Hello I am sorta new at this corvette thing. But I just bought a 93 corvette and my antenna does not operate the way it should. When I turn the radio on the antenna still goes up and down. But it wont go down all the way when I turn the radio off. Instead it goes down about 3/4's of the way and stays in that position. I was just wondering if there is anything I can do to make it go down all the way. Or will I have to spend the $200's and buy a whole entire new unit.

Thanks

 

I have the same problem all the time. Especially after the car sits awhile. Just give it a good cleaning with a lint free rag when the antenna is all the way up and use some silicone spray to get rid of dust and dirt. Eventually it should work properly again.

 

rogerdoger1993,

Congrats and welcome to the forum.

There's two possible reasons for your antenna problem:

1. It could be a slight bend in one of the collapable shafts -- suggest closely inspecting each shaft for a bend which could be un-bent -- consider also cleaning the shafts -- while in fully-up position, clean the full length with a WD40 slightly soaked paper towel or clean rag. Turn the radio off and on and clean again -- do this another time or two. Did this correct the problem?

2. The antenna's plastic gear-tooth ribbon is jamming in the motor or was replaced and the old broken ribbon was not removed. There is a replacment antenna shaft kit (includes plastic gear-toothed ribbon), which can be used to replace a broken antenna or broken antenna ribbon (which engages the antenna motor). If a previous owner replaced it but was unable to remove the old ribbon you'll have to either live with the antenna, or open-up the motor and remove it -- not typically very sucessful depending on year of antenna especially due to difficulty to reseal).

Or, the current ribbon has a stipped portion of the ribbon. Have you tried 'gently' helping the antenna down? Does it then go all the way down?

If it does go down, you could try a (another?) replacement antennna shaft, but depending on the age of the antenna motor, it could die in the future anyway (typically water/moisture gets to the antenna over time and corrodes the motor and other internal circuitry).

 

Yea I think it just needs to be cleaned because when I help the antenna out it does seem to want to got down. Ill try cleaning it and let you know.

These corvettes are just like harley's. There cool to look at. But every time you ride em something new breaks or falls apart.

 

Check the C4 TechTips section on this Forum on how to replace your antenna mast if you decide to go that route.

 

Once you get it fixed if you listen to CD/Tapes just install a switch which lets you manual control when it goes up & down it will save the motor.

 

If this is the only problem you have with your '93.......jump for joy !!!

My '94 ribbon broke, which made the antenna stay up at all times. I bought the mast kit and for the life of me could not get the motor to "ingest" the ribbon entirely to where it would retract 100%. I ended up cutting the nylon ribbon off completely on original antenna....Now I have a manually operated antenna....and I am fine with that. I never listen to the radio much, and my main concern was to be able to use my car cover.....

BTW, congrats on getting a new toy !!!!!!!!

 

Hmmmmm. Didn't Harley's also leak oil?????