Tech Tip on power antenna removal
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Lake Wylie SC
Tech Tip on power antenna removal
I just read a thread that tells of a long time for submitted tech tips to be posted. So, I'll post it here for the time being and maybe it will show up on a search for some one later.
This is a part 2 that adds to the first Tech Tip on this subject.
Tech tip:
How to remove the power antenna motor from 1992-96 Vettes Part II
First of all Julian’s write up is excellent. However for those of us that don’t have long slender arms, you may not be able to reach inside the wheel well to get at the antenna motor. This Tech Tip will explain how to improve the access to the motor and add a few other tips. I followed the Helm’s Service manual for “Antenna replacement-Convertible” on page 9A-18 through 9A-19 and added more explanation. Remember, you need to remove the motor assembly to make sure all the antenna cable or ribbon is removed from the gear case of the antenna assembly before installing the new mast assembly. My Vette is a 92 Convertible.
1. Release the rear deck and prop the top and deck apart from each other by using a stick (1x4x19”). This gives you excellent working space to the area where the antenna relay and coax cable is connected.
2. As always, disconnect the negative battery cable
3. Remove the carpet retainer (large one on the driver’s side in the back) This will allow you to peel back the carpet that covers the driver’s side wheel well area.
4. Under the carpet and insulation, you should find the relay and coax connections. Disconnect the coax and the connector going to the relay from the antenna. These wires run to the plug/grommet that leads to the antenna assembly located in the aft portion of the outside wheel well. Push the plug/grommet out from the inside. I sprayed a little silicone lube to help it slide out.
5. Pull the wires through the hole.
6. Jack up the rear of the Vette and remove the driver’s side wheel and the plastic wheel well liner (mostly T-15 torx and 10 mm bolts). This gives you excellent access to the antenna motor assembly. Remember, make sure your Vette is secure from falling as you will be under the Vette.
7. Remove the two small bolts that hold the motor assembly to the bracket. Notice which one has the ground strap attached to it.
8. At the top of the antenna there are two wires that are attached to the antenna. These are GROUND PLANE TERMINALS and their orientation is important for good reception so remember how they where before you remove them. The bolt on mine was a 7mm or 5/16. ¼” drive set works well in the tight quarters.
9. Wiggle the antenna assembly loose from the bracket and rubber grommet up top. Remember that there is still a ground strap connected up top on the antenna assembly. With the antenna assembly in your hand remove the top ground strap from the antenna and now you can remove the whole assembly. On mine the ground strap was held in place with a phillips screw.
10. If you think you’ll have too much trouble re-attaching the top ground strap during installation of the antenna, you can remove the outside driver’s tail lamp assembly. With the antenna assembly out of the way, you can remove the two screws that hold the tail lamp assembly in. The screws are 10 mm and again, a ¼” drive ratchet works fine. When reinstalling the antenna assembly it may be a little tight putting the tail lamp assembly back in place. If you don’t think you can do it, you can always remove the license plate and backup light assemblies and reach in there to reinstall the tail lamp.
11. I replaced the entire antenna motor assembly and got mine from the Chevy dealer, list price $184.79, but if you know someone it’s $100.80. The replacement mast and cable runs around $39 from Ecklers plus the Corvette tax (shipping & fondling) $20, so I figured the motor was 13 years old and for $40 bucks more I replaced the whole thing.
12. Take a look at Julian’s article for replacing the mast and inspecting the inside of the motor assembly for pieces of the antenna cable/ribbon that has broken off.
13. Just reverse these steps to reinstall the antenna motor assembly.
This is a part 2 that adds to the first Tech Tip on this subject.
Tech tip:
How to remove the power antenna motor from 1992-96 Vettes Part II
First of all Julian’s write up is excellent. However for those of us that don’t have long slender arms, you may not be able to reach inside the wheel well to get at the antenna motor. This Tech Tip will explain how to improve the access to the motor and add a few other tips. I followed the Helm’s Service manual for “Antenna replacement-Convertible” on page 9A-18 through 9A-19 and added more explanation. Remember, you need to remove the motor assembly to make sure all the antenna cable or ribbon is removed from the gear case of the antenna assembly before installing the new mast assembly. My Vette is a 92 Convertible.
1. Release the rear deck and prop the top and deck apart from each other by using a stick (1x4x19”). This gives you excellent working space to the area where the antenna relay and coax cable is connected.
2. As always, disconnect the negative battery cable
3. Remove the carpet retainer (large one on the driver’s side in the back) This will allow you to peel back the carpet that covers the driver’s side wheel well area.
4. Under the carpet and insulation, you should find the relay and coax connections. Disconnect the coax and the connector going to the relay from the antenna. These wires run to the plug/grommet that leads to the antenna assembly located in the aft portion of the outside wheel well. Push the plug/grommet out from the inside. I sprayed a little silicone lube to help it slide out.
5. Pull the wires through the hole.
6. Jack up the rear of the Vette and remove the driver’s side wheel and the plastic wheel well liner (mostly T-15 torx and 10 mm bolts). This gives you excellent access to the antenna motor assembly. Remember, make sure your Vette is secure from falling as you will be under the Vette.
7. Remove the two small bolts that hold the motor assembly to the bracket. Notice which one has the ground strap attached to it.
8. At the top of the antenna there are two wires that are attached to the antenna. These are GROUND PLANE TERMINALS and their orientation is important for good reception so remember how they where before you remove them. The bolt on mine was a 7mm or 5/16. ¼” drive set works well in the tight quarters.
9. Wiggle the antenna assembly loose from the bracket and rubber grommet up top. Remember that there is still a ground strap connected up top on the antenna assembly. With the antenna assembly in your hand remove the top ground strap from the antenna and now you can remove the whole assembly. On mine the ground strap was held in place with a phillips screw.
10. If you think you’ll have too much trouble re-attaching the top ground strap during installation of the antenna, you can remove the outside driver’s tail lamp assembly. With the antenna assembly out of the way, you can remove the two screws that hold the tail lamp assembly in. The screws are 10 mm and again, a ¼” drive ratchet works fine. When reinstalling the antenna assembly it may be a little tight putting the tail lamp assembly back in place. If you don’t think you can do it, you can always remove the license plate and backup light assemblies and reach in there to reinstall the tail lamp.
11. I replaced the entire antenna motor assembly and got mine from the Chevy dealer, list price $184.79, but if you know someone it’s $100.80. The replacement mast and cable runs around $39 from Ecklers plus the Corvette tax (shipping & fondling) $20, so I figured the motor was 13 years old and for $40 bucks more I replaced the whole thing.
12. Take a look at Julian’s article for replacing the mast and inspecting the inside of the motor assembly for pieces of the antenna cable/ribbon that has broken off.
13. Just reverse these steps to reinstall the antenna motor assembly.
