VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Radios, Tools, Accessories 55-59 Truck Antenna

First question is... Did the antenna change between 55 and 59? I just received a used original antenna that supposedly came from a 59 Chevy 3800. Everything about it, including the mounting bracket, bakelite stanchion and nut looks to be correct. The only thing that gives me pause is the mast itself. First, it was separated from the base in the box. It was not attached. That doesn't seem right. I can't imagine it's supposed to be able to slip out of the base. The seller did not mention this and the pictures I received did not show it. Second, the sections of the mast do not have the little inverted cups over each section that my AD truck antennas have. Is that normal? Third, this mast does not have the pointed tip. I notice the ones that are supposed to be correct reproductions all have a pointed tip. This one has a small ball tip. Third thing I'd like to request is a copy, if anyone has one available, of the installation instructions. I did get a copy of the drilling template so it's mounted in the correct spot, I'm more concerned about drilling holes under the fender, and orienting everything correctly. Thanks for the help!

So I found the antenna install instructions on the old car manual project site. When comparing my 54 truck antenna to this 59 truck antenna, I notice the mast significantly larger diameter, and considerably taller at full extension. I am still curious if the mast should be able to slip out of the base on the 59 truck antenna. It seems to quite firmly fixed in place in the AD antenna, though, to be fair the base on the AD antenna is only a couple inches long where the 59 antenna base appears be around a foot in length. Also still very curious about that pointed tip vs. small round ball tip issue...