Power Antenna rebuild thread....

[ebby53]

A while back some one posted info and pix on doing a power antenna rebuild. Anyone out there remmeber it and where it is????????

[MikeInAZ]

Ebby,

I have done the repair but did not document it. You basically order GM Part No. 22038195 - Antenna Rebuild Kit - For When antenna constantly runs. $ 21.91 ..... and

(count how many you need of) GM Part No. 20664092 - Inner Fender Retainers - You'll bust off the old ones on Antenna Repair Project listed above.

Then remove passenger front wheel.
Remove inner fender liner.
Remove Air Vent on Fender.
Loosen Mast Nut and take off visible bolts.
Wiggle the thing out.
Take apart and reroute new cable..... then reassemble.

The instructions that come with it are sufficient to get you through the repair.

It was a pretty easy repair taking a couple of slow poke hours for me. If you need anything to do with wiring I have a Antenna Schematic Here for an 86 T/A.

[ebby53]

Thanks Mike......I've got the rebuild kit .even the screw kit....but, I forgot about the fender kit..good catch....Tell me,does the assembly detatch from the antenna to radio cable? .......(leave the routed cable, and take out the assembly)?.I hope so....does the front tire have to come off?........just trying to make it simple!
Thanks Man........:hail:

[MikeInAZ]

Ebby,

It's been so long since I did that I can't remember exactly. I remember the previous owner snipped the power wires because the antenna was trying to run all the time and I remember I extended these so if I pulled it out again I could leave them hooked up and have more slack to work with.

I also (seem to) remember leaving something hooked up while I worked on it but I could be wrong. It just seems like I was not free to roam around with my antenna unit.

What I do remember vividly was that it was pretty much a "piece of cake".

You will make your job much much much easier by removing your tire/wheel. It gives you much more access. The hardest part for me was fishing that antenna unit OUT of the car.

[ebby53]

OK Mike, we'll see what happens.....Thanks:hail:

[Brad91Formula]

I just fixed my power antenna about a month ago. The problem with my antenna was that the cable inside broke and the antenna motor continuously ran leaving the antenna stuck up. The job was kinda a pain in the *** for what it is worth. Here's a basic summary of what I had to do:

I first had to remove the wheel and inner fender lining. The big problem was that the antenna was stuck in the up position. I found that it is virtually impossible to removed the entire assembly with the mast stuck in the up position. After messing around with the mast I got it to completely retract down. The trick to that is to rotate the mast while pushing down on it to free up the broken cable inside the motor housing. Once down it comes right out after loosening the lower support bolt and the upper ring. I still had the wires to contend with and did not want to cut them. For that I had to unhook the relay plug and pull the antenna wire from the back of the radio which involved taking off two passenger side dash panels and the lower right kick panel. Once I got it out of there I took it over to the workbench and cracked it open. Had to remove 5 clips and drill out 4 rivets to do so. Once I got it open I could see the broken cable down inside the gear track. Once it was apart the top part of the mast and cable pull right out the rest of the mast. The only real tough part to putting in the new cable and upper mast is getting it to stay in the track because it will want to pop out. Trust me when you put it back together you will need a second person, one to hold the cable and one to put the two housing half back together.

Kinda sketchy but I didn't want to bore you with the all the little details. Now as far as I know GM does not make exact replacement power antennas for out cars anymore. I looked high and low for one without any success. That is why I rebuilt mine, otherwise I would have got a new one. If you just need a new cable the part number is 22038195. Should be able to get it through www.gmpartsdirect.com I had some pictures up a while ago of the antenna dismantled but I took them down. If anyone wants to see them I can email them. Good luck.

[ebby53]

Brad....thanks for the info. I remember your pictures and even tried to find. Yes I'd appreciate it you would e-mail those to me, that would help alot. ebby53@yahoo.com Thanks:hail:

[Randy82WS7]

where is the relay located in the car ?

[Forgiven]

OK, I need to revive this thread....

I just sent an inquiry to GMPartsdirect about the antenna parts and I got this response:

Thanks for your inquiry to www.gmpartsdirect.com.

Here are your part numbers you requested.

