Radio Aerial Switch

[tvrmk363]

Hi Gents,
Does any know what the original car was for the switch to raise the aerial on the 350i? or have one they would part with at a reasonable cost?

Charlie
Ohio
350i

[adam quantrill]

Mine came on/up with the radio.

[SLB]

I've recently re-installed an electric aerial on my 88 350i and there is no switch on mine. It's triggered by turning the radio on but takes power from a feed from the ignition switch located behind the radio.

[ElvisWedgely]

I always thought that all Wedges had fully automatic ariels, meaning operating from the radio switch. Surely semi automatic operated ariels from a separate switch was before the time of the Wedge. I could be wrong.

Tony. TCB.

[Grady]

The aerials of the day were automatic but had an over-ride switch to drop them and leave the radio on. Handy for car washes I guess.

Also I posted on this a couple years ago but IIRC the old aerials needed constant power on to stay up. Modern replacements word a little differently so if you have to do a replacement there is a bit of electrical repurposing needed. Grady

[B@man]

If you have a spoiler fitted I'd avoid the automatic option, as whenever you need to open the boot you have to turn the ignition on and if you left the radio on the aerial extends just as you open the boot and spoiler helps deposit another £25 into halfrauds till. Plus it makes a racket on the motorway so you can't actually hear the radio for the wind noise caused by the aerial - Mines now disconnected !

[tvrmk363]

Thanks guys, I'll look into the wiring for the switch and radio. It, the radio does nothing at this point anyway.

Charlie
Ohio
USA

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

Most of the switches are quite well made, but due to age, and lack of use the contacts will oxidize, but they can normally be cleaned up. plus if you add some contact grease they should last another 30+ years.
So try fixing them before replacing.

[Grady]

I tried to send this via the Yahoo group.:

Check the switch from a SIII XJ-6. IIRC they are, or at least look, the same. Also, the hazard switch is out of a Range Rover so the antenna switch might be too. Grady