It is very important where to drill the hole for the new radio antenna. The results of making a slight mistake will stay in your mind for many years to come!
Radios during these 1947-54 Advance Design years were never installed at the factory. This was done by the authorized GM Dealer. In the box that contained the new radio was a paper template that prevented mistakes when drilling the antenna hole. This hole in the cowl was so close to the belt line that the body to the antenna seal gasket even lacked an edge where it touched this body belt. Even with GM moving the antenna so close to the belt line there is still only about 1/2" clearance to the hood when it is open. See photo.
The sad realization occurs later when a new radio antenna is installed by an amateur. He drills the hole in the cowl (correctly on the driver's side) about another 3/4' forward. He smiles as the radio works great. He doesn't smile a week later when he tries to raise the hood to check the oil. It won't raise! The rear hood edge hits the antenna. A rubber plug later put in the new hole is always a reminder of what a 1/2' can do.
