My antenna mast (1991) has been broken and therefore has not been going up and down, although the motor still works. I just ordered a mast replacement kit, how hard will this be to replace and what will it intail? how do you get to the antenna motor? Is it hard to get to? Thanks for any help I can get, you guys are the greatest! :confused:

 

From what I have head it is not that hard to do :yesnod:

 

I replaced mine about 3 mos ago, took about 2 hours total.
To replace the mast if there are no broken peices in the motor:
1. remove the mast retaining nut on the antenna mast with tool provided with new mast
2. Turn the radio on, and remove old antenna if still in
3. insert nylon end of new antenna mast with the geared end facing the motor
The motor orientation can be seen by looking from underneath the rear fender.
4. Push antenna as far as it can go without too much force and turn radio off
5. the motor should grab the nylon gears, If they grab turn radio on and off until antenna goeas all the way down. Once the antenna is in completly replace the retaining nut and enjoy the radio.
6. If the motor does not grab the nylon strip then there is probably a piece of nylon from the old antenna broken inside.
7. In this case from underneath remove the two nuts on the bottom of the motor, and remove the motor housing ( note the orientation of the motor as it will only go in one way).
8. There are two set screws for the mast, loosen them and remove the mast. (This is where I found the broken pieces in mine.)
9. If no peices were there then open the motor housing and find them in there. (It would be a good idea to lube the gears at this time)
Replace the antenna motor and repeat steps 1 through 5 above. :cool:

 

I gained acess to my 89 by removing the left rear and the wheel well panel, then follow previous post instr.

good luck

 

did mine last month - took about 20 mins. Follow the instructions posted, and you should have no trouble. my only problem was the bezel was dry rotted, and broke in half. $5 piece @ GM dealer.

 

For detailed instructions, look in the Tech Tips section of the Forum for the article I wrote titled "How to remove the power antenna motor from 1992-96 Vettes" in the C-4 portal.

I say this because if you simply opt to replace the antenna mast with a new one without getting the likely bits of broken mast ribbon that are coiled inside your motor, it either won't work properly or it won't work for long.

 

I followed the instructions, after i removed the retaining nut and turned the radio on; i could not pull the old mast out. do you know why am I going to have to remaove the entire antenna unit or do you know what i need to do? :confused: :mad :confused:

 

I did mime whilre replacing the exhaust - made it much easier to get to! :yesnod:

 

Ronnied 78 it is my opinion (based on what you've posted to date in this thread) that you should indeed remove your entire power antenna motor assembly, overhaul it, THEN insert the new ribbon. Before you do this, however, confirm the motor is STILL working.

If you turn on the radio and hear the motor whirring, it's working but the broken bits of ribbon are likely interfering with the proper operation of the mast.

If you DON'T hear the motor whirring and are sure your fuse isn't blown, bad connection(s), etc.. then I would reccomend you buy a new antenna motor or get a used one from the salvage yard, overhaul it and insert a new mast ribbon.


[Modified by onedef92, 8:18 AM 5/22/2002]