88891017 power antenna assembly w/option U75 1982-1992 Camaros

22086497 cable 1992 Camaro only

22038195 cable 1982-1985 Camaro only

*No repair kit listed for 1986-1991

NOTE: PN 88891017 is a complete antenna assembly for ALL 3rd gen cars!

Sweet huh?

Later,
Ernie

[Randy82WS7]

interesting hopefully this will help out some members

[madmax]

Originally posted by Forgiven
NOTE: PN 88891017 is a complete antenna assembly for ALL 3rd gen cars!

I will have to verify this number later, but if this is the same one I got for my 86 TA, it didnt fit. The motor housing hit the inner frame bracing, and the different nut spacer/shims didnt fit on the fender.

[Drew]

You guys figure this out and post all the info here... Someday i'm gonna get myself a power antenna for my project Firebird and I want it to work...

[yankeecarman]

I have an 84Z-28 with standard antenna. I bought a new original GM power antenna from a friend that eventually was going to install it in his 84 but never got around to it. I now want to install it in my car. Am I going to have a tough time of it? I am concerned about the wiring. Is my car set up to accept the wiring for a power antenna?

[MikeInAZ]

Originally posted by Forgiven


22038195 cable 1982-1985 Camaro only

*No repair kit listed for 1986-1991

Not sure if this is a database error by GM Parts Direct or what but the 22038195 Listed as Cable is the Repair Kit. It is for when your motor continues to run from a broken cable or end.
It will definitely work on an 86 and it will work for the Pontiac Trans Am.

Got mine for an 86 T/A. Took the part numbers, description and price from the invoice (3 yrs ago) and installed it without a glitch.

[Drew]

Originally posted by yankeecarman
I have an 84Z-28 with standard antenna. Is my car set up to accept the wiring for a power antenna?

Here's the rub.. maybe. My 83 coupe had wiring for about 30 options the car didn't have. My 91 Formula had wiring for a rear hatch release that it didn't have originally, and my 91 Firebird has the wiring for the power antenna relay even though it didn't have a power antenna.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the wiring for the relay should be under the passengers side of the dash. It'll be a 3 wire plug with a pink wire. You'll need a relay (typical GM) and the antenna assembly. The wiring to the antenna should come thru the inner fender well thru the coax grommet. Plug it into the other socket on the relay and its all set. I want to say that one of the leads from the relay goes to a ground ring, but the car I stole my parts from was missing the antenna assembly already.

[MdFormula350]

i bought one from a junkyard for 15 bucks its working good..

the only reason i looked into going to the junkyards, is because the dealership my grandfather went too wanted to sell him a new one (over 100 bucks) and said they didnt know about a rebuild kit..

[ebby53]

22020281 is the bolt kit for the rebuild..
22038195 is the rebuild kit......Cable etc...just bought one from my friendly Pontiac Dealer and it is in my hand as I type this....

fits 1986 Firebird and Camero power antennas, and more...

[TPIterror]

Hey Ebby,

Did you rebuild the antenna yet? Mine just started running continuously tonight and I like to know what I'm getting into.

Thanks

[ebby53]

TPIterror,

No, I have not tried it yet, waiting for some time, and making sure I fully understand the steps. Sounds straight forward enough though. It's been about 6 months since the cable broke and I'm trying to remember what wire I cut to make it stop running. I think it was behind the passenger side kick panel. Good luck.

[TPIterror]

Oh OK. I'll probably pick up the cable this week. I just pulled the accessory fuse to stop mine. Good luck with it!

[BikertrashDude]

its funny the first time I check this board in a week and what get s brought back from the dead a power antenna thread.
mine went out yesterday....well its going brrrr.....all the time now.
got to love this site.
the question is answered before it is even asked....
biker

[84Z28_5.7ltr_V8]

im pretty sure that you cut the green wire to make it stop. i just cut all 3 wires and took the damn thing out, opened the power antenna box up and the white pull down wire was all brittle and broken. i think ill just buy weed whacker wire for 2 bucks and clamp it on.. way cheaper. I called hte GM dealership where i live and for the actual antenna and the pull down cord they want 112 dollars, CANADIAN!!! thats alot of money.

