Antenna Questions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 403
Likes: 1
From: Merritt Island Florida
Antenna Questions
Is it normal for the antenna to go up everytime the radio is turned on? If I am listening to a cassette, I don't need the antenna up. Just wondering if this is normal.
Also, about half the time, the antenna fails to fully recede back to it's hole. Leaves about 4 inches up. I hate that!!!!! I've cleaned it and oiled it and no change. I guess it needs to be replaced.
How much are these units and is it a nightmare getting to the part, like it is on just about eveything else with this car?
Enquiring minds want to know...
Thanks for any feedback
Billy
Also, about half the time, the antenna fails to fully recede back to it's hole. Leaves about 4 inches up. I hate that!!!!! I've cleaned it and oiled it and no change. I guess it needs to be replaced.
How much are these units and is it a nightmare getting to the part, like it is on just about eveything else with this car?
Enquiring minds want to know...
Thanks for any feedback
Billy
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,629
Likes: 28
From: FL
It is normal for the antenna to extend whenever the stereo is on even if not using the radio. Some people have installed a switch to keep it down unless needed.
Sounds like your antenna needs a replacement mast, if it is working at all the motor itself is probably fine. Mast kits are available from many sources and there are some good tips for installation if you do a search on the forum.
Sounds like your antenna needs a replacement mast, if it is working at all the motor itself is probably fine. Mast kits are available from many sources and there are some good tips for installation if you do a search on the forum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 0
From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
Billy: The words in your post suggest you have a broken ribbon in the antenna motor unit. The antenna has a plastic "ribbon" that is as long as the extension length of the antenna and is attached to the bottom of the antenna. The ribbon is round and has teeth molded into one side. The ribbon teeth fit into a wheel which drives the antenna up or down. If the ribbon breaks, the antenna will not fully retract. When the plastic ribbon breaks, the antenna unit must be removed from the car. The first time I removed the unit from my 89, it took me about 4-5 hours. About a year later, I helped a friend replace the ribbon on his 91 and it took about 1-2 hours. The GM Helms manual has a good write up on doing this procedure. BTW, the cost of a new mast with ribbon is about $20 and buy a GM part.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Yours is a 94...alot easier than the early C4s, your mast and ribbon is easy to install, no need to get under the car or remove tire well etc, and cheap. Wish I would have upgrade the mast and motor when I replaced it on my 87.
