Replaced radio areal antenna with power unit

[blairwag]

My 1971 280SL was originally equipped with a Becker Europa radio, and a WISI manual areal antenna.  Yup, WISI, not Hirshmann. I had been talking, for some time about replacing it with a power antenna, but I just didn't have the heart to kick out $200.00 UDS or more for an old tank like the original Hershmann.

I wanted to try the Hirshmann AUTA 2040 universal antenna but several people told me it wouldn't work. Finally, one person (Naj, was that you?) told me that the AUTA 2040 would go, I just had to make a bracket for the motor assembly.

Well, I tried it, and it pretty much went in like it was made for the car. All I had to do was bend the universal bracket that came with the antenna into a Z pattern, and bingo - the darn think bolted right in.

I got the antenna for only $29.00 (+S&H) from Robert at EEC (ole BigBabbo and BenzBaron from eBay). Robert didn't think the antenna would go. But it did.

So, anyone wanting to install an inexpensive power antenna, I can soundly and confidently recomment the Hirshmann AUTA 2040!


--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
William Blair Wagner: blairwag@earthlink.net
Education is not always knowing the answer,
...but rather knowing where to look for it!
1971 280SL US Automatic
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[jeffc280sl]

I did the same thing and have been very satisfied.  You may want to help others with a brief discussion of your Z bracket and where you mounted it on the new antenna assembly.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[dldubois]

I put the same in mine last year.   Worked perfectly.

Dana DuBois

1969 280sl auto
blue (906)
Corinth, TX

[hands_aus]

and where on the car is the antenna installed?

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[tdun824259]

Bob, Jeff and Others,

I also installed an Auto 2040.  It was a relatively simple procedure utilizing the existing hole where the manual Hirshmann once lived.  I also used the existing bracket that comes with the new auto antenna, but used a "U" configuation rather than a "z".  Bending the bracket into a "U" shape enabled me to nestle the motor of the new unit into the bottom of the "U", attaching the motor to one leg and the kick panel sheetmetal to the other leg.  It doesn't allow any rotation or movement of the motor during operation.  
I'm planning on tearing into that area again this winter to replace the stereo speakers in the kick panel with more up to date versions for better sound.  Hidden of course behind the original speaker housing.  While in there I'll try to snap a couple of pictures for the group to see my configuration.

Tim Dunagan
tdun824259
1971 280 SL

[66andBlue]

Is there anyone in the group who has installed the AUTA 2040 in a 2300SL (fender area, not in the trunk) and is willing to share the experience?
Thanks!

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[Naj ✝︎]

Alfred,
 

quote: Is there anyone in the group who has installed the AUTA 2040 in a 2300SL (fender area, not in the trunk) and is willing to share the experience?

Yes, I've done it.
Is there an antenna on the car at the moment?
What would you like to know?
naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[66andBlue]

quote:Originally posted by naj

Alfred,
Yes, I've done it.
Is there an antenna on the car at the moment?
What would you like to know?
naj

Naj,
yes, there was a manual antenna that I had to cut out .

What I want to know is the following (see attached picture for more details):
Download Attachment: AUTA2040_installation.jpg
63.58 KB
1. the antenna comes with either an adjustable angle head or with fixed ones.  The fixed ones are more sturdy and appear to give better support.  However, the adjustable one looks better because it has a chrome half-dome on the outside similar to the older models.  What did you use?
2. The compartment behind the kick panel has a metal front panel and a solid wall divider (which may be present in a 280SL, but I don't know) that appears to prevent the antenna to be installed straight up (0 degree). Is yours angled?
3. If the antenna is installed with the cable pointing forward (as shown) then the strip attachment screw is behind facing the outside.  The screw hole where the previous strap was attached (the upper one visible in the picture) is on the outside wall.  Such an arrangement, unfortunately doesn't allow to nestle the body in the "U" as Tim Dunagan wrote.  Perhaps I have to use Jeff's  "Z" arrangement ? How did you anchor, and ground, the body in the compartment?
Thanks!

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic

[Naj ✝︎]

Hello, Alfred,
I believe the adjustable one is correct for this application and that is what I used.
I angled the mast so that it is parallel to the windscreen pillar when extended.
I fitted the strap in 'z' rather than 'u' fashion.

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[Raymond]

Anyone know if a Blaupunkt "Frankfurt" radio has a connection that will power an antenna?  The car has a manual now, but I have an AUTA 2040 I'd like to install.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi, Ray,
How many wires does the Radio have coming out of the back?

A blue one is normally for powering the antenna.

naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[66andBlue]

quote:Originally posted by naj

Hello, Alfred,
I believe the adjustable one is correct for this application and that is what I used.
I angled the mast so that it is parallel to the windscreen pillar when extended.
I fitted the strap in 'z' rather than 'u' fashion.
naj
65 230SL
68 280SL

Thanks Naj, I got it in at the angle you suggested.

Alfred
1966 blue 230SL automatic