antenna Mast replacement

[Mike Compton]

ok, seems to be a familier problem. broken antennas. My mast is broke even with the chrome piece on the fender. I can hear the motor running when the radio is turned on or off...but I also just pulled a piece of the white plastic that runs the antenna up and down out, so I know that is broken also. I know how to pull the unit out of the fender etc, what I am wondering is if there is an easy way to replace the mast with a stationary mast, or something like that for now? I dont have time or an indoor place to work right now. What I am wondering is if I pull the ring on the top of the fender, and the other chrome piece, if you can unscrew the mast where is connects, and replace it with a generic stationary antenna temporarily, or if it does not connect in that way? Any ideas?

 

[twr]

You would have to remove the power antenna unit to replace it with a stationary one. It is easy to replace the mast, if you can get a hold of a replacement (dealer or junkyard) Remove the chrome cap (has four indentations) there is a special tool to do this, but a screw driver and a mallet has always worked for me. Next you will need either a 12mm or 14mm deep socket and a pair of visegrips if you can't get the antenna down all the way or rachet if the antenna is down. Look down into the antenna after the chrome cap is off, you will see a nut that the mast passes through. Loose that nut up all the way and pull up on the antenna or put it up by turning the radio on and pull the whole thing out. Installation is the opposite of removal, but is a little tricky as you need to feed the nylon track down the correct way and the antenna motor needs to be retracting while doing this.

 

[ES_8CH_OH]

I'm trying to replace my antenna mast with new one. I have the retaining ring (chrome) off but I did not see a nut inside the antenna cavern. The antenna will not come out as the instructions indicate it will. I suppose the 12mm or 14mm nut is holding it in position.

Just want to make sure I understand. I should put the antenna down, then take a 12mm or 14mm deep socket to remove the nut I failed to see. Once that is out, I should be able to turn on the head unit. When the mast comes up, I will just pull it out while making note of the white cable position so I know which direction to install the new cable.