After replacing the Pioneer tape deck that was in my 280z with a Retrosound unit, I found that I was annoyed when the power antenna would rise when I set the unit to Bluetooth mode. Why would I need the antenna in this mode? Even though the unit had separate wires for an amplifier remote switch and power antenna, they both apparently were energized at the same time. I don't listen to the radio much anymore so every time I powered on the head unit to listen to podcasts I heard one less rise tick off of my aging antenna. I had told myself some time ago that the next time I pulled the console out I would add a switch inline with the antenna so that I had more control over when it was extended. Since my head unit had become loose after installation I decided to correct both issues at the same time.
To control the antenna extension I decided to use a toggle switch inline with the power antenna trigger wire. This was simple to construct and splice into the harness.
The trick would be where to mount the new switch. I definitely did not want to drill any plastic; while that would be the easy route it would also permanently change whatever was drilled. I decided to construct a bracket out of a strip of steel. I used one of the HVAC blower bolts to secure the switch under the dash and mostly out of sight.
The result? I can now extend my power antenna only when I need it.
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