Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1970 Triumph Spitfire car radio, antenna element, larry crook

Question
Hi Tom,
I live in Greenfield, NH and own a 1970 MKIII Triumph Spitfire. My AM radio does not have reception. It does come on but I only get static. I do live in a rural area but I would guess that I should receive some station if the radio is truly working. I get good reception with my other car radios. The tuner works as do the push buttons. There is one speaker in the car. I have not removed the radio as yet to do any real investigation. Does this sound like a potential radio issue or could the antenna be the culprit (it is intact)? I believe the radio was sourced and manufactured in the US by Standard Triumph, Inc. of New Jersey and installed by the dealers in new cars as they were shipped in from England. Any help or clues you can offer is much appreciated.
Best regards,
Larry Crook

Answer
Larry,
You can test the antenna out by using an ohm meter to test for continuity from the antenna element to the tip of the plug after you pull it out of the radio. next test the shield from the plug to the cars frame/ground. And lastly test for a short from the center wire to the shield. If the antenna test out good, the radio will need to be serviced. please contact me direct for more info.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS,
tdeser@zoominternet.net