87 Corvette antenna problem

[Jim McCombe]

Installed a new A/C Delco power antenna and at first worked normally.
Now with the ignition off, the motor in the antenna continues to run and the antenna remains in the up position.
Installed a new antenna relay and it did not correct the problem.

Any suggestions on what to look for would be appreciated?

 

[scorp508]

Thats normally a sign that the cord inside the antenna mast has snapped. This was brand new?

 

[Jim McCombe]

Thank you for your reply, yes, it was a brand new unit. It worked just fine in the driveway when it was first installed and ran the initial tests on it.
First time I took the car to work, I could hear the motor running after I removed the key from the ignition.

Since then, it has been disconnected at the relay and the antenna is locked in the up position.
Not sure as to buy another new unit, (won this one in an auction on E-Bay) or see if there is a way to repair this one?

 

[muddywaters]

antenna

Hi, Where would I find the antenna relay on my 88 coupe. Thanks

 

[Jim McCombe]

Pop the rear hatch, remove the trim that runs runs from side to side in the general area of the latch mechanism. It will be easy to find, a black plastic connector with a series of wires running to it.
I hope this helps you.

 

[terrykrueger]

Jim,
Last week I purchased two antennas off of Ebay because I didn't know which style would be closer to stock (bother were new Delco). The one that was almost identical did EXACTLY what yours did. Up once, down no more. The other one has worked consistantly 15-20 times so far but I have my fingers crossed.

Could this be 'The Delco-Ebay Conspiracy'?

 

[JonM]

As Brian said...it does sound like a broken ribbon. Can you return it? Was it brand new? I know when I replaced my antenna I looked for an original, the only place that seemed to have bought all the originals was http://www.contemporarycorvette.com/ give them a call if you need a new one. The ribbon can be replaced if broken. http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2002/february/antenna/ant1.asp

 

[Jim McCombe]

Terry,
Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate all the advice and help I have gotten from all of you here. At least I know I am not the only one that has had this problem.

A/C Delco conspiracy on E-bay??? Now you have me wondering, maybe I should become a share holder???

 

[Jim McCombe]

Jon,
Thanks for your help as well, at least you guys have given me a few options.
Yes, the antenna was brand new in the box, I won't deal with used stuff unless there is nothing else obtainable.

No, I can't take it back, as like most electrical items, once you have installed it, you have bought the farm if it doesn't work.

Another problem that I have with the factory original Bose radio is that it drifts from time to time, then just locks itself into a static making mode.

Eventually, it will come back on playing in a normal manner and I was hoping that it was antenna related. However, I suspect it is a internal problem with the radio it's self but until I get the antenna problem is resolved, I really have no way of knowing.

Thanks for the info you suppllied, I may just try to replace the cable first to see if that does the job, cheapest remedy for the time being.

Again thanks to all of you for your input, will let you know what I find out.

 

[terrykrueger]

Holy crud,
My 87 (california car) has the same radio problems as yours. Let me know if you find the culprit. I also was hoping it was the antenna. I had the fun job of replacing mine twice in the same night. My volume knob also introduces some static while it is being adjusted. That antenna can really make you stretch muscles in ways you never thought. Makes me think that cassettes are the way to go.

 

[Jim McCombe]

Terry,
After doing a little research, I have found that the drifting problem with the Bose radio is fairly common.
I have no idea if there was ever a recall by the factory to correct the problem but I am sure someone has much more knowledge on the subject than I do.

As far as replacing the antenna, I am very lucky to have a good friend with much smaller arms than myself that did it for me.

I did click on to a link that was supplied earlier by Jon for a replacement mast but could not open up the page to process the order. However, I did register and have ordered a catalog so will see what happens.

 

[Jim McCombe]

Antenna problem

Terry,
Finally got around to replacing the mast that I had ordered from Ecklers. After taking the old assembly apart, it was discovered that the ribbon inside was broken just as many of you had suggested.

The new one is working just great but then again, it's only been 1 day. Another thing, the radio hasn't drifted and is operatinig in a normal manner but then again, it's still early in the game.
Thanks to my friend Eddie Schneider with those thin arms of his, he has gotten this down to a science and is able to R&R the antenna in no time at all.

Will give you a progress report later on.