Antenna doesnt work
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 41
From: Auburn MA
Antenna doesnt work
when i turn the car on and when i shut it off i hear the motor for the antenna work but the antenna doesnt move up or down. currently its down all the way. Is it possble the antenna mast is broken if so how do i replace it seeing as it wont go up or down.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 950
Likes: 0
From: Medicine Hat Alberta
I would put money on it that it is the plastic retractor belt.....it almost looks like a zip tie for tying wires together.....you can buy them on ebay for 10 bucks. It is white in colour with teeth like gears on it...I was told to have someone turn off/on the ignition switch and pull the antenna out as it ties to extend....I have to do the same thing on my 94 vert...HOOBS
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Graham NC
You have to remove the nut that holds the antenna in first, then have someone switch it on and just pull the antenna straight up and you will get it out. If you are lucky then the plastic cable is just stripped. If it is actually snapped and there are pieces inside the motor then you may have to remove the motor to remedy it. The replacement mast can be bought cheap on ebay and they will usually come with good directions.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Sault Ste. Marie MI
Here are instructions on how to replace just the mast. Replacing the mast didn't work for me, but it does sound likely that it is the problem you are having.
PDF Instructions on mast reinstall
PDF Instructions on mast reinstall
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
I didn't see the year of your vette? the earlier C4s are rather nasty when it comes to mast removal (scars to show 4 it) the later C4 it's possible to replace the mast and plastic cable from the top. I replaced the original mast on my 87 with an OEM 87-wish the hell I would have upgraded then to a later model.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 950
Likes: 0
From: Medicine Hat Alberta
pdf
Originally Posted by shacky
Here are instructions on how to replace just the mast. Replacing the mast didn't work for me, but it does sound likely that it is the problem you are having.
PDF Instructions on mast reinstall
PDF Instructions on mast reinstall
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Sault Ste. Marie MI
The tool is almost always included with a new mast. I bought one for close to $40 only to see the same thing on Ebay for about $10. Just plan on replacing the mast as there is a very good chance it will fix it. If you need help finding one on Ebay, let us know.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
I'm having the same problem. Just purchased a new mast from Ebay. Hopefully I'll get to replace it this weekend. Thanks for the heads up fellas on being able to find a mast on Ebay. I paid 16.50 after shipping. Looks like it's going to be alot easier to install than what I thought too.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 443
Likes: 1
From: Sault Ste. Marie MI
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 41
From: Auburn MA
Originally Posted by shakedown067
I'm having the same problem. Just purchased a new mast from Ebay. Hopefully I'll get to replace it this weekend. Thanks for the heads up fellas on being able to find a mast on Ebay. I paid 16.50 after shipping. Looks like it's going to be alot easier to install than what I thought too.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore MD
It's very simple, if you order your mast from Mid-America it comes with the instructions and the antenna nut removal tool - or you can use needle nose plyers with some duct tape on the points to protect the nut. You should have an assistant to help with turning the radio on and off otherwise you can end up banging your rear fender with the old and or new antenna as the motor either ejects the old antenna or as the new one is being pulled down. See several comments above for the PDF file and save it off to your computer - then make a print copy and you should have no problems at all.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 41
From: Auburn MA
The only problem i think i am going to have is the fact that my antenna doesnt go up or down period. The motor works because i can hear it but it doesnt move the antenna and i can not move it manually by pushing or pulling on the mast. Do you think i can still do the whole removeing the nut and ejecting it trick or is the whole assemble toasted.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Originally Posted by Impala Balko
The only problem i think i am going to have is the fact that my antenna doesnt go up or down period.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore MD
If your motor is still working you should be able to remove the rubber gromet, remove the nut and remove the sleeve spring. This should free everything up enough for you to remove your antenna. This process works on late model C4's (94,95,96) what year is yours. I have heard that the early model C4's can be a bit more difficult to deal with.