1981 power antenna suggestions....
12-31-2017, 05:12 PM
#1
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1981 power antenna suggestions....
I need to replace the antenna assembly. I am looking for feedback on complete units. They range in price from $65 to $175. Thanks!
12-31-2017, 05:27 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
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I bought the one from Paragon, a genuine GM replacement unit, for my '81. It was plug in easy, and fit perfect if you are replacing an original one. Good luck.
12-31-2017, 05:59 PM
#3
Race Director
The reproduction one that lists for $150 (though some vendors do try to sell it for more), is your best bet. Though the motor doesn't look like the original, the parts you see, the mast, nut and tip, all look correct. This antenna is a direct bolt in, using the stock harness and mounting brackets, and is controlled by the radio, just like the OEM one.
You can save some money with the replacement units, but you usually have to adapt the harness and brackets, and not all of them will raise and lower with the radio, like original.
You can save some money with the replacement units, but you usually have to adapt the harness and brackets, and not all of them will raise and lower with the radio, like original.
01-01-2018, 12:59 PM
#5
I was in the same boat last year. I didn't trust the aftermarket ones, so I found a broken one to rebuild. Usually, it's just the plastic cable inside the mast that is broken. New rebuild kits are available for not a whole lot of money.
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LenWoodruff (01-03-2018)
01-02-2018, 02:38 AM
#7
Nam Labrat
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01-02-2018, 02:41 PM
#9
Drifting
after going thru a couple of GM licensed replacement antennas I located an original power antenna out of an early 80's caddy in the junk yard and took the guts out of it and used the original enclosure of my corvette antenna and presto it works..... been fine for the last 3 years and the best of all it looks like the original (because it is) on the outside.
