I have a slight kink in my antenna and was considering replacing OEM, but wanted to see what other vert owners did. I am under the impression the shorty antenna will not work on a vert....is this true?

Thanks guys

 

I can't answer your shorty question, but I can tell you that the replacement masts are available on ebay for $15 and install in 5 minutes.

 

Mine was acting up a bit and someone here posted a seller on the big auction that had replacement ones for about $15. You might do a search here and find the sight or just search the auction site. Easy to replace and comes with instructions.

 

I unplugged mine, reception is fine. I do mostly listen to CD's and exhaust note though.

 

Here you go

Do a search on E Bay and you'll find the replacement mast

How To Replace a Defective Telescopic Antenna

Now this is a simple mod and the OEM assembly with motor is $130+. You'll know you have the problem because the antenna won't fully retract



Parts:
Adjustable wrench
GM OEM Power Antenna Replacement ($13 E Bay).




Make sure the antenna is fully retracted and that the radio is off

Remove the antenna mounting nut located on the base of the mast on the outside of the car. If the mast is bent it may be necessary to cut off the old mast). If you can't all of the plastic cable out as one piece, (sometimes the plastic gets really hard and breaks into pieces then falls down into the motor), you can just pull the motor after you have pulled the mast out and get all of the pieces out. To do that you'll need to take out the outer right turn signal housing.




Turn on the radio and pull out the old mast and serrated cable completely out of the antenna motor. (Note which way the serrations on the cable are facing)

Feed the serrated cable of the new mast into the antenna hole and stop when resistance is felt. (about 12”). Make sure the cable is fed in with the teeth the same way the old cable came out.



Turn the radio off to lower the antenna until the serrated cable catches.. You may have to cycle the antenna a few times until the cable catches the gear mechanism and retracts into the antenna motor.



Replace and tighten the antenna nut into the mast base.



Turn on and make sure that the mast fully extends without binding. Clean the surface of the antenna to remove any adhesive etc.

10 minute job.

 

Excellent DIY write-up DeeGee!

 

As always I get exactly what I was looking for...Thanks DeeGee. I am gonna just get repalcement mast....Thanks guys...

 

Last summer I killed ours, backed under our four post lift with the radio on. After doing a search on the forum, I learned about the replacement mast. It took only minutes to repair and I was back in good graces with the wife again. The AE vert is hers. David

 

While you're at it, add an inline switch in the power wire to keep it from running up and down in town. I put a very small push-button in-line switch in the plastic speaker cover just outside the passenger seat and can reach over behind the seat and let the antenna work normally if I'm losing reception. Took all of 15 minutes and its completely hidden from view.

 

I did the same and have had no problems with reception when listening to the radio. I like the look better when the antenna is down.

 

I have a shorty antenna in my Vert. Just remove the complete power antenna setup, and install a base from a Z06/FRC. I bought the base from one of the guys on this forum parting out a Z06.

 

I like the inline switch idea...Also, thanks for the shorty info...

 

Mac....Your idea really sounds like something I have been wanting to do. Can you post (with pics) exactly what and where you installed the switch. And maybe exactly what wire you spliced into.