[madmax]

Figures... I do not have the receipt anymore. I tore my records apart again today looking for it (and something else, damn that Murphy guy), and did not find it.

I know the rebuild kit works fine. Its the assembly they sold me, for my 86, complete with motor, housing, wires, etc. that did not fit. I would have had to take a hammer to my car, and do some modification to the plastic mounting collar that fits on the fender. The OD of the part that is supposed to fit inside the hole in the fender also did not fit. I decided there was no way in hell I would do that to my car, and gave it back.

[BikertrashDude]

Originally posted by 84Z28_5.7ltr_V8
im pretty sure that you cut the green wire to make it stop. i just cut all 3 wires and took the damn thing out, opened the power antenna box up and the white pull down wire was all brittle and broken. i think ill just buy weed whacker wire for 2 bucks and clamp it on.. way cheaper. I called hte GM dealership where i live and for the actual antenna and the pull down cord they want 112 dollars, CANADIAN!!! thats alot of money.

I think I might go for the weed wacker too, don't know yet.......
biker

[ebby53]

Rebuild kit (cable)...$14.32
Bolt kit........................6.28
Total $20.60

[86IROCNJ]

Interesting! I was looking for this info since my car is all apart right now anyway so i figured i would tackle this too. Mine has not worked in over 3 years! Now, do you think that i should get the whole antenna or just the rebuild kit? What if it does not respond to the rebuild kit? Madmax, do you think the whole thing will fit on an 86 Camaro fender? I am sure they are the same but i just figured i would ask if you knew of a difference. Thanks for all of the info guys.

[84Z28_5.7ltr_V8]

im pretty sure that the inside cable comes with a new antenna as well, but the way im doing it is to just take the existing broken cord and get it off the antenna then just try to find a think weed whacker cable and clamp it on.

[Bounty600]

Originally Posted by Brad91Formula

I just fixed my power antenna about a month ago. The problem with my antenna was that the cable inside broke and the antenna motor continuously ran leaving the antenna stuck up. The job was kinda a pain in the *** for what it is worth. Here's a basic summary of what I had to do:

I first had to remove the wheel and inner fender lining. The big problem was that the antenna was stuck in the up position. I found that it is virtually impossible to removed the entire assembly with the mast stuck in the up position. After messing around with the mast I got it to completely retract down. The trick to that is to rotate the mast while pushing down on it to free up the broken cable inside the motor housing. Once down it comes right out after loosening the lower support bolt and the upper ring. I still had the wires to contend with and did not want to cut them. For that I had to unhook the relay plug and pull the antenna wire from the back of the radio which involved taking off two passenger side dash panels and the lower right kick panel. Once I got it out of there I took it over to the workbench and cracked it open. Had to remove 5 clips and drill out 4 rivets to do so. Once I got it open I could see the broken cable down inside the gear track. Once it was apart the top part of the mast and cable pull right out the rest of the mast. The only real tough part to putting in the new cable and upper mast is getting it to stay in the track because it will want to pop out. Trust me when you put it back together you will need a second person, one to hold the cable and one to put the two housing half back together.

Kinda sketchy but I didn't want to bore you with the all the little details. Now as far as I know GM does not make exact replacement power antennas for out cars anymore. I looked high and low for one without any success. That is why I rebuilt mine, otherwise I would have got a new one. If you just need a new cable the part number is 22038195. Should be able to get it through www.gmpartsdirect.com I had some pictures up a while ago of the antenna dismantled but I took them down. If anyone wants to see them I can email them. Good luck.

I would like to see those pictures too. If you have some time that would be terrific!
Many Thanks,
John

[Jetmeck]

Originally Posted by ebby53

22020281 is the bolt kit for the rebuild..
22038195 is the rebuild kit......Cable etc...just bought one from my friendly Pontiac Dealer and it is in my hand as I type this....

fits 1986 Firebird and Camero power antennas, and more...

Please what is this bolt kit you reference ? Thx

[ur7x]

Bolt kit LOL!!!

