Has anyone found an electric aerial they like for their saloon? I'm at the stage of reassembly to fill that hole in the wing but I don't like the full length antennae sticking up.

 

is your antenna longer than an electric antenna ?

my '65 S type came with a "normal" electric antenna and a Lucas "antenna" switch, as far as I know, all antennas are the same height more or less.

 

If you have room in the fender any aftermarket electric will work.

 

I looked at a "Merta" brand yesterday that looked good. 11 inches required which should be easy in the S type wing box,

 

I assume it's for a S type ?

is the antenna hole near the "A" post ? (rear of the front wing?)

if yes, I also assume you know about the round openings behind each front kick panel, where you can install 7½" round speakers and also access the antenna, which will need a "P" bracket support halfway down the wing, and where there is also a convenient bolt hole for the bracket.

in my S type, the antenna is located on the passenger side, rear of wing, per the yellow arrow in the picture. I can access the wiring and mounting from the hole in the kick panel.

 

You're exactly right, that's is my plan as you've outlined.

I didn't like any of the cheapy looking electric antennaes at my local auto parts junk dealer. I have a proper car stereo shop a few miles from my work. I need to take a ride up there during lunch and do some research. I plan to exploit those large speaker cutouts you mentioned...

 

Clarion makes 7½" two-way marine speakers that fit the openings almost perfectly, check eBay.

the openings in your car probably still have a metal cover held by four 8mm bolts. You have to remove the upholstery kick panel to see them.

then remove the covers and you will find a great speaker "cabinet". If you add insulation inside, the sound is awesome.

my car was originally sold in California and came with a power antenna.
the antenna switch is located to the left of my radio in the center console, a Lucas toggle switch with chromed nut that matches all the other toggle switches.

see red arrow in the picture.

 

Thanx Jose, I just ordered those speakers. I'll get a power antannae this week from the shop near work...

 

you bet GT6Steve!

you don't have to worry about space, you have the entire wing cavity to install any size antenna and have plenty of space leftover for the speaker.

if you have not investigated those two wing cavities yet, then you will be surprised when you do. Seems like Jaguar anticipated mounting speakers there, there's more or less 6 inches of depth, and 2 or more feet of height by 2 or more feet of width.

have you joined the S type Register Forum ? you're invited.

http://www.jagstyperegister.com/index.htm

 

here's someone else's MK-1 with speakers mounted on the kick panels, except he used small 5.25" speakers but the S type has the opening for 7½" speakers.

 

I received the Clarion speakers last week. They seem to fit PERFECTLY right down to the bolt circle! I may have to enlarge the cast in bolt holes in the speakers slightly, that remains to be seen.

Made me laugh though, as they are intended for boats the cone and covers are all white Nothing I can't fix......

 

maybe they sound better in white...

I'm sure you already know about the other location for speakers, on the rear parcel shelf, behind the rear seat?

if you get on your back in the trunk, pull the yute insulation under the rear parcel shelf, and look up, there are three removable covers where 5 X 8 speakers can be installed. (the third, center opening was for the factory a/c vent). The speaker hole covers are held by spring brackets, so no cutting metal is needed, except you have to cut the chipboard panel behind the rear seat.

 

That's where my CoolAire AC pokes thru. To compensate they put some smallish speakers in the rear door panels inside the pockets. I'm of two minds whether to do that again but I expect I will in the end....

 

so you have the original factory a/c system?

with the two 5.25" center console speakers, and the two Clarion 7½" speakers, you will not need anything in the rear. you'll see. or should I say, you'll hear.