'93 power antenna not fully retracting

[bbw]

The power antenna on my '93 does not fully retract. Anyone know what the likely problem might be? Will I need a new motor, a new band, or just a simple adjustment? Thank you.

 

[tankertime]

I also have a 93 coupe and the antenna goes down to about 3 or 4 inches and will not go further. It goes fully up fine, but will not fully seat. I have cleaned it with mineral spirits as the manual suggests, but no help. I too would like to know what needs to be done....thanks.

 

[Likecars]

WD40 use to get mine down that last little bit, when it began to do that. Over a two year period it got worse as the motor began to give out. Now I use the 5 finger extender when I want it in/out.

$350 for the dealer to replace it. There is a DYI post for replacing it. I am guessing yours may be on their last legs as well.

Me: 93 also.

Not sure if there's one here, but

http://corvetteforum.com/techtips/viewsubtopic.php?SubTopicID=17&TopicID=2

 

[John-C5]

That techtip is right on. I have a similar problem with my 94. Last weekend I pulled out the mast to check it out. I cleaned and lubed it but it still won't go down all the way. My next project is to put the unit and check out the motor. I expect to find part of an old ribbon in it that's causing the problem. I've been putting off the project, it's not the easiest antena to get out. I fixed a similar problem that way a few years ago on another GM car.
John

 

[Likecars]

Did you opt to remove the tire or just squeeze up there?

 

[John-C5]

Probably will jack it up and put the tire to get some room to move around. Last car I did wasn't a vette and it came out throug the front wheel well real easy.

 

[Likecars]

I should give mine a shot. I still have my 91 pubs, maybe it will have some useful pictures.

Like your choice of color :cool

 

[vettered91]

Hey guys,

Same ¿problem? with my 94 but I remember reading somewhere that at last in the 94´s it is a factory setting and I even saw a picture of a 94 with the antenna 3 or 4 inches out.
Since then I stoped fighting with it because otherwise it works OK.

I am not sure if this is the way it should be but if someone out there knows, please let us know!!!

 

[RubyDropTop]

I have never read/heard that it is a "factory setting" to have the antenna remain protruding 3 or 4 inches. In fact, I have a friend with a '94 convertible, and his antenna retracts completely.

Shortly after I purchased my '93 2 1/2 years ago, I had the same problem with the antenna, it would not retract those last 2" or so. However, the problem with mine was that the mast had a slight bend to it. The bend was barely visible to the eye, but enough to give me grief. Solution was to replace the mast. No problems since.

 

[Sone]

My 93 has the same exact problem. Saw some new masts on ebay for $15.00, am going to give that a try as you suggest.