My antenna will not go down all the way sometimes so I ordered a new mast and cable. If I play with it long enough by turning the antenna different directions I can eventually get it all the way down. The motor seems to run fine so based on what I've read from other people here it sounds like the teeth on the cable giving out. My question is the instructions say to take the retaining nut off and have someone turn the radio on and the antenna will come right out but I saw a video on someone replacing their antenna and they had to use a tool to force the antenna out due to some sort of retaining clips at the base of the antenna. Has anyone had any experience with this situation?

Thanks so much

 

Interesting. My antenna has pulled loose from the motor so from what you say I can R&R it without removing the motor?

Rick

 

Rick, Based on comments I've read on the forum and what few videos I could find relative to mast replacement my understanding is that if the, what I think is like a nylon rope gear, that goes into the gear motor hasn't broke off and left any portion of it which may still be inside the motor then you can remove the worn gear and replace it with a new one from outside of the car.

 

I replaced the mast on my 90 ZR1 last month, removed the retaining nut, had my helper turn the radio on as the mast extends I just pulled it on out ( pay attention to which direction the teeth on the nylon ribbon are pointing ), push the new ribbon into the grommet, when it hits bottom tell helper to turn the radio off, the gears grab the nylon ribbon and retract your new mast, reinstall the retaining nut and your done. Thats the good case, Bad case is: while attempting same fix on my 94 base coupe the old mast seems to be catching somewhere and won't come on out like the Z did, haven't had time to figure that one out yet but I hope I don't have to pull the entire antenna motor.

 

Really appreciate your feedback. In the video I watched a guy replace his mast in a 96 he had to force the antenna out because there is a retainer on the mast that prevented it from coming out. Not sure if this was unique to his situation but I think what I'll do is take the retainer nut on and turn the radio on and if it comes out or will come out with a little force if not I'll probably take it to a corvette shop and let them do it. Just don't want to use a lot of force getting it out and screw something else up.

 

Yeah, I'm with you, I was afraid to force the 94's in case is was different from the ZR1's, if you would keep us up on this if you tackle it before I do. Thanks in advance !

 

I'll for sure let you know what happens.

 

I don't think you have to worry too much about messing anything up by using force, other than the old antenna which you'll be throwing away anyway. Some people have to put vise grips on the antenna to pull it out. There is a clip on the bottom of it that hangs up and can make it hard. As others have said, after you get the antenna portion out, don't pull out the ribbon until you've take note of which way the teeth are oriented. That is, are they facing forward, rearward, left, or right? I've forgotten which way, but the new one needs to be threaded down in the hole facing the same direction so when you turn off the radio it engages and pulls it down. ALSO, and this is important, after removing your old antenna compare the nylon ribbon length to the new unit. If the ribbon is several inches shorter on the old one then it has broken off inside the motor. This is usually the cause of failure and not worn teeth. You can still fix it yourself by removing the motor and taking it apart to remove the remaining piece. Just a little more work but not hard. I'm not sure if the 94 motor case is held together by screws or plastic welds. Screws are easy, just add a little silicon RTV around the edges when you put it back together to seal it. Welds have to be drilled out taking care not to go too deep or you'll hit electronics. Then use nuts and bolts to put back together, again with RTV. Hint: removing left rear inner fender well makes access much easier. You'll still have to lay on your back and stretch your arm up in there to dismount the motor. Hardest part may be getting the black antenna wire plug in and out of the hole where it goes into the body of the car. Takes a long arm.

 

I have the same problem in my 1984. I turned the key to the on position the antenna went up and the motor keeps running and when I turned the radio off the antenna motor keeps running and the antenna still stays up. I had to disconnect the gray relay clip located under the back hatch Cowell. I understand the fix is a PITA, my question is how do nicely push down the antenna so it is flush with out hurting anything or breaking the antenna or motor. I want the antenna pushed back until I'm ready to repair it. Thanks.