speedmachine

iTrader: (5)

Hi

My car had a power antenna factory once apon a time. but now i just have the base antenna. I have heard that the factory antennas were notorious for breaking.
I would like to get another power antenna. Should i go with a factory or aftermarket one?

Speed

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

My OEM replacement has worked well for a number of years.

JamesC

speedmachine

iTrader: (5)

what did it cost you james?

speed

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

Humm, well, it's been several years ago. I want to say $120--but I can't be sure.

JamesC

3.8TransAM

If your motor still works I highly suggest u get the antanaee repair kit.

If u opt to get the motor it is no longer a specific fit for our cars and it looks like crap. It now fits like 20 diff GM cars/trucks.

Always litely lubing the ant mast will increase life greatly after cleaning.

later
Jeremy

speedmachine

iTrader: (5)

hi

my rpos say i had one
but not anymore. I would like to get another one. i was wondering whether factory gm dealer is better than aftermarket?

Speed

speedmachine

iTrader: (5)

are you aying that i should go to a junkyard.. get a factory one and buy the reapir kit over buying new gm?

Speed

Guest

Is the repair kit still available? I thought they discontinued that.

speedmachine

iTrader: (5)

Yep
I know that a few of the thirdgen parts sites carry it.

Speed

PAformula

iTrader: (1)

What's is the best lube to use on these? WD-40?

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

I believe engine oil is recommended.

JamesC

Trans It

The plastic cable is usually what breaks in the originals. From what I understand, the repro GM's have issues. If you have a good original assembly the GM repair kit is the way to go. You have to drill out the housing rivets and remove the old broken cable which is attached to the top antenna mast (the skinny section). Note: if the lower portion of the mast assembly is broken (the fatter part of the mast) you can't rebuild the unit. Overall, these things are a big pain in the butt. That's why I got a no-muss, no-fuss original style stationary mount.

IROCZTWENTYGR8

iTrader: (1)

Are the original antenna's black or chrome? I know mine still works good.

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

Mine was chrome. Seems to me that the fixed-masts were black.

JamesC

labrat

Mine is chrome as well, and I'm fortunate that it still works!

V6canvas

iTrader: (1)

Mine is chrome as well and works great. It did get slightly bent some how and only goes about 1/2 - 2/3 of the up. If you didn't know that it should be higher, you probably wouldn't notice.

KRUSS

Be careful to NEVER use engine oil on fine parts (like the overlapping sections of a power antenna mast). 90 times out of 100 these things break because dirt builds up on the overlapping sections of the antenna mast creating more friction than the system is designed to see. This leads to the eventual failure of either the drive cable or the drive gear (both plastic) due to their inability to overcome the resistance created by the contamination on the overlapping mast sections (the same will happen if any of the individual sections become bent). Engine oils attract dirt and debris when exposed to the outside environment (especially since your antenna gets smacked by everything kicked-up on the road by traffic in front of you) and is not suitable for use on antenna sections. Use only an extremely light duty lubricant/cleaner like WD-40 because you’re really not trying to lubricate the mast sections as much as keep them clean of debris and grime. I’ve had 5 Gm cars all with power antennas and have yet to replace/repair a single antenna since I’ve been using WD-40 to keep them clean (and lightly lubricated). I received this advice directly from GM’s SOP (standard operating procedure) manual used by service techs @ GM’s Milford proving grounds and it’s served me well for over 20 years of power antenna use. Rule of thumb with power antenna masts: keep them clean and only LIGHTLY lubricated. After all, you don’t want your power antenna mast to become a dirt magnet by using heavy lubricants.

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for the correction. From my shop manual :

If antenna is dirty, clean it first, then wipe with a cloth dampened with light oil. May require several operations of antenna before it comes clean.

JamesC

86NiteRider

iTrader: (10)

If I don't have one and want to install one do I have to remove the fender to install?

Jay87Z

iTrader: (2)

Yeah I'm pretty sure. I've pulled fenders off of my car before, and I really don't see any other way to get to the antenna.

Its not a big thing, fenders are probably the easiest body panel to get off.

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

I replaced my power antenna through the wheel well.

JamesC

RPOZ28

I've been using a light film of Marvel Mystery oil on my mast for 12 years now on the advice of my local GM dealer.Although slightly tweaked,it still works great.........now the rest of the sound system,thats a different story!!
...........................BILL

KRUSS

No. On a Camaro, you can go in through the passenger-side fenderwell (I suspect the same is true for the Firebirds as well). You'll have to remove the plastic fender liner which will require the removal of the plastic push-pins that hold the fender liner to the wheel well flange (remember to pick up some extra push-pins because you'll likely ruin most, if not all, of them when removing the fender liner). Once the fender liner is removed, the power antenna fits right in the space between the fender and the A-pillar apron (which is what the door hinges are screwed to). The antenna attaches at the top with a bushing and threaded retainer ring that threads onto the antenna housing from the top of the fender (painted side) and at the bottom with an "L" bracket that is screwed into an existing hole in the lower fender apron. Please note that GM no longer makes a direct-replacement power antenna for third-generation cars (they sell one under the same GM service part number, but it’s a generic antenna which takes a lot of cobbling to make work) so your best bet is to find one at a bone yard off a third-gen Firebird or Camaro and rebuild it before installing it onto your car.

JamesC

iTrader: (5)

Squirt the pins with WD-40, then use two flat-bladed screw drivers (the push-pins are notched) to pry them upward, and they should pop out with little difficulty.

JamesC

Midwest Muscle

The power antenna on my '85 IROC with 3,800 miles on it works like a champ. Not so lucky with my '89 TTA (1,206 mile) or the '82 Corvette (454 miles). Go IROC!!