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My buddy has the retractable radio aerial on his '89 Coupe which is stuck in the up position. When he turns the radio off he can hear the motor running but no effect on the mast. The mast can't be forced down. I searched a few threads and seemed like a new post would not hurt if anyone can offer advice on this.
If he needs a new gear (?) where can we get one, or does it sound like the line (?) needs replaced? I am sure we can service it if anyone can point us in the right direction.
One of two things. the gears are stripped on the line or it is broken off inside the motor. If it is broken off inside the motor he will need to replace the entire motor. If the gears are stripped he can buy a mast from many places such as ecklers or mid amer.
tell him to take the antenna out and check to see what the issue is for sure. there is a retaining nut on top. get that unscrewed and turn on the motor and gently just pull it completely out and check the gears.
It could possibly just be stuck but I recommend he still pull it out and check from there.
Buy the replacement mast from the dealer first. It has the "special tool" needed to remove the old mast. It's probably a section of old nylon ribbon from the old mast fouling the main gear inside the motor.
First repair I ever done to a C4 was an antenna replacement on a co-workers 1984 in 1986. Still have the old antenna. The round plastic cable that raises and lowers the antenna was broken.
The plastic cable is attached to the antenna mast and is sold as a unit.
All the Corvette venders sell them as well as GM, if they still do.
The work involved in removing/installing the antenna is pulling the antenna down with the attached wiring that disconnects from under the plastic piece to the left of the rear hatch lock.
First repair I ever done to a C4 was an antenna replacement on a co-workers 1984 in 1986. Still have the old antenna. The round plastic cable that raises and lowers the antenna was broken.
The plastic cable is attached to the antenna mast and is sold as a unit.
All the Corvette venders sell them as well as GM, if they still do.
The work involved in removing/installing the antenna is pulling the antenna down with the attached wiring that disconnects from under the plastic piece to the left of the rear hatch lock.
Remove the rear driver's side tire. It'll make getting to the antenna motor assembly easier. If your Vette is 1991-96, you can remove the square-shaped tail light assembly (and license plate area) for easier access, too.