Antenna problem

[85VETTENU2ME]

Hello,

I just purchased a 1985 coupe from a friend yesterday (one-owner). Everything was working fine until I did some work on the console. The clear panel you read the gears through had come loose. I had to pull the shifter back to get the panel lose in order to fix this. It got dark, I started the car in neutral, placed in drive, and pulled into the garage. Due to the dis-assembly I had done, the car would not go into park. When I shut off the engine, the antenna motor kept running and the antenna did not go down. I assisted it gently and got it down but the antenna motor kept running. I had to disconnect the battery to get the motor to stop. Then after I got everything back together and was able to get the car in park, the antenna motor keeps running whether the radio is on or not. Anytime I just turn on the key the antenna motor starts running and won't stop. It is now stuck in the up position. Does anyone have any idea what I may have done or what may have happened and what I can do to fix this problem? Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[berky2500]

Congratulations on your purchase. It is probably just a coincidence that you were working on the console, but likely the plastic cable in the antenna housing broke which keeps the mast from coming down and the motor doesn't know when to stop. It is a common problem. Check out this article for some how-to-fix instructions.

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2002/february/antenna/ant1.asp

In the meantime, there is a plastic connector along the left rear behind the plastic trim panel and under the carpet that you can unplug that will keep the motor from running. You can also unplug the antenna relay under the rear trim panel near the rear hatch latch.

Good luck.

 

[85VETTENU2ME]

Thanks. I finally got around to taking out the antenna and taking it apart. The plastic cable is broken as you had suspected. I am now debating replacing the entire unit vs. repairing with the kit. I checked with the Chevy dealer but their replacement was completely different from the stoick unit. Thanks again for your help.

 

[muskiemike]

You can purchase just the mast for around $20 - -- but then you have to drill out 4 or 5 rivets, replace the mast, silcon, and bolt the case back together again where you drilled out the rivets.

I did my 84 this way, it turned out great, kept the original antenna motor, as some of the new motors do not properly align under your wheelwell.

Saved a $ hundred +, and the only xtra time as repairing the original antenna.

If you are interested in repairing your old one, let me know I can e-mail you "detailed" instructions.

 

[caddy]

I would like the instructions, I have a 94 Coupe, how do you get the Antenna and motor out of there anyway..??
THanks

 

[muskiemike]

Caddy, I have the instructions for the C4 series, as mine is a 84'.
If you want these instructions, send me an e-mail at:

mike.malone@myport.org and I will e-mail them to ya!