Power Antenna Died...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 740
Likes: 88
From: Brighton Tennessee
Power Antenna Died...
Well my Power Antenna Quit working today...you can hear it running but does not go up or down...guess it's a good thing it's up right now...So what are you guys doing for replacements..new power one or a smaller fixed one....
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 740
Likes: 88
From: Brighton Tennessee
I got it unplugged....Should be Good Now....was able to push it down manually...left just enough sticking up so I can pull back up if needed until I get it fixed...Radio worked just fine even in the garage with it down...we will see
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17,756
Likes: 1,210
From: Aiken, SC
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '26
On one of our cars there was a detent at the bottom. Until that detent is switched the motor doesn't know the cable is broken and will keep trying to retract the antenna.
You're good with it unplugged!
You're good with it unplugged!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
If your motor is working it costs about 20 bucks and takes about 10 minutes to replace the mast.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-for-13-a.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-for-13-a.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
The above is true depending upon where the plastic ribbon (the thing that pushes/pulls the antenna mast up/down) is broken at.
Sometimes you have to take the power antenna out, drill out the four plastic rivets, and then remove cover, spool, etc to get the broken ribbon pieces out.
Even then it only takes an hour or so to remove from car and take apart. Just did this two weeks ago. Remove right outer taillight (t15) for access. Electrical connections are as noted above.
To replace the plastic rivets I filled the holes with JB Weld, let it cure over night, then drilled the JB Weld and put in screws....just in case this happens again.
I replaced the mast with it all apart as I did have some resistance to getting the ribbon down into the spool so that the teeth would grab it. Then it is just a matter of cycling the power a couple of times to get the mast fully around the spool.
ebay has several masts; some really cheap, some not so cheap. I went with one from VettePros and got a black one to match the roof color of my '04 Vert.
Sometimes you have to take the power antenna out, drill out the four plastic rivets, and then remove cover, spool, etc to get the broken ribbon pieces out.
Even then it only takes an hour or so to remove from car and take apart. Just did this two weeks ago. Remove right outer taillight (t15) for access. Electrical connections are as noted above.
To replace the plastic rivets I filled the holes with JB Weld, let it cure over night, then drilled the JB Weld and put in screws....just in case this happens again.
I replaced the mast with it all apart as I did have some resistance to getting the ribbon down into the spool so that the teeth would grab it. Then it is just a matter of cycling the power a couple of times to get the mast fully around the spool.
ebay has several masts; some really cheap, some not so cheap. I went with one from VettePros and got a black one to match the roof color of my '04 Vert.
Last edited by LannyL81; Feb 19, 2016 at 10:27 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
I guess the first thing to do is remove the mast and see if it's broken or the teeth are all gone. I was lucky in that the teeth were gone. If it's the teeth, replacing it is a snap and inexpensive too. If it was broken then it will be a bigger job.
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Last edited by JR-01; Feb 20, 2016 at 04:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 740
Likes: 88
From: Brighton Tennessee
Pappy, have you considered replacing your old antenna assembly altogether with a stubby fixed antenna like this one? Amazon.com: The Stubby Antenna for Chevy Corvette (C5) 1997-2004: Automotive I personally think those look good, but it's your Vette, do as you please, just offering an option to think about. 
1st Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Power antenna died - reply
I would not replace it with a fixed mast. I developed the same issue on my 2004 C5 the other day. If it is the nylon part that connects the metal power antenna to the motor, it seems to be a relatively easy fix for a handy owner. Getting at the antenna is the first hurdle. Take out the far right tail light and then remove the trunk liner cover on the inside back of the trunk - two plastic thumb screws releases the cover. I am facing the same issue so that is as far as I got today. Next step is to buy the replacement mast with the nylon attaching tail if needed. By starting the tail into the motor, and then turning the radio on and off, the nylon should feed itself into the motor. However, if a piece of the tail has broken off on the motor shaft, that will need to be removed first. Hence being able to get to the motor behind the tail light.
I found a great site for GM parts where I bought items for my SUV. Saved money and especially time of having to go to the dealer and wait.
The site is CheapestGMparts.com I will look for any parts that I need there first.
Steve
I found a great site for GM parts where I bought items for my SUV. Saved money and especially time of having to go to the dealer and wait.
The site is CheapestGMparts.com I will look for any parts that I need there first.
Steve