The bolt kit is 5 small 1/2" long bolts and nuts that you use to replace the drillout rivits to open up the antenna case... There is nothing special about these nuts and bolts... 10¢ hardward from Homedepot will do just fine...

And as was posted above the mast and cable part works on all third gens...

In fact the mast also works on ALL G-bodies and I have used it to repair a 92 Toronado and a 90 Cadillac Allante... It also works fine for upto 1997 Eldorado and Sevilles.

[Titan85]

Well, here is another question. Has anyone found new antenna masts for our cars? I called the dealer, but they only sell the entire unit ($225). I have been looking through junk yards, but no luck yet. Hoping someone still sells them. Thanks

[wqcode]

A few years back I installed antenna rebuild kit GM# 22038195 in my 89 Turbo T/A. It was a pretty easy install.

[quickmedic1]

Ecklers and classic industries have them.
http://www.ecklerscamaro.com/product...dept%5Fid=1005

[Mike M]

Thanks for all the help guys. I am ordering all the parts today and I will make detailed notes and take lots of pics. I'll post everything after the job gets done.
Mike

[jaykar]

As stated previosly that the replacement for these
antennas from GM/Auto stores ect were hitting part
of the body is correct.

Have done three or four for our cars, 1 direct replacement
from GM parts direct, rest checkers, Autozone ect.
All had same problem.

Cure
Just rotate housing until it clears and uprite position and
fab up a new bracket. Used 1" heavy duty plumbers strap.
Very easy to do once hands on.
Took longer to remove tire, inner fenderwell and splice
wires than make the bracket.
Probably should have taken pic of it back then.
Still have three bad masts lying around somewhere was
going to kit

HTH

Later

[Shinobi'sZ]

Until finding this thread I pulled every fuse to get the motor to stop...but no joy. But after finding this thread that explained that there was/is a relay located on the passenger side behind the kick panel. I traced the wires from the attenna to verify that the wires went to the relay (grey, green, white) and pulled the plug....mission accomplished.

However I do remember when it happened on my 87 IROC that I simply pulled a fuse.

Interestingly I grabbed the attenna (fully retracted) with a pair of needle nose pliers and pulled it out of the hole. I now have a manual retractable attenna...but I am running a satellite radio so I don't even need the attenna up.

The problem was with the attenna motor constantly on (after breaking) it was interefering with my portable sirius (electrical noise intereference). Had I just pulled the relay first I could have left the attenna fully retracted in the recepitcal....it goes down now but for some reason doesn't fully sink (retract) into the hole....now it is just a 3" stubby. I

I have to order some misc. parts...I will order a attenna rebuild kit and replace it someday..until then I actually get better reception with satellite radio with the car radio attenna down....due to the fact it is receiving terrestrial signals as strong.

Any way of getting the attenna to fully retract into the receptical? I can't get down all of the way.

Thanks

[madmax]

Probably cant get the antenna back down without fiddling around a lot or taking the housing apart and feeding the cable back into place. The nylon cable/cord that the antenna is moved with breaks near the end away from the antenna and once you pull it up, its hard to push it back in because it has to wind around the center spool in the housing. Maybe if you hook up the power while trying to push it down that might help.

Originally Posted by jaykar

As stated previosly that the replacement for these
antennas from GM/Auto stores ect were hitting part
of the body is correct.

Have done three or four for our cars, 1 direct replacement
from GM parts direct, rest checkers, Autozone ect.
All had same problem.

Cure
Just rotate housing until it clears and uprite position and
fab up a new bracket. Used 1" heavy duty plumbers strap.
Very easy to do once hands on.
Took longer to remove tire, inner fenderwell and splice
wires than make the bracket.
Probably should have taken pic of it back then.
Still have three bad masts lying around somewhere was
going to kit

HTH

Later

That might work on a Camaro, but would not on a Firebird. There is no extra space between the inner body and the fender to get the motor to fit. I know, I tried. I rotated it, flipped it around, didnt work. No matter the position, it did not clear the fender and the body.

[87350IROC]

Does anybody have the instructions from the rebuild kit? I bought a new mast but it doesn't come with instructions. Just wondering if there any tricks or if you have to index the drive gear. So can someone scan the instructions and post them up?

