Power Antenna

[trent81]

Man these things are more rare than 1903 Eagle Silver Dollars!!

The cord broke in mine and the motor was working fine, so I bought the refurb. kit and installed a new nylon cord. Now the motor just clicks.

So I thought I would just go to the local salvage yard and get one, not happening. Ok I sez to self, self go on the web and find corvette salvage yards. Found about 13 of them in fact. Guess what? No one seems to have these things and they all say there more scarce than platnium. AC Delco discontinued these thing years ago. There was one on e-bay about a week ago that went for $215.00 (more money than brain's).

I would buy an after market one but the problem with that is you have to wire from the radio head all the way back. Not to impressed with their quality either. Plus trying to keep the ole 81 as original as possible.

Does anyone know if this particular power antenna was exclusive to the Corvette or was it used on other models also? See where i'm going with this. Maybe, just maybe if it came on other models there might be one out there or there may be a GM part that will cross reference to it.....anyone know?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Trent81

 

[drquazar]

http://www.antennax.com/Products/Description_ax05.htm

I bought an aftermarket power antenna here for my 1981 Corvette.
If the wire is still intact from radio to the back, you can just buy an
adapter for the old Corvette screw in type connector. Radio Shack etc...
The original Antenna wire for the 81 Corvette, was in 2 parts. A LONG section from Dash to the back driver side , ( Way back near back wall of the storage space.) Then from there to the Antenna itself...about 15 inchs.
If your LONG section is intact, just place an adapter on the end near antenna....then just run the antenna wire from the aftermarket unit up into the rear compartment and plug in....

 

[mikejpss]

trent81- it may be an easier fix to find the clicking problem. This may be the relay gone bad, which is located in the jack compartment. I would stay focused on the clicking problem, you might be really close to having it solved.

Did you try an external power source to the antenna while on the bench first? Sounds like the internal points are in need of readjustment or cleaning. Could be minor without needing a new unit.