'86 Antenna

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 29, 2011 | 06:58 PM

abdo

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 1,770

Likes: 33

From: Cohasset MN

2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist

2016 C1 of Year Finalist

'86 Antenna

While on the road last week, I hit a sharp bump. When I got to my destination I noticed that the antenna did not go down when I turned off the engine. I had to force it down but I could hear the motor running as I did so. Now the antenna will go up when the car is started, but will not go down without me pushing it down. I assume I will need to replace the ribbon and/ or the tube and mast. But my question is: Why would the antenna go up but not down?
I have done a search on this but no posts address this.

May 29, 2011 | 08:31 PM

pkazsr

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 5,356

Likes: 2

From: No HOA, New Hampshire

Cruise-In X Veteran

St. Jude Donor '09

Quote:

Originally Posted by abdo

I would check the antenna relay, it could have been jarred loose. If it is a coupe the relay is located by the hatch release solenoid.
I had to check your profile and I found out yours is a Vert. Left hand side of the Cargo Compartment.
The FSM is priceless if you are trying to maintain/fix your Vette.

Last edited by pkazsr; May 29, 2011 at 08:41 PM.

May 30, 2011 | 09:05 AM

AGENT 86

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 20,342

Likes: 264

From: Summerland B.C. Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by abdo

Could be it's because it's a nylon rod and not a ribbon like the later models. When it's broken, it can push, but it cannot pull.

Power Antenna from my 86 FSM >> http://members.shaw.ca/dankai/Power%20Antenna.pdf

May 31, 2011 | 12:32 PM

abdo

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 1,770

Likes: 33

From: Cohasset MN

2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist

2016 C1 of Year Finalist

Thanks both of you for the tips. The antenna motor will shut off if I force the mast down. It also shuts off when the antenna reaches full height so I'm not sure the relay is at fault. I did order the Antenna mast and repair cable for 84-87 Corvettes from Zip. I do have the FSM and see that the rod is referred to as a cable. Hopefully, when I take it apart and replace it my problems may be over. There are times I wish GM would just use a short stationary antenna and forget the power antenna business. My two C-1s are just fine with their stationary antennas.

Jun 9, 2011 | 07:45 AM

abdo

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 1,770

Likes: 33

From: Cohasset MN

2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist

2016 C1 of Year Finalist

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGENT 86

You were right. I ordered the antenna mast and rod replacement and got it working again. Not necessarily and easy job though. The rod was broken in two places.

Jun 9, 2011 | 08:12 AM

AGENT 86

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 20,342

Likes: 264

From: Summerland B.C. Canada

When I repaired mine, I put in an in-line switch so I decide when the antenna sees daylight. It's been about 6 years and it's seen daylight once, should last for another 50 years.

Jun 9, 2011 | 12:04 PM

abdo

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 1,770

Likes: 33

From: Cohasset MN

2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist

2016 C1 of Year Finalist

Quote:

Originally Posted by AGENT 86

When I repaired mine, I put in an in-line switch so I decide when the antenna sees daylight. It's been about 6 years and it's seen daylight once, should last for another 50 years.

I did the same about 2 years ago. An excellent idea to preserve the life of the antenna & motor.

Jun 9, 2011 | 11:24 PM

70ZZ3 96LT4

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 911

Likes: 5

From: TN

antenna

When my antenna on my 85 failed just like mentioned here last year, I disconnected the electrical connection, and just use the radio without having a raised antenna. I have a new cable I bought 15 years ago from GM to repair it if it ever broke, mayby one day I will change it.