1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

[Larry Whitney]

Can anyone please tell me if the dealer is giving me the straight story? My Power Antenna Mast Broke, and the dealer tells me I need a "Mast and Tube Assembly) which costs 90.00 plus 190.00 to install it. Do I really need the Mast and Tube when only my Mast is broken? If I can find the Mast from a third party source, and cnyone tell me how to install it? I would appreciate any help you can provide on this topic.

Thanks.
Larry

[Joe L.]

Re: 1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

Larry-----

The "mast and tube assembly" is the only repair part available from GM or Delco for the repair of a broken antenna mast. I don't think that a seperate mast is available from aftermarket sources, either.

What the dealer is doing, though, is jacking up the price of the part if they told you that it costs $90. The "mast and tube assembly" for your 1986 application is GM #22062598 and it current GM lists for $74.14. You can purchase this piece from competitive GM dealers or from Delco dealers for a LOT less than this price. $90 is about TWICE what it should cost for the part.

Unfortunately, the mast cannot be replaced without removing the complete antenna assembly from the car. R&R of the antenna for your car is about a 2 hour job (1.8 hours according to Mitchell's Labor Estimating Guide). So, considering the dealer shop rates of today, $190 labor is probably about right.

If I were paying a dealer $190 to do the work, though, I sure wouldn't just have them replace the "mast and tube assembly". I'd have them replace the entire antenna assembly to avoid a "repeat" of the $190 (or, later, more)labor cost when some other part of your 17+ year old antenna assembly fails a few years "down the road" (or, maybe, even just a few months after this repair is completed). In fact, even if I were doing the work myself, I'd still opt for the new unit. It's false economy to try to repair a life-limited item like a power antenna ESPECIALLY if you're paying someone to do the work and the part is this old.

A replacement power antenna assembly for your application is available from GM under GM #88891017. This piece currently GM lists for $165.73. However, it can be purchased for a lot less from competitive GM dealers or Delco parts sources like The Last Detail (www.tld-corvette.com). This is a replacement part number and not the original part, so it may vary in some details from the original. However, it will be 100% NEW and should provide long and reliable service. If installed by the dealer, this part might even qualify for GM's lifetime guarantee. This means that if the part ever fails (except from accident or abuse) WHILE YOU OWN THE CAR , the dealer will replace it without charge for the part or labor.

[Gary Bishop]

Re: 1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

I had my `88 mast replaced at a Auto radio/sound shop a few years ago for a really reasonable price.

[Larry Whitney]

1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

Thanks Joe,

I now know what the best course of action is. I appreciate your help.

Larry

[Larry Whitney]

1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

Gary,

Thanks for the advice.

Larry

[Jim T.]

Re: 1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

Replacement of the assembly is not difficult, you could do it yourself if you wanted to.

[Larry Whitney]

1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

Hi Jim,

I've heard that from a couple of people, including a guy on Ebay that has a Mast/Tube Assembly on Auction right now. The problem is that I don't have any specific instructions on how to do it. I have a mechanic friend that was able to drop the original antenna assembly (entire motor and everything), and it took him at least an hour just to get it off. I had bought a replacement mast, but we quickly determined that the mast wouldn't work because the Mast and Tube are integrated together, and because the replacemente mast (I had purchased from Autozone)had teeth on the cable. When we looked at the original unit we saw that the cable did not have teeth, so we knew it wouldn't work even if we could only replace the mast. I would like to take the suggestion (offered previously) to replace the entire assembly (motor,mast, and tube), but the problem is that Delco doesn't offer the exact replacement part anymore, they offer a different assembly (looks different) from the original, and I don't want to screw the install up completely. I may just opt for the Mast/Tube assembly and hope that the motor will continue to work ok. Can you give me any specific instructions on replacing the Mast/Tube Assembly? I can get at the entire Motor/Mast/Tube Unit by unscrewing the bolts from the frame bracket that holds it on, plus unscrewing the large plastic banjo nut at the top. Can I install the Mast/Tube Assembly without disconnecting the electrical wires from the bottom of the Motor? I found another Mast/Tube Assembly at Corvete Salvage.com.

