Antenna replacement on 85
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 218
Likes: 4
From: Durham NC
Antenna replacement on 85
I need to replace the radio antenna on my 85. Is this a complicated procedure? I have ordered the antenna from Zip Products. Are there any tricks, etc. that I need to be aware of?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Antenna replacement on 85 (J H)
84-88 Antenna Removal:
Disconnect neg battery cable
open hatch, remove rear trim panel
disconnect antenna lead from the relay
remove left side trim
remove luggage shade
remove left side carpet trim, pull back
remove left trim panel
raise and support vehicle
remove inner fender screws and brace open for access
remove antenna ground strap
unfasten plastic nut at top of mast
remove antenna bracket nuts
remove power and antenna leads by pulling them through the body
remove antenna from vehicle
transfer bracket and ground
** install do reverse....
Disconnect neg battery cable
open hatch, remove rear trim panel
disconnect antenna lead from the relay
remove left side trim
remove luggage shade
remove left side carpet trim, pull back
remove left trim panel
raise and support vehicle
remove inner fender screws and brace open for access
remove antenna ground strap
unfasten plastic nut at top of mast
remove antenna bracket nuts
remove power and antenna leads by pulling them through the body
remove antenna from vehicle
transfer bracket and ground
** install do reverse....
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: Antenna replacement on 85 (AGENT 86)
I didn't have to remove ANY interior stuff, or even open the hatch, to replace the antenna on my '85.
If I recall, there's 4 wires connecting to the antenna, and all of them come off from underneath the car.
It is tough to reach wayy up there, but I managed. I also have glass-pack mufflers, so that gives me more room to get in there.
If I recall, there's 4 wires connecting to the antenna, and all of them come off from underneath the car.
It is tough to reach wayy up there, but I managed. I also have glass-pack mufflers, so that gives me more room to get in there.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 28
From: Woodbridge NJ
Re: Antenna replacement on 85 (J H)
Vinnies87 is correct. I just replaced my 84 antenna, just be patient and buy a manual. During my career I learned that when all else fails, read the manual.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 729
Likes: 4
From: Yukon OK
Re: Antenna replacement on 85 (J H)
:iagree: with Vinies87
Sometimes getting the nut on the top of the mast loose can be a bear. There is only room for one hand and then it is at an angle. I used a faucet wrench with an extra long extending handle on mine. The faucet wrench is like a pipe wrench where the jaws are 90 degrees to the handle and the jaws flip over to tighten or loosen. I could get one hand up to the nut and hold the wrench in place and then turn the handle with the other hand.
I fixed mine the cheap way. Bought a fixed antenna off a Chevy at the junk yard and mounted it instead of the electric. It is black and looks like the C5 antenna. :thumbs:
Sometimes getting the nut on the top of the mast loose can be a bear. There is only room for one hand and then it is at an angle. I used a faucet wrench with an extra long extending handle on mine. The faucet wrench is like a pipe wrench where the jaws are 90 degrees to the handle and the jaws flip over to tighten or loosen. I could get one hand up to the nut and hold the wrench in place and then turn the handle with the other hand.
I fixed mine the cheap way. Bought a fixed antenna off a Chevy at the junk yard and mounted it instead of the electric. It is black and looks like the C5 antenna. :thumbs:
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Re: Antenna replacement on 85 (LaVidaLoca)
Check out the C-4 Tech Tips portal of this Forum. I wrote a pretty comprehensive how-to procedure two years ago.... :thumbs:
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
