Antenna hole...

[Mike Z]

Hi,

I have a possible DeLorean prospect coming up (cautiously optimistic) and it has a right front fender mounted antenna. To me it's an eyesore but is there any kind of solution for this? I know you can pop it out, fill it with a piece of stainless, weld it and then brush it so hopefully any signs of the hole are gone but I don't have easy access to something like that and the only other option seems to be to buy an entire new right front fender which I believe is pretty expensive.

What do you guys think? If it's a good DeLorean at the right price should I do it? Would something like that prevent you from buying?

Just curious as to opinions and any other options to fill the hole that I may not have thought about.

Thanks,
Mike

[thirdmanj]

I've seen rubber plugs for them. They seem to cancel it out very nicely, and I bet it's loads cheaper than trying to patch weld it.

[Notifier]

Mine has three locations for the antenna. The original windshield antenna that is disconnected, the front right fender antenna which was removed, and finally the rear left pontoon antenna that's currently the working antenna. For the front fender antenna someone closed up the hole with this rectangular hard plastic cap that doesn't really stick out. Don't know if it's an available part or something that was available at the time. When I get home tonight I can post a picture.

[dmc6960]

If you dont want to go the route of removing said fender and having a specialist repair, then you can get an actual stainless steel plug to put in there. They are made to fill in empty kitchen sink holes. Will probably already have a brushed look but if it doesn't match the fender you can always sand/grain it appropriately. Back in 2000/2001, it cost me $300 to have DMCH repair the hole (I removed the fender and shipped it to them, $hipping extra). I've heard of them doing for cheaper ($250) since then.

[Mike Z]

I appreciate it guys, at least I know there's some sort of solution even if it's temporary until I can get it professionally filled.

[Nicholas R]

I cannot imagine replacing the fender is a viable option because of a hole. There are tons of professional welders out there that would be happy to do this for a quick couple bucks. Just do a google search for them in your area. I dont see any reason why this could not be TIG welded while on the car. Then do the blending on your own.

[Mike Z]

I cannot imagine replacing the fender is a viable option because of a hole. There are tons of professional welders out there that would be happy to do this for a quick couple bucks. Just do a google search for them in your area. I dont see any reason why this could not be TIG welded while on the car. Then do the blending on your own.

That's what I'll most likely do. If everything else about the car is good I'm going to get it. I've waited a long time lol

[Dracula]

I've actually been considering swapping my RF fender to one with a hole and adding an antenna. If you were nearer, I'd offer a swap of fenders and antenna; provided you cover the labor involved.

[thirdmanj]

I've actually been considering swapping my RF fender to one with a hole and adding an antenna. If you were nearer, I'd offer a swap of fenders and antenna; provided you cover the labor involved.

Why on earth would you want to do that? Are you outta your Vulcan mind?

On a side note, I think I'm gonna start calling people "antenna holes".

[Mike Z]

I've actually been considering swapping my RF fender to one with a hole and adding an antenna. If you were nearer, I'd offer a swap of fenders and antenna; provided you cover the labor involved.

I appreciate it. Let's see how things go, right now the car is just a prospect, I don't want to get overly excited :nervous:

[Dracula]

Why on earth would you want to do that?

Because I want to.

[thirdmanj]

Because I want to.

Well ya, I got that. But to what end. It certainly won't add value, and popular opinion has that it doesn't improve it's appearance. So yeah, I'm just curious as to why you'd want to go to so much trouble to make a change that really does nothing but detract from the car. It certainly doesn't add value.

[Mike Z]

You can cut the sexual tension between you two with a knife...

[Dracula]

Well ya, I got that. But to what end. It certainly won't add value, and popular opinion has that it doesn't improve it's appearance. So yeah, I'm just curious as to why you'd want to go to so much trouble to make a change that really does nothing but detract from the car. It certainly doesn't add value.

I disagree with popular opinion. I like the looks of it and think it's an improvement. My new power antenna is acting up and I want to replace it with one that will never fail.