Thanks,

John

[injdinjn]

Does anybody have the instructions from the rebuild kit? I bought a new mast but it doesn't come with instructions. Just wondering if there any tricks or if you have to index the drive gear. So can someone scan the instructions and post them up?
Thanks,
John

Here you go.
http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...r-antenna.html

What part number and where did you get it.

[86blackiroc]

Originally Posted by 87350IROC

Does anybody have the instructions from the rebuild kit? I bought a new mast but it doesn't come with instructions. Just wondering if there any tricks or if you have to index the drive gear. So can someone scan the instructions and post them up?

Thanks,

John

Last year, I bought a new mast from GM. It came with instructions and it sounded like a pain in the butt. I sent it back and bought the whole assembly (although it's different in appearance). IIRC the cost wasn't much more.

[injdinjn]

89 GTA power antenna repair
Replaced the cable and top mast section.
Got the parts from Eckler's Corvette Parts http://www.ecklers.com/

Part No 29285 Rod Kit, Ant repair, 78L-87

Fit just fine. The finial (cap on the top of the mast) is different but will work. The thread patterns are different so I ran a 4-40NC die over the new mast and my old finial screwed on just fine.
The J hook on the reel end needed a little fine tuning, GMs is cut square, these are cut with with a tool that leaves a V shape. A little filing and bent the J to fit the curve of the reel better and all seems to work.

For testing before reinstalling from the battery here are the wire connections
For UP Grn is + Grey is -
For DOWN Grn is - Wht is +

I used #12 bolts and nuts and internal star lock washers exc the center one. Used a #10 for that and ground down a nut. That center bolt has to hold like the rivet did, do not bolt to the outer portion of the case as that will put pressure on the reel.

Then thank GM for making it so easy to R&R.

[RJ_Moore]

Hi, my 85 Camaro had a fixed antenna mast, and I bought a Camaro power antenna, but my installer can't get it to fit. Any instructions, diagrams available anywhere?

I need your help. Richard.

[RJ_Moore]

Aftermarket are not supposed to fit, according to my installer, and finally found two new GM power antennae for my 85 and 87 Camaros. Got them and handed one over to one of my installers, and because the 85 came with a mast antenna, I have had to add a power antenna relay. When it comes it will raise the power antenna up with the radio is turned on, and down, when the radio is turned off.

[Drew]

All of the thirdgens I've had, have all been wired for the power antenna relay. Add the relay, connect any aftermarket power antenna, and fabricate the mounting bracket, and it'll work.

[eseibel67]

No it won't. All aftermarket antennas I have seen do not have a mast that is long enough to reach through the oval shaped hole in the fender. Aftermarket units have the motor too far up the mast, so tomake it fit, it would require some metal hacking. Because of this, I bought GM part# 22048583 to repair the broken plastic whip in the old unit.

If some one has a manufacturer name and part # of an aftermarket antenna that fits through the body hole, I would like to see it.

[scottmoyer]

Reread what Drew said. He said that you need to fabricate the mounting for it to fit and then it would work. I'm not familiar with aftermarket power antennas and how they fit, but I feel your saying the same thing Drew is.

[eseibel67]

The mounting bracket is the easy part. The problem is that the aftermarket antennas won't fit through the oval body hole. If anyone can find an aftermaket piece that fits without cutting the body, please advise. Picture would be nice, too.

[Drew]

What I was getting at is that even the OEM antenna is somewhat universal. Figure out the mounting and wire it into the relay and any power antenna should work. Of course if it simply won't fit in the space available, then it won't fit, but that's not what I was getting at. Adapting it to the car is about the only obstacle.

[scottmoyer]

I find it ironic that this is a recent thread here and my antenna broke again today. I had to disconnect the motor to shut it down. I've replaced the cable 2x already and this will be the third. I might have to go permanent mast if this continues. Especially since the repair kit is discontinued. The last time, the nylon separated from the metal connector due to a bad crimp. I'm hoping it's a similar issue this time as I think I have a fix for that!!!

[Drew]

Do you clean it and lube the mast with motor oil regularly?

Hmm, that sounds bad... /nohomo