Thaks for the advice.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

Larry, the GM service manual for your car is probably a good investment. Whenever I have to buy manuals or tools to do a job on my cars, I ususally count the money I save on labor against the purchase. I almost always make money the first time I use them.

Mid-America sells a Havarta (sp?) replacement power antenna for C4s. As I recall, their price wasn't dirt cheap, but cheaper than the OEM antenna. I doubt that they are the cheapest...you may be able to find the same antenna cheaper. I believe the antenna has instructions with it. While you're at it, buy their gound plane kit also; it will make a noticeable improvement in your reception.

Replacement of the mast is almost certainly going to require complete removal and disassembly of the antenna unit.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

Larry the electrical wires to your antenna do not disconnect from the antenna assembly as I remember. You will have to raise your hatch and take the plastic covering off around the perimiter of the hatch. The connector for the antenna is under the covering and remembering from removing one years ago the connection is to the left of the center latch for the rear window. I have never replaced a antenna mast. I replaced a co-workers 84 complete assembly back in 1988 and kept the his old antenna and took it apart to see what broke. It was not difficult at all. I have a GM replacement mast for my 85 that I bought 10 years ago and I am still waiting for it break to use this part. Once you get the assembly out and on the work bench you will see there is not much to taking the assembly apart. As the original owner of your car, I can understand wanting to keep the original part operating.

[Larry Whitney]

1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

Jim,

Thanks to you and everyone for the excellent advice. I have decided to go with a completely new Motor/Mast/Tube Assembly Upgrade Kit from Mid-America (Mfg. by Harada). The Harada Kit basically upgrdes the Antenna to the 88-89 Version which is supposed to bring in 30% or better reception of FM Stations. I don't believe that hype, but I do think this upgrade will be quite effective. The Harada Assembly has a Ground Plane Option that should theoretically perform better with less noise than the OE. Insead of having the dealer install, I was going to do it myself (with a mechanic friend of mine), however; I have now decided to let the local Stereo Installation Guys to do the work because I don't have a hoist, and I don't want to spend 2 days working on this project due to not having all the necessary tools. I ordered the Kit from Mid-America today and it should be deliverd in 5-7 days. I will keep the old assembly just in case. The reason I'm not going with the mast/tube replacement is because i'm not sure about the part on Ebay, and the Corvette Salvage People were not sure if they had exactly the right part either. I tried to find the Part at Delco, but the place they referred me to didn't have the correct part.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

Larry guess it is to late to give you the part # that is on my replacement part since you have ordered another antenna. Let me know at my e-mail if you do.
I don't know if it's just a better antenna, better radio, or both, but my 96 can pick up AM stations a much greater distance than what my 85 will. They are both Delco-Bose systems.
You don't really need a lift to replace the antenna assembly. I can do it a couple ways.
Remove the rear tire and remove the retainers for the plastic wheel-well. This will give plenty of access to the antenna assembly and access to the gourmet that goes into the body with the wiring, then just locate disconnect from the plug under the moulding around the perimeter of the hatch. I would disconnect the wiring undr the interior mulding first and push out the gourment. Using this method I believe the front bottom fastner of the wheeel-well plactic is under the lower body moulding will have to be loosened or possibly removed. This is all pretty easy. This also give access to dirty frame areas for cleaning.
The second method is to remove the taillights and go through the hole of the outside taillight. First remove the tag, the backup light, this gives access to the inside taillight. After removing the inside tail light, the removal will give you access to the outside taillight. Either of these ways can be used. I have removed the outside taillight coming up from underneath and working in the blind. Don't drop any retainer nuts you will not find it unless you remove the rear facia.
I have the reach, first time I did it I just reached above and around the muffler and removed the 84's assembly.

[Larry Whitney]

1986 C4 Antenna Mast Problem

Thanks Jim,

Maybe I will attempt to do this myself since you have given me the secrets on getting easy access to the antenna assembly. If I get my new antenna while I'm out for the Xmas Holiday, I will have time to deal with it. If the new part doesn't come until after the Holidays, I will have the Stereo Shop do the install. Thanks again for all the useful halp and tips. I'm glad I discovered this site, as you and others have been extremely helpful.

Hope you had a good Xmas and likewise for the upcoming New Year.

Regards,
Larry