Need advice from those with antenna experience... Please!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,966
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
Need advice from those with antenna experience... Please!
Well, between being ill, having assorted other problems, and the bad luck of three damaged wheels in two incidents over two years, I have just about not driven my ZR1 in a couple years.
BUT:
Things are starting to get better, and it is time to start again! So as I work on repairing the wheels and suspension and getting back on the road (I'll have to learn how to drive again!), I have been going out and running the engine and doing small tweaks to the car.
The other night, it was cold and the radio was on, and the antenna powered up as normal. But when I shut down the engine, the antenna would not go down. Motor ran, the antenna stayed up. I went out the next day and tried again, same result. Carefully checked, and the mast seems jammed full up. Has no slack, and can't be moved manually down.
Before I have to count it as a total loss, is there anything I can check for? Is it possible the mast is jammed and can be freed? Since the motor seems to work?
Can anyone suggest any tests I can do to see if there is an option other than replacement? (For example my older Jag had a replaceable mast assembly that could be replaced from outside the car-central core was a flexible nylon shaft with teeth that mated to the motor.)
I appreciate the help, as always.
Regards....
BUT:
Things are starting to get better, and it is time to start again! So as I work on repairing the wheels and suspension and getting back on the road (I'll have to learn how to drive again!), I have been going out and running the engine and doing small tweaks to the car.
The other night, it was cold and the radio was on, and the antenna powered up as normal. But when I shut down the engine, the antenna would not go down. Motor ran, the antenna stayed up. I went out the next day and tried again, same result. Carefully checked, and the mast seems jammed full up. Has no slack, and can't be moved manually down.
Before I have to count it as a total loss, is there anything I can check for? Is it possible the mast is jammed and can be freed? Since the motor seems to work?
Can anyone suggest any tests I can do to see if there is an option other than replacement? (For example my older Jag had a replaceable mast assembly that could be replaced from outside the car-central core was a flexible nylon shaft with teeth that mated to the motor.)
I appreciate the help, as always.
Regards....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 2
From: Albuquerque NM
Re: Need advice from those with antenna experience... Please! (ZR1991)
Mid America Sells somw type of 1/2 antenna job. When you do decide to remove/replace you'll have go in through the tail light, side light--Or so I'm told.
Don't worry...your day will come just take it slow.
W
Don't worry...your day will come just take it slow.
W
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,978
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio Texas
Re: Need advice from those with antenna experience... Please! (ZR1991)
:iagree: I've seen those repair kits advertised. On my '86 you go up through the rear plastic wheel-well. Some torx bolts, and 2 or 3 10mm bolts. I think It helps to jack the car up a little to give you room to work. Hope this helps.
:chevy
:chevy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 983
Likes: 1
From: Bergen County NJ
Re: Need advice from those with antenna experience... Please! (Curveit)
There's a guy on ebay selling the replacement masts for $13 - best price I've seen. You can replace the mast from the outside without having to extract the antenna. Sometimes replacing the mast doesn't work because the old ribbon gear-strip has broken and a few inches are left behind (inside the antenna motor assy) when you pull out the old mast. At that point you have to get the whole thing out of the car. You ZR1 has the same tail light arrangement as my '94, so you should be able to get to the antenna through the tail light holes - it's a lot easier than pulling the wheel/wheelwell.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Puyallup WA
Re: Need advice from those with antenna experience... Please! (ZR1991)
Seems like the antennas are common problems on these Vettes... is there any way to prevent them from siezing up? I've noticed that my antenna occasionally won't go all the way down (about an inch sticks up). I figure it's only a matter of time before it stops moving at all.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,966
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
Re: Need advice from those with antenna experience... Please! (Darcane)
Thanks for all the advice, if the weather permits, I go out and look more closely tomorrow. I am encouraged that the mast may be replaceable. Obviously that would be the ticket if the teeth are broken,, hopefully on the mast and not the motor!
I had forgotten about going thru the tail lights to get to the assembly.
I'll report back.
I had forgotten about going thru the tail lights to get to the assembly.
I'll report back.
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Montevallo AL
Re: Need advice from those with antenna experience... Please! (ZR1991)
Just had to replace the antenna on my 91 L98 Coupe. Before buyinga replacement antenna there are several checks you can perform to see if you have a bad motor, relay or shorted circuit. My GM service manual outlines the steps. Sometimes, the mast itself can be replaced if the ribbon is broken. I had hoped this was my problem since a replacement mast is only around $29.95 through Eckler's or MidAmerica while the replacement antenna motor is $129.95 plus S&H. I got mine through Eckler's. Fairly easy to mount the new one. My suggestion is to jack up your car and remove your left rear wheel. Once you take off the dust shield from the fender well the antenna is exposed and makes it fairly easy to reach. My works fine for now. Let me know if you would like the GM diagnostic checks so you don't wind up spending money on something that ain't bad....later.... :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,268
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter
Re: Need advice from those with antenna experience... Please! (Dixie91)
This was one of my first projects when I got my coupe. Antenna was $50 on ebay and time to R&R was a long two hours ( I work slow)..........then I had to add a coaxial adaptor to the new antenna and the cable in the car. Also I had to wire new antenna wires to antenna relay. Results were excellent! :yesnod:
