Removing power antenna

[motorman_mp3]

Ok I just got a 86 vette with 84,000 miles on it. It runs great and no real problems with drive train. I only payed $2500.00 for the vette. This guy used it like most people would use a old truck. Anyway I restored the inside and now starting on the outside. The power antenna is proving to be a tuff little job. I have the bottom two nuts off of the bracket but I can not reach the top to un-screw the large black plastic nut.
Does ANYONE have a clue how to get this thing out.
And by the way this is a great forum,and I have learned a lot from it. :confused

 

[JonM]

Take the wheel and inner fender off...or get a friend with long arms.

 

[motorman_mp3]

Thanks,was not sure that was the proper way to remove it.I don,t have any friends with long arms,just small brains.

 

[1stC3Vette]

You will need to remove the nut that is located on the exterior of the antenna housing. It is inside the rubber grommett area where the antenna goes through the body. You will also need to remove the left rear wheel and shroud. Long arms are definitely a benefit, but not required.


Good luck.

Dino

 

[stu]

I took the muffler and lower body support bracket off on that side to get more room to work in. After you get that nut undone the grommett for the wires is the next major PITA.

Also, don't try to cut and splice the antenna wire. Take apart the interior and disconnect it from the connector. The radio won't work at all for some reason if you try splicing the thing.

 

[tyrel]

Reinstalling the rubber grommet is extremely frustrating. It's not so hard to get it out, but because of the way it's angled, and the limited space under the body panel, it's almost impossible to get it back in again. I tried for two hours and finally got it back in with the help of some vaseline.

 

[motorman_mp3]

Thanks tryel,you are right is was a pain in the ___ to get back in.