88 antenna removal -how to?

[Patrick N.]

I have my antenna motor assembly out of the car (mast wont go down but motor works). Does anyone know how to actually remove the mast from the motor? I have unscrewed the metal bezel at the base of the antenna- but still not separating. Can't see anything that is capturing the antenna? Thoughts?

Thanks,
Pat

[Joe L.]

Re: 88 antenna removal -how to?

I have my antenna motor assembly out of the car (mast wont go down but motor works). Does anyone know how to actually remove the mast from the motor? I have unscrewed the metal bezel at the base of the antenna- but still not separating. Can't see anything that is capturing the antenna? Thoughts?

Thanks,
Pat

Pat------


Instructions for replacing the antenna mast cable should be included in the factory service manual although no other repair procedures will be included for what GM considers a unit otherwise serviced only as an assembly.

I will repeat something here that I've said many times previously: If one is going to perform service operations on a vehicle, one must have a copy of the factory service manual specific for that vehicle. Yes, these manuals are expensive for C4 and later Corvettes (but think of all the money one can save by doing their own work). Having the manual also allows one to evaluate what's involved in any service procedure PRIOR to getting into the job. That way, one can determine whether one has the expertise and tools to complete the job. Without the manual, one is "flying blind".

[Art B.]

Re: 88 antenna removal -how to?

Patrick:
I had to remove my '86 antenna and put on a new mast last year. I think you will have to take the cover off the reel mechanism in order to replace the mast.
I bought a mast replacement kit from one of the catalog houses. The process is not too difficult. The hard part is getting the whole thing back in place on the car.

[Patrick N.]

Re: 88 antenna removal -how to?

Thanks Art and Joe,
Could not agree more Joe, i do have the service manual, I always buy one for all my vehicles. However, I followed the procedure but it is not budging.

I don't want to overly force the separation of the mast. Curious if others had the same trouble and what the fix was. Seems like the spring sleeve will not let go of the antenna.

[Art B.]

Re: 88 antenna removal -how to?

Patrick:
As I remember, the '88 antenna is from a different manufacturer than my '86. It is a better quality unit. On my unit the mast simply fit in a groove on the reel housing. I don't remember how it attached to the ribbon but it was simple to do.
The older I get, the more I find it difficult to remember procedures. Owning three Corvettes doesn't help.

[Walter G.]

Re: 88 antenna removal -how to?

I had to repair the antenna on my '84 a couple of years ago and accomplished it using a kit from one of the aftermarket companies. From what I recall, once the whole assembly was out the mast came out when I took the reel housing apart. (My problem was the nylon ribbon that had broken). The most difficult part of the repair was definitely getting it all back in place-especially the luggage shade in my case-which was very frustrating. Also, the antenna finial was a bit uncooperative, as it needed to be removed/reused to be correct.