Another bonehead antenna question
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 56
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Upstate New York
Another bonehead antenna question
Hi all,
I have a 1993 coupe w/bose stereo. I'm using the bose speaker amps with an aftermarket stereo. The stereo, and speakers are working correctly.
My power antenna was making the telltale sign of a broken ribbon. I followed instructions below to remove the broken ribbon,cleaned parts and lubed. I used this method b/c I do not have access to equipment that allows me to go through LR wheel well.
It seemed simple enough, until I realized that "pull the antenna down toward you enough to loosen the antenna gain and positive power wires located at the top of the unit." I never saw how these were wired (did it by feel). Antenna is back in place, however motor no longer works. I'm thinking I didn't reconnect those wires correctly. Can someone explain or show me a picture of what that wiring should be?
Connections to be made - One ground strap, Two pairs of two black wires each terminated with electrical ring connectors.
I hope I provided enough info, but please let me know if I can answer any ?'s.
"How to replace a C4 Corvette antenna mast
by Julian Shipp
Here are the instructions for removing the power antenna motor for service BEFORE installing a new antenna mast on 1992-1996 Corvettes.
The power antenna motor is visible from underneath the vehicle if you lay on your back and look at it from the driver's side of your car. Please protect your eyes from dirt and other particles that may fall from your fender well while you are working! Some people have opted to place their vehicles on jack stands and remove the driver's side rear wheel first, but I have long arms and did not have to do so.
1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Note the way the motor is oriented as installation is the exact order of removal. The motor is held in place on its mounting bracket by two screws. Use either a socket wrench with an extension or a screwdriver with a ratchet to remove the bolts. Note that one of the bolts has a ground/power wire for the antenna.
2. With these two bolts loosened, you will be able to pull the antenna down toward you enough to loosen the antenna gain and positive power wires located at the top of the unit. With all these wires removed, the entire assembly can be pulled down for access while leaving the wires that leads inside the motor housing intact.
3. With the unit now in your hand, roll up the black rubber sleeve that protects the unit from moisture, dirt, etc. There are approximately four, Phillips head screws that hold the cover on the motor housing. Remove these screws. Also, remove the center nut that holds the antenna flywheel in place. With the cover off, you will see the flywheel and the main gear that raises and lowers the nylon antenna ribbon. You will also more than likely find bits or long sections of your OLD ribbon. Remove them.
4. Now is the time to lubricate the main gear and flywheel with either Vaseline or white lithium grease to ensure years of trouble-free operation with your new ribbon.
5. Replace the flywheel (noting its direction) and screw the cover back into place. Re-install the antenna, connect all the wiring, and hook your battery back up. Turn on the ignition and radio and listen to see if the motor runs. If it does, you are ready to install your new mast.
Just follow the directions that came with it and you should be in great shape. Above all, be patient. It took me about four hours the first time I did this because I thought you had to remove the license plate, tail lamps and back up lamps to get to the motor. You don't!
I could now do the whole thing again in 30 to 40 minutes (but hopefully not on MY LT-1 any time soon!)
"
https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...t-working.html
Thanks,
Chuck
I have a 1993 coupe w/bose stereo. I'm using the bose speaker amps with an aftermarket stereo. The stereo, and speakers are working correctly.
My power antenna was making the telltale sign of a broken ribbon. I followed instructions below to remove the broken ribbon,cleaned parts and lubed. I used this method b/c I do not have access to equipment that allows me to go through LR wheel well.
It seemed simple enough, until I realized that "pull the antenna down toward you enough to loosen the antenna gain and positive power wires located at the top of the unit." I never saw how these were wired (did it by feel). Antenna is back in place, however motor no longer works. I'm thinking I didn't reconnect those wires correctly. Can someone explain or show me a picture of what that wiring should be?
Connections to be made - One ground strap, Two pairs of two black wires each terminated with electrical ring connectors.
I hope I provided enough info, but please let me know if I can answer any ?'s.
"How to replace a C4 Corvette antenna mast
by Julian Shipp
Here are the instructions for removing the power antenna motor for service BEFORE installing a new antenna mast on 1992-1996 Corvettes.
The power antenna motor is visible from underneath the vehicle if you lay on your back and look at it from the driver's side of your car. Please protect your eyes from dirt and other particles that may fall from your fender well while you are working! Some people have opted to place their vehicles on jack stands and remove the driver's side rear wheel first, but I have long arms and did not have to do so.
1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Note the way the motor is oriented as installation is the exact order of removal. The motor is held in place on its mounting bracket by two screws. Use either a socket wrench with an extension or a screwdriver with a ratchet to remove the bolts. Note that one of the bolts has a ground/power wire for the antenna.
2. With these two bolts loosened, you will be able to pull the antenna down toward you enough to loosen the antenna gain and positive power wires located at the top of the unit. With all these wires removed, the entire assembly can be pulled down for access while leaving the wires that leads inside the motor housing intact.
3. With the unit now in your hand, roll up the black rubber sleeve that protects the unit from moisture, dirt, etc. There are approximately four, Phillips head screws that hold the cover on the motor housing. Remove these screws. Also, remove the center nut that holds the antenna flywheel in place. With the cover off, you will see the flywheel and the main gear that raises and lowers the nylon antenna ribbon. You will also more than likely find bits or long sections of your OLD ribbon. Remove them.
4. Now is the time to lubricate the main gear and flywheel with either Vaseline or white lithium grease to ensure years of trouble-free operation with your new ribbon.
5. Replace the flywheel (noting its direction) and screw the cover back into place. Re-install the antenna, connect all the wiring, and hook your battery back up. Turn on the ignition and radio and listen to see if the motor runs. If it does, you are ready to install your new mast.
Just follow the directions that came with it and you should be in great shape. Above all, be patient. It took me about four hours the first time I did this because I thought you had to remove the license plate, tail lamps and back up lamps to get to the motor. You don't!
I could now do the whole thing again in 30 to 40 minutes (but hopefully not on MY LT-1 any time soon!)
"https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...t-working.html
Thanks,
Chuck
Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 656
Likes: 239
From: Louisville, Ky
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I hate the way the antenna changes the appearance of the car. Though my BOSE system works unfortunately the cassette player doesn't. I use an FM transmitter and bluetooth my phone. My question is do you know if the antenna would get reception from the transmitter in the down position and what wire do I clip to stop it from raising? Not wanting to have to remove the antenna to do this and will weather proof the ends I clip.
TIA,
Joe K
ETA my profile pic has the antenna photoshopped out along with a leaf that was in the foreground.
TIA,
Joe K
ETA my profile pic has the antenna photoshopped out along with a leaf that was in the foreground.
Last edited by Joe K; Jul 25, 2020 at 05:09 PM.
