Disabling the power antenna?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 45
Likes: 7
From: FL
Disabling the power antenna?
So I just got an '82 and it has a power antenna. I'd actually prefer it to stay down, and I'll absolutely NEVER use the radio. So I'm wondering if there is an easy way to disable it from going up as soon as the car starts and the (aftermarket) radio turns on?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,960
Likes: 4,518
From: Virginia
Always nice to meet a like minded individual! I've removed the antennas from both of my C3s (well, one yeeted itself right out of the car, but anyway).
Your (aftermarket) radio is triggering a relay that supplies power to the antenna motor. I'm not exactly sure where these components are in an 82, but you should be able to follow a wiring diagram to find them (perhaps the relay is under the center console, and pulling that would solve your problem?). There is also a connector for the antenna, perhaps behind the carpet in the package shelf.
You can find a wiring diagram here:
http://wordpress.keystonestatecorvet...m/?page_id=118
EDIT: I say "should", but I looked at the 82 wiring diagram, and could find no mention of the antenna, so perhaps it is incomplete. If you set your aftermarket radio to a different mode, (AUX, or BlueTooth, for example), does it retract the antenna? If so, you just need to find the wire from your radio that is being used, and disconnect it.
Your (aftermarket) radio is triggering a relay that supplies power to the antenna motor. I'm not exactly sure where these components are in an 82, but you should be able to follow a wiring diagram to find them (perhaps the relay is under the center console, and pulling that would solve your problem?). There is also a connector for the antenna, perhaps behind the carpet in the package shelf.
You can find a wiring diagram here:
http://wordpress.keystonestatecorvet...m/?page_id=118
EDIT: I say "should", but I looked at the 82 wiring diagram, and could find no mention of the antenna, so perhaps it is incomplete. If you set your aftermarket radio to a different mode, (AUX, or BlueTooth, for example), does it retract the antenna? If so, you just need to find the wire from your radio that is being used, and disconnect it.
Last edited by Bikespace; Apr 12, 2023 at 05:02 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
@interpon's 79 does not have a connector. 80-82 does (and perhaps late 79?). Anyway, some photos are here that may help find a connector. You can also find a picture of the relay online if you search for the part. The wire bundle in question is green, white, and gray.
I cut all of that out of my 80, so I didn't bother with connectors. Unfortuntely, I also didn't take any pictures, and the muffler needs to be removed to get to the base of the antenna.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...na-wiring.html
I cut all of that out of my 80, so I didn't bother with connectors. Unfortuntely, I also didn't take any pictures, and the muffler needs to be removed to get to the base of the antenna.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...na-wiring.html
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '22
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,960
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From: Virginia
Here's a better diagram.
If you can find the relay in the car somewhere, you can disconnect the three wires there, instead, if you can't get past the muffler.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-antenna.html
If you can find the relay in the car somewhere, you can disconnect the three wires there, instead, if you can't get past the muffler.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-antenna.html
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From: Shamong, NJ
Here's a better diagram.
If you can find the relay in the car somewhere, you can disconnect the three wires there, instead, if you can't get past the muffler.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-antenna.html
If you can find the relay in the car somewhere, you can disconnect the three wires there, instead, if you can't get past the muffler.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...r-antenna.html
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Yes. Unplug the relay. It is in the passenger side rear storage compartment.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
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From: Texas
Another idea. I pulled the drivers side console panel, found the yellow trigger wire from the radio to the relay and installed a small rocker switch mounted on the side panel. I can control when it goes up or down.
