Bills money pit
Well-known member
Regarding my non functioning power antenna, I took it apart and could see all parts seemed to be in good condition. I noticed one brush that rubs on the armature was cocked. I pulled out the switch and took needlenose pliers and straighten it so it is square to the rubbing surface. I noticed it and the armature look dirty so I used very fine emery cloth and cleaned both. The brushes had a thick build up of crud and once cleaned, I notice one was quite thin, the other about 1/8 thick. The build up was 25 years worth of rubbing and surprisingly thick. Once removed the motor runs like a "house a fire). Okie expression folks.
I cleaned and lubricated all moving parts, reassmeble it and once installed, it raises and lowers like new. The motor sounds quite strong. The only issue is how long will the rubbing blocks last as thin as they are? Seems to me someone could made replacement brushes that could be glued on the the brass arms and away you go for another 25 years.
I did not believe the antenna could be fixed that easily, so I order one from corvette central because they had the lowest price--159.00. It arrived today and once opened, it looks correct except it has a rubber mast tip instead of the metal one. I am going to keep it for a replacement until someone comes up with replacement brushes. I may try to make some out of old brush material just for kicks. In the new future, I may offer the new one for sale at a reduced price. I am too lazy to send it back.
What say you in the Corvette world?
I cleaned and lubricated all moving parts, reassmeble it and once installed, it raises and lowers like new. The motor sounds quite strong. The only issue is how long will the rubbing blocks last as thin as they are? Seems to me someone could made replacement brushes that could be glued on the the brass arms and away you go for another 25 years.
I did not believe the antenna could be fixed that easily, so I order one from corvette central because they had the lowest price--159.00. It arrived today and once opened, it looks correct except it has a rubber mast tip instead of the metal one. I am going to keep it for a replacement until someone comes up with replacement brushes. I may try to make some out of old brush material just for kicks. In the new future, I may offer the new one for sale at a reduced price. I am too lazy to send it back.
What say you in the Corvette world?
