Lagondaforum

Subject: Original electric aerial

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I've fitted a Hirschmann electric aerial to the Rapide in the place of the rubbishy one which was there when I got it. It's a bit of a tight squeeze to get it in and going up at the right angle... Does anyone know what the original was like? I'm guessing it might of been like the RR one shown in the attachment as there's a large hole in the side of the foot well which looks like it was meant to have something in it...



Thumbnails of attached images:

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Subject: Re: Original electric aerial

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I think the original Rapide aeriial was similar in principle to the photo but the tube holding the unextended segments is about half the length shown (being c.3 times the diameter of the motor). I have (a broken) one if you're interested as my car has a manual aerial now fitted

Subject: Re: Original electric aerial

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Below is a photo of the hole which clearly housed the aerial motor body. The tube would have to be around 12" long and the body 3 1/2" diameter. Apart from RR, the only cars which seem to use a similar aerial are American - so possibly it's an imported item? In the photo you can also see the Hirschmann aerial (and many wires)- this is commonly fitted to classic Astons. It's a very good product, but bulky and I don't want to adapt it or the lower dash panel to make it fit.

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Subject: Re: Original electric aerial

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I've found the original Lucas motor which powered the electric aerial on my car; it's the same motor used by RR for various things including aerials (see image below). I think the chances of me finding a complete unit are almost zero. I could buy a few RR aerials and motors and try and adapt something but this would cost a lot and may not end up with a working aerial.

So I guess this is why modern aerials are installed - such a shame someone threw away the original - it was probably repairable.

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Subject: Re: Original electric aerial

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Have you been in contact with Steve Hunt, who re-conditions many Lucas items, he may possibly be able to assist ?

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Subject: Re: Original electric aerial

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Hi Simon, certainly have - this is one of two he has for sale. Unfortunately he can't help with the missing bits - this motor was used for lowering the rear quarter windows on a RR Silver Wraith...or similar. I bet your LR has it's original aerial!

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