[thirdmanj]

I disagree with popular opinion. I like the looks of it and think it's an improvement. My new power antenna is acting up and I want to replace it with one that will never fail.

You disagree with popular opinion, to disagree with popular opinion. LoL. Just making sure. But true, that fixed one wont fail.

[Dracula]

You disagree with popular opinion, to disagree with popular opinion. LoL. Just making sure. But true, that fixed one wont fail.

It's also what I'm used to with the cars that I typically drive.

[Kenny_Z]

I put a front antenna back on that 86 Monte I drive because it's just more "elegant" on some cars. However, I think it looks wonky on the Delorean. I like my hidden antenna even though it doesn't pick up as many stations.

There are lots of very talented welders out there. Try some exhaust shops that specialize in stainless steel systems. They'll have the tig welders needed to do the job.

[Dracula]

Am I the only one who actually LIKES the fender-mounted antenna?

[stevedmc]

Why on earth would you want to do that? Are you outta your Vulcan mind?

On a side note, I think I'm gonna start calling people "antenna holes".

He sounds about as crazy as the other guy who wants to put his Delorean in storage until BTTF fades away.

[Dracula]

He sounds about as crazy as the other guy who wants to put his Delorean in storage until BTTF fades away.

I heard that guy was crazy enough to want to put a carb on his car and even contacted Bill Robertson about it.

[Mike Z]

I heard that guy was crazy enough to want to put a carb on his car and even contacted Bill Robertson about it.

Just out of curiosity why are you waiting until 2014 to carb your D?

[Dracula]

Just out of curiosity why are you waiting until 2014 to carb your D?

It'll be an example of how to perform such a swap at DCS for all those interested in observing; unless it gets performed beforehand.

[Mike Z]

It'll be an example of how to perform such a swap at DCS for all those interested in observing; unless it gets performed beforehand.

Gotcha.

[sdg3205]

Mike Z,

I used the automatic transmission medallion to cover up antenna hole. I really like it.

$22 and looks neat!

[Kenny_Z]

Am I the only one who actually LIKES the fender-mounted antenna?

Well, someone obviously liked them back in DMC. ;)

I can see the appeal, it's unique. I think it's a matter of taste. Some cars look great with an antenna sticking up but sports and performance cars just don't look as sleek. At least to me. Please don't put one of those stubby rubber ones. The taller black metal ones look much better.

[Mike Z]

Mike Z,

I used the automatic transmission medallion to cover up antenna hole. I really like it.

$22 and looks neat!

Hmmm, very interesting. That might do for a temporary fix but I know ultimately I'll want it to look like there was never a hole there.

[cybercusp]

If I remember right, the evolution of the antenna was DMC first mounted the antenna in the windshield, but had radio reception problems. (Although I know at least one owner who runs a windshield antenna with no problems whatsoever, probably because of better head units and/or broadcast signal quality.) DMC then moved it to the fender, but it was considered unesthetically pleasing, and thereby moved to the rear pillion and made retractable..presumably to improve the esthetics.
I have the retractable antenna, but I've already had to fix it once in the WalMart parking lot where it extended and then immediately ejected out of the mount and fell dangling over the fender in an ED kind of moment. I had to stuff it back down into the fender before anyone saw. Awk-ward.

[Mike Z]

DMC then moved it to the fender, but it was considered unesthetically pleasing

Exactly, I just don't like the look of it at all but I don't think it's reason enough to not get the car if everything else works out.

[thirdmanj]

Exactly, I just don't like the look of it at all but I don't think it's reason enough to not get the car if everything else works out.

I agree. If everything else is solid go for it. I'm tellin' ya man, those plugs they make for them look just fine, and you hardly notice them.

[sdg3205]

Hmmm, very interesting. That might do for a temporary fix but I know ultimately I'll want it to look like there was never a hole there.

This (http://store.delorean.com/p-9248-emblemshifter-cover-metal.aspx) is the part I used. I epoxied it over the hole. I think it looks really cool. Personally, I'm not sure I'd fill in the hole now if I had the option. Just say'n!