New Radio and Antenna Thoughts

Hey guys. I just hooked up a new stereo in Shep. Here is what I installed:

It's a very basic radio that cost $40 at Walmart. And I hooked it up to these speakers:

$25 on Amazon. (Noticing a theme here?)

Bottom line, music isn't that important to me but I wanted to fill the massive hole in my dash and use my phone hands-free. This fit the bill and works well for me!

My only issue is that I'm not picking up radio stations. I've hooked up my receiver to the existing antenna but I can barely get 3 stations.

My initial thoughts are to buy/install a new antenna. https://www.amazon.com/Metra-44-FD80-Rectangler-Antenna-1965-Up/dp/B0007WRQ5S/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=1IKWXIE7BQ2FE&keywords=1980+f100+antenna+wire&qid=1677963105&s=automotive&sprefix=1980+f100+antenna+wire%2Caps%2C131&sr=1-5&vehicle=1980-54-665-125-31-31-14-7-1768-1115-8-2-823--2&vehicleName=1980+Ford+F-100

It's only $15 bucks and looks OEM. What are your thoughts? Is there anything else I can try before this? I've cleaned the connection with sand paper and the line seems fine.

that looks to be a double din radio. are you going to cut your bezel to fit that size?

Yes. I had to cut the bezel and a little of the dash plastic behind it. The previous owner had already cut the bezel for a radio. This week, I'm going to design/3D print a seemless frame that will make it all look factory again.

Check the antenna coax from the antenna to the radio. It may be bad.

I second checking the antenna cable. RF travels on the surface of conductors so any corrosion or abrasion affects it more than one would think. The antenna end is exposed to the elements.