Ok well I'm assuming this 1991 Pontiac Firebird I just bought has one because my other 1991 I had did have it also. How the heck do you get to the power antenna? Do you have to take the Fender off? Because the power antenna is not working and I'm getting like terrible reception because the antenna is messed up. Please help, thanks.

 

On the Camaros, you can remove the plastic wheel well lining on the pass front wheel and get to it in the fender - but I'm no 'Bird specialist.

 

you *might* be able to access it by taking the fender liner off. i cant remember bc my trans am has a fender vent.

either way, i'd recommend converting it to manual. the electric is cool until it keeps breaking.

 

yes you can access it by taking off the plastic inner fender. pull the plastic and easy access. the new cables are cheap and dont take to much time to replace. Or go with a fixed mast. Your choice. Good luck

 

I was playing with mine about 2 weeks ago - I had snagged a power antenna from a Caddy at the JY, and was able to get in in there, but when I got juice to it, it turned out to be a dud - it would move up & down, but not completely up or completely down.

Since I don't have a garage, and rely on a cover, getting a power unit would be nice - since I seem to always forget to get the antenna off the windshield wiper until after I'm rolling down the road

 

Well first I'm gonna see exactly why the antenna isn't working. Maybe it will be something easy to fix on it, otherwise someone on Ebay sells a new power antenna for the third gen birds for $70 so I'll probably go that direction. Is it tough to install if I do end up needing to? Well hopefully it's just something simple that's gone wrong with the antenna motor, because I do like having it hidden away. Man I am glad I talked to all you guys first lol because I was getting ready to pull the whole fender off! Lol what an idiot I am.

Steve

 

I ended up buying a brand new power antenna right from advanceautoparts, it was only $50! I couldn't believe it, I was going to pay $80 on Ebay. I'm so excited! Gonna put it in tomorrow, I can't wait! I'll let everyone know how it works out.

 

How did this turn out, I'm also looking to replace mine. Thanks, Ben

 

stratmaster - you have to remove the tire and inner fender skirt. It attaches with about 9 or 10 screws (7mm head) and three clips (which you will destroy getting off the car). Antenna is inside the fender. You’ll need a 10mm socket on at least a 6” ratchet extension (1/4” drive).

Note that the housing that holds the retracted antenna is 13” long. The two aftermarket antennas I tried have a housing that is only 9”. I don’t understand because they both claimed to be for a 91 Firebird. They lied.

I am either going to get an in dash antenna or just swap may receiver for a Bluetooth one because I usually just play Apple Music in the car. Antenna DOES work, I just have to manually extend it.

Quite honestly I’ve taken that fender skirt off twice, don’t know if I want to tackle it again.

Hope that helps.

 

replying to a 15 year old thread....

 

Yeah caught that right after I hit submit hahaha. Better late than never 😀

 

When I bought my 89 Formula back in 2024 the antenna was completely missing. So I temporarily installed a fixed antenna. Recently I was researching power antennas for it and there is no aftermarket that is a direct fit. The ones that they say will work you will have to make your own brackets to mount it since it is shorter.