82 Power Antenna Options - Replace or Fix
#1
82 Power Antenna Options - Replace or Fix
I have an 82 Collector's Edition vette with ~8K miles that we just pulled out storage for many years. After a few trips of a couple hundred miles this summer it runs well but, not shocking, I suspect the nylon became brittle over 36 six years because the motor continued running after shut off.
I'm new to the forum and have pored through lots of articles and talked to someone at Ecklers. These look like the options available:
1) Replace with an aftermarket that Ecklers recommends but it's more of a universal corvette antenna: https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1963-1989.html
My concern here is it seems there is some question as to the wiring. They sent me an instruction manual but it's not clear whether I can wire this into the existing relay or if it needs to go
2) Repair it with a fix kit but I haven't seen these available specifically for corvette (at least not on Ecklers) - Any ieas where to get one?
I don't mind trying this because my mast and motor are in as mint condition as can be expected. However, the repair look to me like fixing pull starts on lawn mower engines - Not sure I have the time and patience unless this is really pretty simple.
Any thoughts and/or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
D
I'm new to the forum and have pored through lots of articles and talked to someone at Ecklers. These look like the options available:
1) Replace with an aftermarket that Ecklers recommends but it's more of a universal corvette antenna: https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1963-1989.html
My concern here is it seems there is some question as to the wiring. They sent me an instruction manual but it's not clear whether I can wire this into the existing relay or if it needs to go
2) Repair it with a fix kit but I haven't seen these available specifically for corvette (at least not on Ecklers) - Any ieas where to get one?
I don't mind trying this because my mast and motor are in as mint condition as can be expected. However, the repair look to me like fixing pull starts on lawn mower engines - Not sure I have the time and patience unless this is really pretty simple.
Any thoughts and/or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
D
#2
Heel & Toe
Member Since: Nov 2000
Location: Grandview MO
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I did the plastic cable replacement a few years ago, it was not difficult, similar to winding a spring. I had a more difficult time getting it out of the car, and sorting out the prior owner wiring mess. For $35 or so for the part, give it a try.
#3
Melting Slicks
If the antenna does not go up or down anymore and you can hear the motor, it's probably a broken cable. Replace it and be happy again. Like mentioned, not that hard to replace. Do you have the factory CB as well?
Last edited by Buccaneer; 07-21-2018 at 01:21 PM.
#4
Thanks for the replies, are the nylon replacement kits still around? Where do you find them? I do not have the factory CB. I've taken it loose from the body and disconnected the relay cable, shouldnt be bad to get the cable out
Last edited by demunn; 07-21-2018 at 01:40 PM.
#5
Safety Car
Member Since: Jun 2004
Location: Beecher Illinois
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http://theantennasource.com/CHEVROLE...79-1982.html#2
I bought about 25 from them over the years.
(use to be AntennamastsRus)
I bought about 25 from them over the years.
(use to be AntennamastsRus)
Last edited by KapsSA; 07-21-2018 at 03:05 PM.
#6
Safety Car
Member Since: Jun 2004
Location: Beecher Illinois
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The black plastic motor housing needs to be split.
Remove the clips and rivets including the one in the middle.
You don't need to wind the cable around the spool, just reassemble with the mast extended.
Last edited by KapsSA; 07-21-2018 at 03:02 PM.
#7
Le Mans Master
lots of people like to fix these antennas .I don't .they break again .I left my broken one down.unpluged .but I did go do a hidden one .https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/hidden-car-antennas