Power Antenna Removal/Replacement

arkay · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2003 8:35 pm Post subject: Power Antenna Removal/Replacement

My car was under attack by Grackels yesterday so I picked up car cover at Auto Zone. Grackels are nasty black birds. The cover would not fit because the power antenna is broken in the UP position. I really don't want to puch a hole in the cover so the antenna replacement has moved up on the things-to-fix list. Brakes with bad rotors are high on the list.

I am not sure how you even get to the antenna and wonder about after market replacement units. Any tips on how to remove and replace the power antenna will be appreciated.
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aRKay
http://www.qsl.net/aa5vu/elky.html
79 El Camino SS
01 Corvette Coupe BK/bk 6-Speed
03 Explorer w/Sports Package

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 7:26 am Post subject:

Removing the antenna is not that hard. If you have the original still in, you may want to keep the bezel that sits on top of the fender, this plastic piece (bezel) with a metal chrome (nut) piece that tightens down over it is made specifically to fit the Elky fender. You will need an antenna wrench to remove the chrome(nut) piece, it is available at most auto parts stores and can usually be found in the stereo/antenna section. Remove the nut and bezel and the antenna will drop down, slide the nut and bezel up off the antenna. Now as far as getting it out, you have to remove some of the bolts in the back of the right front wheel fenderwell, it would help if you remove the wheel, this gives you more room to work. Once you remove the bolts place something (piece of 2X4) to hold the fenderwell away from the fender, so you can get your arm up in there to remove the old antenna and replace it with a new one. A new antenna (power or not) can then be shoved up into the opening. If you use a universal power, they come with a new (universal) bezel. I do not like the way the bezel fits on top of the fender compared to the original but it is adequate. You can get a universal fit power antenna for $60 or less. If you buy a new replacement GM power antenna, they of course will cost much more. You can also put just a regular non-powered antenna in, that you can lower all the way down when you want to put your car cover on or go through a car wash. Also it sounds as though the plastic piece (coiled around the wheel) that goes up inside your antenna mast may be broke...this will allow the antenna to go up but not down. It may be possible to fix it, some parts stores sell replacement kits. Wiring a new antenna is easy...just splice in to the old ones and use crimp connectors. If you do not use a power antenna, tape the wires with electical tape so they do not short out when you turn the radio on/off. Do not remove them, you may want to use them later if you want to install a power antenna again. You can also get a GM power antenna from a boneyard (most will fit) and you should be able to use the original bezel or the bezel off the donor car. The only problem is finding one that still properly works, looks good and will last. Like I said, it's not a hard job, it should take you about an hour the first time you do it, and you can do it in about 15-20 mins the second time because then your a pro at it.
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"The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

arkay · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 8:00 am Post subject:

arkay · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 8:11 am Post subject:

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 10:11 am Post subject:

The nut is actually a chrome ring with 4 grooves in in it. It tightens around the antenna mast threads. If this is missing, there should be nothing holding it in place, unless there is a metal bracket up inside the fender. Loosen the fenderwell, and look up in there with a light. If possible show me a pic of the bezel.
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"The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

arkay · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 10:41 am Post subject:

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 11:09 am Post subject:

Got em...check your email.
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"The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

2-Elkys · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 4:19 pm Post subject:

arkay if you go with a replacement power type let me know which one and how it is working. I am interested in adding the power antenna to mine..
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71-Elky

Works in progress.. Me and my ElkY!
My 71 Pics

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Mon Nov 03, 2003 5:39 pm Post subject:

I bought a universal power antenna off Ebay a couple of months ago, I paid $20+shipping. The guy I got it from had bought the remaining stock of a discontinued model sold at Radio Shack. It was made in China...it still works great, but I don't care for the looks of the universal bezel that sits on top of the fender, I prefer the type that is a flush mount bezel. I'll replace in sooner or later. If you don't or didn't already have a power antenna, the hardest part is running the wires for it, they enter the car interior between the upper and lower passenger side door hindges, a very hard area to work in. Make sure your radio has the wires for a power antenna before you buy one.
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"The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

2-Elkys · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 3:15 pm Post subject:

Here is a stupid question for you.. How can i tell what wires are for a Power Antenna on the radio? color code?? i have no idea..
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71-Elky

Works in progress.. Me and my ElkY!
My 71 Pics

arkay · Posted: Tue Nov 04, 2003 9:45 pm Post subject:

2-Elkys · Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2003 7:15 am Post subject:

Arkay check out this item on E-Bay 2441295652 it is a power antenna new in box for $15 dollars and $10 shipping. Worth a try for that price.
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71-Elky

Works in progress.. Me and my ElkY!
My 71 Pics

arkay · Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2003 7:39 am Post subject:

arkay · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2003 3:01 pm Post subject:

theelcaminofactory · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2003 3:22 pm Post subject:

This will work. It's the same as the one I installed on my Elky. I don't care for the way the bezel fits atop of the fender, but the price is cheap and it works fine.
_________________
"The day we lose our will to fight is the day we lose our freedom" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8