1966 Power antenna problem

[vintagecorvette]

Hello,

My power antenna is not working. I pulled it out and it is the type that is incased in a rubber coating. Is there someone out there who repairs them, can I repair it myself? is it worth repairing or should I buy a repo? Anyone have any ideas? Thanks oWEN

 

[mcditalia]

If you're sure that the antenna is shot, and it's not an oroginal, I would say to just buy a replacement. I opened my antenna (also encased in a rubber molding) and tinkered around with it to the point where I caused more damage. Mine was obviously not an original. Bought a replacement from LICS, works fine.

 

[stepinwolf]

If you have an original I would recommend that you have it rebuilt. I saw an ad a little while back in one of the NCRS Driveline In " Services & Misc " with someone advertising his services to rebuild the electric antennas. With original cores going anywhere from 300$ to 500$, even if you decide to go the repro route, you had best hold on to your original.

 

[magicv8]

In order to rebuild one you need a donor with a good drive cable and spring assembly. I wrote an article many years ago on how to do it, and I can email it to you if you don't have access to NCRS Restorer articles - but - you still need a donor - or - a stranded steel cable like that used in motorcycle handbrake control lines - and - a two foot long spring to insert the stranded cable (as the original is). Some spring vendor may have one to sell you, or try to find a spring loaded round curtain rod with a small diameter. They also have long springs in them.

If some other part of your assembly is bad (armature, drive gear, etcetera) I have a few spare parts.

 

[JohnZ]

Dale at OEM Glass in Bloomington, Illinois is the only rebuilder of original power antennas I'm aware of - they've been doing them for many years. About $500 for a rebuild of your core. (800) 283-2122.

 

[Kid_Again]

the article in NCRS is EXCELLENT