Antenna Blues
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Antenna Blues
New to the site... so be gentle...
I'm the proud NEW owner of a '89 dark red ragtop with the 6 speeeeed and 39K miles... Sweeeet...
The power antenna cable broke a few days ago... Bummer!
To make this repair ... it looks as if I need to remove the tire, the wheel well housing and learn to be a "rubber armed" man to reach this assembly... Got any other suggestions? Replacement parts... etc.
Thanks,
Dogtide
I'm the proud NEW owner of a '89 dark red ragtop with the 6 speeeeed and 39K miles... Sweeeet...
The power antenna cable broke a few days ago... Bummer!
To make this repair ... it looks as if I need to remove the tire, the wheel well housing and learn to be a "rubber armed" man to reach this assembly... Got any other suggestions? Replacement parts... etc.
Thanks,
Dogtide
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 10,878
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '07
I just replaced (Friday) the stock antenna on my '85 with a Harada upgrade from Mid America Motorworks.
That was an adventure! If I were to do another one: Liquid wrench the antenna fasteners first! I sheared off a bolt on removal. I had to drill out the old shank and put a self-tapping screw in. Not a lot of room to work with. I wanted to take out the side marker light housings for more room, but the fasteners were spinning freely. That would have helped. I also found it tricky to find/reach the coax & power feed thru hole. If I were to do it again, I'd tie a string to the old power connector then tie it to the new coax/connector to pull it close enough to feel its way back thru.
While you're at it, you might want to consider a motor bypass switch. No need for the antenna 90% of the time, especially when listening to CDs. Anything to avoid that displeasure again!
Feel free to email me off list. canus_mynx@yahoo.com
-Kyle
Fellow Newbie
That was an adventure! If I were to do another one: Liquid wrench the antenna fasteners first! I sheared off a bolt on removal. I had to drill out the old shank and put a self-tapping screw in. Not a lot of room to work with. I wanted to take out the side marker light housings for more room, but the fasteners were spinning freely. That would have helped. I also found it tricky to find/reach the coax & power feed thru hole. If I were to do it again, I'd tie a string to the old power connector then tie it to the new coax/connector to pull it close enough to feel its way back thru.
While you're at it, you might want to consider a motor bypass switch. No need for the antenna 90% of the time, especially when listening to CDs. Anything to avoid that displeasure again!
Feel free to email me off list. canus_mynx@yahoo.com
-Kyle
Fellow Newbie
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West Az
I don't know how your 89 is set up but if it's like my 92, I removed both left side tail lamp assy. It allowed me to get in there and loosen up the bolts....along with the tire and inner fender well panel. Not a fun job but easily doable if you take it slow.
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 295
Likes: 3
From: Newton NJ
I rebuilt my antenna motor in an 87. I took off the license plate for some extra light and easier access. I didn't have to take the wheel liner or wheel to do this. The hardest part for me was getting the antenna conector loose from behind the hatch area. This enables you to get the complete motor out. The area under the car is not that bad, I was able to snake my arm to get all the bolts and the large nut that holds the antenna motor in place. Plan on spending some time on this project and just work slow. Good luck with your repair. 
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 370
Likes: 22
From: Morrill NE
If the motor still runs and it is just the ribbon that lowers and raises the mast that is broke, you may be able to fix it from the top. Do a search on this forum, there is a wealth of information on this topic.
Cheers
Steve
Cheers
Steve
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,335
Likes: 264
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Congrats and welcome aboard
The ribbon replacement is no big deal
Yes remove the tire and wheel well, remove some bolts, rubberize your arm and reach up to remove the large plastic nut. Unplug the power connection at the realy which is under trim beside hatch latch. Disconnect coaxial cable behind drivers side shade track trim. There is a large rubber grommet that the wires go through the body. Remove it with the antenna and wires. Once the antenna is removed you can drill out the rivets and pop it open. Remove the broken cord and install the new one. I got my mast repair kit from GM for about $25.
Here's some info on the power antenna from my 86 manual
http://members.shaw.ca/agent86/Power%20Antenna.pdf
Good Luck
The ribbon replacement is no big deal
Yes remove the tire and wheel well, remove some bolts, rubberize your arm and reach up to remove the large plastic nut. Unplug the power connection at the realy which is under trim beside hatch latch. Disconnect coaxial cable behind drivers side shade track trim. There is a large rubber grommet that the wires go through the body. Remove it with the antenna and wires. Once the antenna is removed you can drill out the rivets and pop it open. Remove the broken cord and install the new one. I got my mast repair kit from GM for about $25.
Here's some info on the power antenna from my 86 manual
http://members.shaw.ca/agent86/Power%20Antenna.pdf
Good Luck
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Wow!!!
What a Great site!!! Thanks too all for the Info...
Regards,
Dogtide
Regards,
Dogtide
Originally Posted by Dogtide
New to the site... so be gentle...
I'm the proud NEW owner of a '89 dark red ragtop with the 6 speeeeed and 39K miles... Sweeeet...
The power antenna cable broke a few days ago... Bummer!
To make this repair ... it looks as if I need to remove the tire, the wheel well housing and learn to be a "rubber armed" man to reach this assembly... Got any other suggestions? Replacement parts... etc.
Thanks,
Dogtide
I'm the proud NEW owner of a '89 dark red ragtop with the 6 speeeeed and 39K miles... Sweeeet...
The power antenna cable broke a few days ago... Bummer!
To make this repair ... it looks as if I need to remove the tire, the wheel well housing and learn to be a "rubber armed" man to reach this assembly... Got any other suggestions? Replacement parts... etc.
Thanks,
Dogtide
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 1
From: OR
I replaced mine with a $40 aftermarket from autozone. Considered the harrada idea. Couldn't bring myself to spend $150 plus a new bezel when a $40 alternative was available. If I were going to remove and repair an original, I'd cut the wires under the car to get it out and either solder and heat shrink them back or install some kind of good weather proof plugs. If you're not shooting for factory original all around and just want the thing to work, those ways I mentioned are cost effective and you don't have to tear the inside of the car appart to do it. You will still have to remove a wheel, liner, and body brace. jmo