Possibly, maybe the PO broke it and replaced it with a standard part
and didn't realize there was a difference from 81 to 83. I've also
seen some less than pretty 83's that have simply become brittle and
kind of crumpled or fell aart around that area.
But who knows, I'd probably order a new replacement to replace one
if mine ever became unsightly on my 83, but it hardly ever sees
light.
I might like to eventualy add one to my 81 because I like the look
of the rear mounted antenna, and my 81 has a windshield antenna. I
just pray it never breaks, if it does I will install the rear
antenna kit, I absolutley HATE the fender antenna. What a god awful
place to put one there.
Joe
--- In DMCForum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Mike Walsh" <yahoo@xxxx> wrote:
> Mine was built Sept '83. There is no way it has a neat cutout for
the
> antenna in the vent. It looks like someone took a rough rasp (the
> kind you fit on a drill) and hacked up the vent to make way for
the
> antenna. I have seen many others like this. Maybe it is the
movement
> of the antenna that is responsible? But on every one I have seen?
> Others I have seen were even deeper and wider then mine.
>
> Who knows, it could be that they were using old stock for the
vents
> in the last month or two and had to modify them. When I get a
chance
> I will post a pic of the offending vent
>
> - Mike
>
> --- In DMCForum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Joe OBrien" <joeyoseppijoe@xxxx>
> wrote:
> > Mike the later cars were made with the little louvre precut nice
&
> > neat for the antennas. The earlier cars that came with window &
> > fender antennas had the rear antennas added later. Hence the
reason
> > for the rough look of the cutout on the drivers side fake vent
> where
> > the antenna pokes through.
> >
> > Joe
> >
> > 2524 & 16634
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In DMCForum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, "Mike Walsh" <yahoo@xxxx> wrote:
> > > I have a late '83 with the antenna in the rear. Behind the
rear
> > > windows (on either side) there are vents. The one on the right
is
> > > used to direct fresh air into the engine. My antenna is
located
> so
> > > that it extends from the left vent. I am almost sure (like
most
> > > things on the car) the vent was designed and made before the
> first
> > > car went into production. To allow the antenna to use the vent
> > > opening, a louver in the vent has been roughly notched to
allow
> > the
> > > antenna to pass by it. I have looked at dozens of D's with the
> > > antenna using this vent and everyone looked like it was
notched
> > out
> > > with a file or rasp and each one was slightly different - I
think
> > > this was done on the factory floor.
> > >
> > > I don't have the service bulletins in front of me, but this
> change
> > > happened sometime in the '81 model year. Before that the
antenna
> > was
> > > located in the windshield. There are also some bulletins that
> have
> > > instructions for drilling out a location in the right front
> fender
> > if
> > > the windshield antenna did not receive a sufficient signal.
> > >
> > > - Mike
> > > #17084
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