Antenna Problems
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island NY
Antenna Problems
I have a 98 convert. The electric antenna is jammed about 5" up. I want to get a fixed 6" or 8" antenna. Is the 97-98 different than other years? Can I use a zo6 fixed antenna, or aftermarket? Anyone know? Any help is much appreciated. Thank you.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,140
Likes: 4,156
From: Kannapolis NC
If it's jammed at 5", what's the advantage to getting a 6" fixed?
To answer your question, you cannot use a fixed antenna unless you change the entire antenna ***'y to the fixed type base. Yours may be repairable, you can replace the mast and strip that drive it. If it will go up, raise it and clean very well around the bottom piece. If it won't raise at all, check the fuse. If the motor is running give it a little tug upward and see if you can break it loose. If it has a slight bend in it, straighten carefully. If it is damaged, you can only replace the shaft or the entire ***'y.
To answer your question, you cannot use a fixed antenna unless you change the entire antenna ***'y to the fixed type base. Yours may be repairable, you can replace the mast and strip that drive it. If it will go up, raise it and clean very well around the bottom piece. If it won't raise at all, check the fuse. If the motor is running give it a little tug upward and see if you can break it loose. If it has a slight bend in it, straighten carefully. If it is damaged, you can only replace the shaft or the entire ***'y.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,140
Likes: 4,156
From: Kannapolis NC
The only C5's that came with fixed base antennas were the FRC/Z06. If you buy a fixed base antenna ***'y from any of those, you can mount them on the car, however, I've been told that the connector for the cable that runs to the radio is different too. It can be done, but will take some work. Take out one of your tail lights and look in and check out what is involved. I like the fact that mine retracts all the way in for when I put the cover on and when it's parked, less to attract people who like to mess with Vettes.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I did a search on the nameless auction site and found a replacement core for about $15. I may give that a try before I spend over $100 for a replacement retractable.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: Alton Illinois
mine (on a 99 vert.) stuck 5 in. up and i just pushed it down. it occasionally hangs up but seems to be getting better with each use. now it hardly sticks up. try cleaning it and pushing it down. can't hurt anything if it is already broke. i got a new replacement unit from thepartslady on e***. it is an original, new unit and cost about $85. haven't put it in yet because mine seems to have fixed itself with a little persuasion!
give it a try and good luck!
give it a try and good luck!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island NY
Thanks. I just really like the look of the small fixed antenna and now that my retractable is now broken, its a good time to see what was involved to convert it to the zo6/frc stlye fixed antenna.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
You guys need a NEW ANTENNA MAST fopr less thaN $20
mine (on a 99 vert.) stuck 5 in. up and i just pushed it down. it occasionally hangs up but seems to be getting better with each use. now it hardly sticks up. try cleaning it and pushing it down. can't hurt anything if it is already broke. i got a new replacement unit from thepartslady on e***. it is an original, new unit and cost about $85. haven't put it in yet because mine seems to have fixed itself with a little persuasion!
give it a try and good luck!
give it a try and good luck!
Go to antennamastsrus.com. The replacement mast is $13.50 plus $6.00 shipping. Instructions there on how to replace it or call them and they will answer any questions. Use the instructons for the antenna mast NOT the GM DELCO. We have Harada antennas.
If the cable is broken you have to loosen the base after taking out the left tail light lens and get to the cover where the gears are.
Another post on here shows you how to do this with good pics.
BIGHANK
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Staten Island NY
Finally got a chance to change antenna
I just got a chance to do a few things on the car. I replaced the broken power antenna with a FRC bracket/antenna. It pluged right in and the radio works perfect. BUT I also bought a 3" R-D antenna and could not figue out how to mount it? Also my car stays outside and over the winter some moisture got in CD player and it is not working, UNLESS it has something to do with the antenna?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I used the replacement core that I found on E Bay
Heres the write up if it helps:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1561462757
Heres the write up if it helps:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1561462757
