas that are on the market. I'm thinking of putting it under the cardboard of the rear package tray in one of the recesses.

Thanks for any info!

I haven't tried one YET, but my application is probably the best and that's a convertible. I plan to mount it below the well a couple of inches above the high part of the trunk floor. I need to order one soon.

I used a tape on one a while back, You just stick it to the windshield, wrap it around the perimeter of the windshield it has a small wire in the clear tape. Kinda like one wire of a rear defroster. It worked pretty good and nearly invivible.

Yep, I used a length of foam pipe insulation. I inserted the original fender mounted antenna inside it, taped it in place and then carefully slid the whole thing up under the dash where I used more duct tape to hold it in place. It's been there for about 10 years now. The reception is great and distance wise it seems to get clear reception the same as if it was mounted externally.

Of course I had to fill the hole on the fender with something. This was my solution ... LOL.

I did a stereo install in the mid-70's on what I remember being a Dodge colt. When I was plugging in the antenna cable, I noticed it didn't have one on the car & there were no wires in the windshield, either. Finally traced the antenna wire & it was hooked to the trunk lid, which was isolated from the rest of the car by rubber/nylon bushings, including the latch. It worked great but I can't remember if it was factory or not. I did the same thing on a couple of other cars I built, shielded wire to trunk lid, shield wire to body, with good results.

I have mine mounted under the lip of the dash frame and grounded the base to the dash. Works pretty good and out of sight. A little fading pending direction.

They have ones that you can put anywhere. I used one a couple years ago and it worked fine. It was up under the dash, abov the glove box. From Crutchfield IIRC.

Got a powered one just under the top of the back seat. Mounted it just about dead center between the "j" hooks the seat back goes on and grounded it right there. Then I went to electronics store got an antenea extention and ran it and the power wire together to the radio. I can't remember the name but I have the package still at home.

Thanks to all for the info. Sounds like there are several viable alternatives. I'm going to give it a shot!!

Matt -
Dunno if you remember Bill's old ranger pickup, but we mounted an antenna (the usual generic extending fender type) inboard of the rt rocker panel. Worked pretty well.
I like the trunklid idea, though, that's trick.

I shaved my antenna. This is what I used. Mounted it in the trunk, requires no power - actually works. Used the TT2C and painted it black.

http://www.ecshylites.citymax.com/page/page/761353.htm

My cars' antena runs up under the windshield. On the glass like the defrosters' painted lines. Works fine, except you can barely make out the oldies it pumps out.






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Can't figure it out. One has to work.

Yeah, the Ranger dates back to the good old days, '85 or so.
You might remember that most of my stuff never had a radio, so sorry, no plugs. Gotta be some available here. I like the 8-ball idea posted previously!

Thanks Steve, here's another shot. All you have to do is hit every garage sale for a summer or two and you'll eventually find one ... LOL.

Don't worry if you find a ball that's all scratched up. Just wet sand it with 2000 grit and then polish with compound till it looks like new.

If you don't care about AM reception, just about anything will work for FM . Hide the antenna up under the dash or use about a 30" piece of copper wire and wire tie it to something. For AM you will need some kind of a mast.

Kwik Wire makes one that is flexible, easily routed and $15. I haven't got it permanently installed yet, but I have tested it in a couple places and the results have been excellent. It says it is low power, but I was able to pickup everything my new factory radios could, including a couple stations I know have low power signals.

http://www.kwikwire.com/ac_antennas.html