My power antenna stopped working. When I turn off the radio or ignition the antenna is still in the UP POSITION. I think that I need to replace the complete power unit and antenna. Could someone give me DETAILED instructions as to the removal and installation of the NEW unit. It will be MOST appreciated. Thank you. Art

 

Been awhile since I replaced my antenna and motor. It isn't hard, use a trouble light, goggles to protect your eyes and unbolt the motor. Its obvious when you look at it.

 

I've replaced the antenna on my '93 coupe and it's pretty straight-forward. BUT, have you checked the fuse first? Also, have someone else turn the radio on wile you listen at the left rear quarter. You may hear the antenna trying to raise (Or lower). In this case you either need to clean the mast or replace the mast/cable.

You'll need to remove the left rear tire and cowling. At that point you can see the antenna.

Now you need to remove the rear hatch deck trim and if I recall, the speaker trim and speaker. This is to get at the antenna connections which you'll unplug.

Next there are a few ground straps near the antenna and the rubber bezel where the mast runs up through the body.

The antenna itself mounts to a bracket with just a couple bolts.

Good luck!

 

How to remove the power antenna motor from 1992-96 Corvettes -- 1 of 1
Date Published: 2001-06-08

Submitter's Name: Julian Shipp
Email Address: julianshipp@journalist.com
Corvetteforum.com Member Alias: onedef92

Due to several e-mail inquiries, here are the instructions for removing the power antenna motor for service BEFORE installing a new antenna mast on 1992-1996 Corvettes.

Many owners (myself included) have tried in vain to simply install a new antenna ribbon without inspecting the motor first for broken sections of the old one.

The usual result is an antenna that won't fully raise or retract, even though the motor works fine. Hopefully, this tech tip will save you from this aggravation.

I'm not familiar with the design for 1984 - 1991 models, but the process should be similar. I also understand from other Forum members that the antenna motor design apparently changed in 1995 from housings that are screwed together to housings that are glued together.

If this is the case, it may be possible to pry the assembly apart for inspection. Anyway, here goes:

The power antenna motor is visible from underneath the vehicle if you lie on your back and look at it from the driver's side of your car.

Please protect your eyes from dirt and other particles that may fall from your fender well while you are working! Some Forum members opted to place their vehicles on jack stands and remove the driver's side rear wheel first, but I have long arms and did not have to do so.

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Note the way the motor is oriented as installation is the exact order of removal. The motor is held in place on its mounting bracket by two screws. Use either a socket wrench with an extension or a screwdriver with a ratchet to remove the bolts. Note that one of the bolts has a ground/power wire for the antenna.

2. With these two bolts loosened, you will be able to pull the antenna down toward you enough to loosen the antenna gain and positive power wires located at the top of the unit. With all these wires removed, the entire assembly can be pulled down for access while leaving the wire that lead inside the motor housing intact.

3. With the unit now in your hand, roll up the black rubber sleeve that protects the unit from moisture, dirt, etc. There are approximately four Phillips head screws that hold the cover on the motor housing. Remove these screws. Also, remove the center nut that holds the antenna flywheel in place. With the cover off, you will see the flywheel and the main gear that raises and lowers the nylon antenna ribbon. You will also more than likely find bits or long sections of your OLD ribbon. Remove them.

4. Now is the time to lubricate the main gear and flywheel with either Vaseline or white lithium grease to ensure years of trouble-free operation with your new ribbon.

5. Replace the flywheel (noting its direction) and screw the cover back into place. Re-install the antenna, connect all the wiring and hook your battery back up. Turn on the ignition and radio and listen to see if the motor runs. If it does, you are ready to install your new mast. Just follow the directions that came with it and you should be in great shape.

6. Above all, be patient. It took me about four hours the first time I did this because I thought you had to remove the license plate, tail lamps and back up lamps to get to the motor. You don't! I could now do the whole thing again in 30 to 40 minutes (but hopefully not on MY LT-1 any time soon!) Good luck and keep on waving!

1992 LT-1 Corvette Coupe, Dark Red Metallic on black leather interior, auto, Z-51, FX-3 suspension. 121,0000 miles, Stock...for now. julianshipp@journalist.com

 

Thanks to all who responded to my post, especially "ONEDEF92" for their help. The motor runs and shuts off properly so I removed the antenna and it appears that I have a broken piece of the plastic still in the motor housing. I will be removing the motor housing and check to see if there is a piece of the plastic there. Is there a parts supplier who can provide a quality, reliable replacement? Does the motor come with the antenna or do I have to order both? Should I just order a replacement antenna and clean the motor housing? Thanks again you are truly all a GREAT group of Corvette friends. Art

 

Ecklers has an antenna repair kit for $60. Sounds like what you're needing.

 

Hey Art - There's an antenna over in the parts forum for sale:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-p...a-92-96-a.html

 

Thanks to all for their help. I used ONEDEF92 replacement post and it was most helpful . I did have a problem opening the motor case as it had plastic studs holding the cover on. I drilled them out and reassembled the cover using sheet metal screws. I also removed the left rear wheel which made the removal and replacement much easier. I replaced the mast from ANTENNA MASTERS. The cost was only $12.95 plus shipping.

Thanks again to all for their help. You are truly a GREAT group.

 

Looks like job is complete, no help needed here.

I did the exact same repair couple years ago. Just wanted to add some information and pictures from then so all could see what was involved.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...y-surgery.html

 

MY 91 is the same except mine had a ground strap at the top of the motor also, and it could not be disconnected from below. Had to remove the license plate and both tail light assemblies to access the strap thru the outside lamp hole. Cavemen would have just cut the upper strap, I guess.

And, you can get the replacement mast and ribbon from your Chevy dealer.
About $28.

 

 

Another satisfied customer. On time and under budget.

 

Ok, since we're on antennae, does anyone know why I can't get most AM stations? FM reception ok, antenna motor and mast works fine. I live around at least 10 powerful AM stations, and only 2 or 3 come in at all. 1990 convertible.
Thanks to all.

 

I'd check to see if the antenna connection has become loose or disconnected. Have you had the head unit out for service or replacement?

Also, check the connection where the antenna wiring goes into the motor housing.

 

Thanks, Onedef92
My thoughts exactly. As I thought about it, I bet I'm getting FM by accident and the antenna lead is nfg somewhere along the way.

 

I just found a place called antenne x a mast kit is 20 bucks and the whole motor and mast is 70 bucks,both with free shipping

 

If your antenna motor still works, all you need is the replacement mast. It comes with the special tool needed to remove the old mast and install the new one.

If you DO opt to purchase the entire motor, make sure it's the O.E.M. Delco or Harada unit (depending on your year) so you won't have any issues with the stock wiring and reception connectors.

Just trying to save you a few bucks. It's pretty easy to replace the mast, read the replacement instructions I wrote in this thread.