65 Power Antenna

[John O.]

Can anyone recommend a good person/company for the restoration of a 65 power antenna? Mine works but the last section will not fully retract into the shaft. Also, can the people who do this kind of work re-plastic dip the unit?
As always, thank you for your input.

-John

[Gary B.]

Re: 65 Power Antenna

John,

You should talk with Chuck at OEM Glass. Their toll-free number is 800 283-2122. As far as I know, OEM Glass is the only place that restores 65-66 power antennas. Before you call, get ready for sticker shock.

Gary

[Eugene B.]

Re: 65 Power Antenna

John,
I believe that I talked to a guy who's name is Bob at Chicago Corvette. He said that he also rebuilds power antennas. The bad news is the price is even higher than OEM Glass.

Gary is correct, fix an nice stiff beverage of your choice - you're going to need it!

If you find a better deal, please post the information. Mine needs refurbished also, but I'm not willing to pay the fare to get it accomplished.

Regards,
Gene

[William C.]

Re: 65 Power Antenna

I'm not sure from your description, but if yours works, the largest section does not retract. Full down is about 10 inches up from the fender. The largest diameter section does not move.

[John O.]

Re: 65 Power Antenna

Bill:

Sorry about the confusion, the last section, or smallest section is the one that will not retract fully.

[Mike M.]

Re: 65 Power Antenna

remove antenna ,take off the yellow sealant surrounding the motor, remove tin side cover then soak the mast assembly with a good penetrating lubricant. since your antenna works somewhat, i doubt the cable thats prone to rusting and which elevates and retracts the mast assembly is broken in two. you may luck out with the penetrating oil and it'll save you about 500 bucks. mike

[John O.]

Re: 65 Power Antenna

Mike:

Thanks for the post, I'll give it a shot. However, does OEM Glass reseal the units with the plastic? Or is it possible to salvage the one I have?

Thanks again!

John

[Gary B.]

Beeswax sealant; yes OEM does this

John,

OEM Glass does reseal the unit with what I seem to recall is a wax material, like beeswax. The
work they do is outstanding.

Gary

[Ken Robb]

Re: 65 Power Antenna

There are some past articles in Restorer on the 65 power antenna restoration. Don't have the issue # handy right now.

[Eugene B.]

Re: Pro coat

Gents,
When I spoke with the antenna rebuilders, they refered to the beeswax coating as Pro coat. I don't know where you buy it if you chose to open the antenna yourself.

There ought to be a better/cheaper way to return power antennas to operational condition. I feel like they got us by the proverbial "short hairs".

Regards,
Gene