Automatic Antennea

[GeorgeT]

The antennea on my '93 Coupe has started to not fully retract: the last 4" or so sticks up (the antennea motor stops however). If you pull directly up on the antennea, the motor promptly pulls it back down but not all the way (4" still out). I can push the antennea in completely.

Is this a minor fix? If so what do I do? If not, wht do I do?

 

[Tuna]

Try cleaning the antenna mast first before you start pushing it.

I use WD-40 on mine and then cycle the antenna a few times. Wipe off any excess. In fact, it's a good idea to clean and lube the antenna on a regular basis just to keep it working properly.

 

[vee93]

My '93's antenna was doing the same thing. Finally had to replace the motor-a job done with the tire removed and not a lot a fun, so I had my mechanic do it. Upon inspection you discover that the PLASTIC cable isn't damaged and/or the antenna itself isn't bent, then you'll probably have to replace the motor.

I'd go 'new' if I were you since you won't really know the history of a used one. They'll run you about $125 at Mid-America, $130+ at Eckler's.
Good luck!

 

[berky2500]

This might help, removing the spare, drivers muffler, and the left tail lights gives better access.

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

 

[rhodginz]

Do you hear any noise as the antenna retracts?

Perhaps some "clicking" as the antenna stops retracting? I had the same problem on my '95, and was able to replace the antenna mast - for about $25. It's an easy fix if it is just the mast. That would be the place to start. You take off the nut on the antenna, turn on the radio which raises the antenna, grasp the antenna and pull it slightly as it raises, and it will come out. To install the new mast, you simply reverse this procedure, and it draws the mast back into the antenna motor, you put the nut back on, tighten it down, and it should (may) be fixed. Never fear, the replacement mast will come with instructions. BTW, I bought a GM mast.

However, I wound up having to remove my antenna motor, open it up and take out some mast that had broken off inside the housing. That took a couple of hours, but it was fun - if you like doing that sort of thing.

One other thing - don't push or pull on the antenna any more. You may get lucky and not have the plastic piece of the mast break off in the housing.

Good luck.