A while back I asked for advice on replacement power antennas. That thread turned into a discussion on how to repair a power antenna which I thought was a possibility back then. I now tried to put power back into it and the thing is dead. We tested it at a local shop (the guy there has a lot of experience with these cars and has replaced many antennas) and it is indeed dead. So we clipped the antenna and took it out.

I had a replacement I got from the junk yard. An original Delco antenna, like new and works like a charm. But it isn't a direct fit for a Trans Am (the part number would appear to be 5049996). The metal tube housing the telescope mast is thicker and shorter. The thickness wasn't a problem, we drilled a bit and made it work. But the length... Well, it's about two darn inches too short (that sounds familiar....I must hear it a lot from the ladies.....)! We simply couldn't get it to work, no matter how much we tried to make extra space.

There are external threads on the top of the mast so it actually would work if there would be a nut like Delco's 10024259 (which is the original power antenna nut) but with internal threads. But apparently there isn't. If someone knows differently, I'd really appreciate it.

But it does look like I'm gonna have to get a new antenna and it would have to be one where the metal tube is long enough. So, again, I'm looking for a replacement antenna and it would have to be from someone who can ship internationally (unfortunately rules out GM Parts Direct). Any recommendations, any experiences?

Not that it would help much, but attached is a picture of the two antennas next to each other, so you can see the problem.

Oh yeah, and if anyone knows what car that newer antenna might have come out from, that info would be nice as well. Might sell it after getting a decent replacement. I know some of you have changed to fixed antennas. Might be a nice choice, but not for me. I currently have a short fixed antenna there and I hate it.... I want my power antenna!

 

And while on the subject, is it really true that the original GM parts 88891017 and 88891020 don't work on a Firebird (hit the body/fender as mentioned in the Power Antenna Rebuild thread)? How about 22048583?