MyBlueC5

The last few days, I've noticed my antenna not going down all the way, kind of a hit and miss thing. At my shop, we replace plenty of antenna masts because the nylon toothed cord gets worn... no big deal.

So today, I call the dealer and tell 'em to send me a mast. Much to my dismay, I'm told I have to buy an entire assy, the mast is not available separately. The sad part is a few days ago, I was telling a fellow member on here how to replace the mast (not realizing you had to replace the whole thing)

Normally, depending on the car, masts are 20-30 bucks but for our cars, an entire assy is 116 (my cost, list is more than that)

Does anyone know of a cheaper alternative? It's not that 116 bucks is ridiculous, I don't like the idea of having to replace an assy for a stupid plastic cable.

Anyone,

Thanks,

Mark

Patches

A couple of vendors here sell the shorty mast which I think looks better and members using it say gets the same quality of reception. I believe you can get a full-blown aftermarket retractable as well besides the stock one.

treno

Here's a link to the Mid America Motorworks mast-only.

Antenna Mast

I am not endorsing this product as I have not used it. I just remembered seeing it in the catalog.

MyBlueC5

Thanks guys. One question though. Is the shorty antenna retractable? or is it fixed, just shorter?

Thanks,

Mark

JCR_Indy

Great post! Should save the dude some money.... I luv this forum!

JCR_Indy

Patches

It's fixed, Mark. That's why I mentioned the retractables. But the shorty looks cool because, not only is it much shorter, but it's sleek because it's not telescoped to retract like the longer ones.

MyBlueC5

Patches,

Thanks bud, I like the shorty antenna but I want it retractable... just don't want to give a vandal the opportunity to break something off...

I really appreicate the link. I'll order one tomorrow.

Thanks again,

Mark

treno

Let us know how it works.

MyBlueC5

Ordered this morning... funny thing is they came with a set of proformed floormats and exhaust plate... huh, go figure?



mark

white top

MyBlue C5 what year is your vet there is a TSB out for 00 power antenna not retracting part cost About $7.00

MyBlueC5

My car is a '98.... I wonder if it has the same problem as the '00's?

In the meantime, I ordered a mast anyways. If you find out, let me know...

Thanks for the headsup

Mark

white top

TSB applies to 00 verts & some F bodies only.


Jerry

chuckster

How did you make out fixing this.. I have the same issue. I have the unit on my workbench and want to replace the mast..

2 probs.
No part number to replace the mast!
No screws to open the spool to remove the broken piece of ribbon gear.

If I can get a replacement mast to fit. I am sure I can get that biotch open to take care of the ribbon..

MyBlueC5

I'm still waiting for my parts from Mid America. As soon as I get them, I'll let everyone know.

Mark

WGreen

If the parts you ordered do not work out a have a power antenna that has a burnt out motor but as I remeber the mast was in good shape. I am sure it is still around the garage and you can have it for the price of shipping.

MyBlueC5

Well, I got my mast in today but after taking it apart, it's not replaceable. Unlike the previous models, the antenna mast is NOT replaceable thus explaining why the dealer told me that in the first place.



Thanks for the offer but it's off to the parts dept. to order my antenna.

Mark

chuckster

Please explain.. NOT REPLACEABLE??? I went home and Tugged on mine till the mast and ribbon popped out.. You need to tug hard. Are you saying the replacement mast does not fit? or you cannot take the old mast out? Because trust me it will come out.. I almost gave up..

MyBlueC5

Well, I undid the plastic nut, pulled the rubber grommet (which apparently is unnecessary on this style) and yanked on the mast. NO GO.

Perhaps I didn't pull hard enough? I didn't want to break it but I was pulling fairly hard.

Mark

chuckster

Mark, If the unit is out on the workbench lay it on its side. Then get a good grip on the lowest part of the antenna that goes inside (when fully retracted)

Then push it into the unit as far as it will go while still giving enough room to get your hand around the rest of it.. Then give it a hard fast yank and it should POP right out.. took me a few tries. I figured the unit was screwed anyway.. what is the harm..

MyBlueC5

Yeah, I guess if you've got nothing to lose it'd be okay. My unit is still working for the most part so I didn't want to break it.

I ordered a new assy after this and figured while I was waiting, I'd lube it with some fine oil.

Now it works like a charm. Go figure.

Mark