:crazy2I was toying with the idea of cutting my antenna with a tubing cutter to a desired height and then put a rubber cap on the end, has anybody done that before? Will the antenna retract all the way down and raise again? It is a 1984 model by the way

 

I would just fix it right. You can buy a new mast fairly cheap!

 

the length of the antenna is tuned for optimal reception. w/ antfarmer - if broken, fix it right -

 

I just don't like the look of the fully extended antenna, maybe will install a manual one or install a toggle switch to raise it as much as I like, there is nothing wrong with the antenna right now by the way.

 

The antenna is there for sound not looks. It goes down when parked and not sure how it could bother you when driveing. Eye's on the road.

 

I agree with you 1000%! In my area, there's no problem with poor reception if I don't have my antenna up all the way. Reception is just fine with my antenna up about a foot. If I'm playing CD's, I leave the antenna down. If I'm traveling in an area with poor reception, I put my antenna up higher. And when I park the car, I usually leave my antenna right where it is. No up-down-up-down-up-down ad nauseum to wear out my antenna motor! If I've parked the car, then decided to lower my antenna, I just flip the switch and the antenna goes down. The ignition does not need to be on. It's all my choice!

A simple switch on the orange wire at the antenna relay does the job.
Switch off - The antenna stops and stays where it is.
Switch on - It's just like original: automatic up - down.
I put my switch in the console recess, so it's handy.

It only requires one wire from the antenna relay to the switch. The other side of the switch would go to the orange wire for the console "glove box" lamp. Both the orange "glove box" and the orange antenna wires go to the CTSY/CLK fuse. Seal off the other cut wire at the antenna relay so you don't get a short. Use good solder and insulation procedures to assure reliability!

 

Yes, that will be my next project as soon as the snow is gone.

 

I did this morning the switch install and it works good, I hear a clicking or ticking noise when I turn the ignition key on, not sure if it matters.

 

Good job

 

Thank you

 

I just unplugged mine since I don't listen to the radio just mp3's.

But when the weather warms up I'm going to rig a switch up like that or let the android unit control it.