Power Antenna Problem

[Bills money pit]

About two years ago I replaced my power antenna with one from a national vender. It was an original type costing 169.00. Recently, it will extend fine, but will not retract. For some time I could tap on the side of the motor and it would retract. Now that does not work.
I called the vender and was told "So Sorry", but the part is out of warranty.
I have checked the connections and the ground. I believe the problem is in the contact points of the unit. This was the same problem the OEM antenna. I took it apart several times but could not get the points to contact correctly. The unit was worn-out.
I do not want to purchase another OEM type; as in my case they do not last.
Could I please have some suggestions as to a cost effective replacement.
As in the past, thanks for the help!
Bill

 

[cleon]

I had the same problem with my 1979. I ended up replacing with a mast type and a
ground plain. The antenna dose not go up and down, but the additional ground plain
improved the radio reception.

 

[LVMYVT76]

ZIP has them for $165.00

 

[Bills money pit]

OEM replacements are not hard to find, but the quality is questionable. I was looking for a more economical replacement. 165.00 a pop every 18 months is good money after bad. Often members have gone to salvages and found alternatives to OEM.

 

[Mr. Chuck]

OEM replacements are not hard to find, but the quality is questionable. I was looking for a more economical replacement. 165.00 a pop every 18 months is good money after bad. Often members have gone to salvages and found alternatives to OEM.

I replaced my worn-out pwr antenna with one from Mid-America Motorworks ($89.99), more than 2 yrs ago and it is still works like new. The only issue is that you will need to modify the electrical connection to the car / radio circuits, since antenna comes with the up/down control relay mounted on the antenna motor mast assy. The instructions / paperwork that came with my unit didn't tell me so, had to find out through some trial and error trouble shooting. Did the replacement same time I replaced interior carpeting, so I had access to wiring at OEM control relay under rear deck / storage compartment behind passenger seat. My wiring mod resulted in mast up/down control when I turn radio on / off knob.
Hope this make sense / helps!