Today my power antenna broke and locked in the upright position. I was eventually able to get it into a position to the point it looks like a shorty antenna, much better than the long mast. Is there a fuse or anyway to turn off the power supply to the motor. When I start my car the antenna gearbox sounds like it’s trying to extend the broke antenna.

I would like to unscrew the antenna and add a shorty rubber mast if that is possible without to much of a headache.

 

It can be unplugged. I did mine. I just didn’t like the look.

 

My mast broke and I bought a new one for around $25 online..... unscrewed the black nut on top of rear fender ...pulled out the old one....stuck new antenna nylon in hole while wifey cut on radio and I guided it as it was drawn in...put nut back on and good as new.....saved a couple of bucks....worked out good for mine....total of 5 minutes with wifey turning on the radio and me guiding it in....couldn't have done it alone......
Rewarded her with dinner at the Olive Garden.....

 

Moved to C5 Tech.

 

the above poster is correct, it is usually the plastic geared teeth that get old and break, and it is a simple and inexpensive repair to correct , run the old one out, feed the new one in.

One posted repair I liked especially well was a guy that went on Ebay and got a wireless remote power switch. so without any new wires, he could raise the antenna independently of turning on power to the radio, much better when listening to non radio sources. He did this through the power plug you were asking about, it is back near the antenna.

A radio mast is made to the length required fo capture the signal waves, A shorty antenna is good for short waves, like a phone, but an FM radio wave is about three feet top to bottom, and that is why car antennas are about three feet long. Some antenna take that required distance of antenna and fold or coil it up, to save space, sometimes called a loading coil, and they work, but not as well as a standard length antenna, Please don't be insulted, some guys don't know that stuff.

I have no issues with wanting a cool look, but noticed once in a while some guys were unaware that a shorty antenna is usually not designed as a am/fm antenna and were not as happy as most guys where a shorty antenna was installed and working well. I guess it depends on your reception area.

 

I am not sure if strand rider was referring to my post, but here is what I posted making a wireless switch for the antenna.
Hope this helps.

Wireless switch for power antenna - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

 

does anyone know why I can only push the antenna down to the point where I have about 5” sticking out of the car? I’m worried about it snapping off in the car wash.

 

Sometimes the last few inches of the inside ribbon with plastic teeth breaks off in the antenna body. If this happens, you have to open the antenna body up - I have done several over the years.

Ideally, you can go to antennamastsrus.com and order a new antenna - they might even offer black. Then you remove the nut that retains the mast and turn in on and just pull it all out. If the new one won't go in all the way, then there is most likely a piece of the antenna ribbon broken off in the motor and you will then have to open it up.

Personally, my 04 looked dated with the power antenna, so i replaced it with a used Z06 antenna mount and used the shorty from the above website.

 

My nylon ribbon broke a couple of years ago. I took the antenna apart and cleaned out the broken pieces. I bought a chrome cap from Home Depot and covered the hole. I still get reception and I don't have to worry about that unsightly antenna. Do not order a shorty antenna off ebay!!! They claim they will fit a convertible or z06 but they WILL NOT!! The short stubby antennas are not made for power antennas. They will not fit the base no matter how many adapters you get.

 

i just want to push it down flush! I use Bluetooth and satellite all the time.

 

It's busted inside. You will have to open it up and pull the broken nylon pieces out. That's what is jamming it up from fully retracting.

 

🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

 

Then remove the mast, try cutting off about 8" of the nylon ribbon, and feeding the antenna back in if you don't want to take it all apart and don't want it to be functional.

 

Get a new mast at antennamastsrus.com for about $20 Took motor apart after removing from area behind right tail light. Removed broken end of mast and re-lubricated motor. Had to separate motor by removing plastic pegs and used small self tapping screws to reassemble motor housing. People at antennamastsrus very helpful on the phone.

 

That's a great website. I even think I will purchase one of those shorty power conversion antennas. For $48 you can't beat the price!