Hey guys, this is my first post on this board. I did a search to find out how to fix the power antenna on my car. It is a 1982 Recaro Trans Am. Anyway, I found some good info on the rebuild kit on an old thread. My question is, is there a special tool to remove the top ring off the antenna? I fear slipping with a screwdriver and scratching the fender.

Thanks

 

actually, yes , there is a special tool, I know snap on sells one, I'm not sure where else though

EDIT: here is one type
http://www.arizonatools.com/catalog/...200&catId=1394

and here is anoughter
http://www.arizonatools.com/catalog/...668&catId=1394

Maybe you could make friends with a dealer tech or a body shop man and borrow one?

 

Thanks dude!
I think I will buy the cheaper tool. I guess it is always something that is useful to have in the toolbox.(I will probably never use it again)

 

 

The mast is stuck in the up position. A previous owner cut a lead near the relay. When I was under there changing a heater core years ago, I put the wires back together, but the motor just runs.
I read some old threads and I bought the parts to rebuild it.
I think it is going to be a pain taking it out because it is up. I tried twisting it and pushing down like some others suggested, but I only got it to go half way down. I am trying real hard not to bend it.
Anybody have any suggestions on how to get it out when the mast is up?
Also, does anybody know where I can get an original radio harness for the car? It was cannibalized years ago(not by me) to put in an aftermarket radio.

 

ttt

 

Getting the antenna out while it is up can be a pain, but it can be done without breaking it. Once the top ring is off and the bolt holding the support arm is removed, you need to rotate the antenna so you can see the 2 little phillips screws that hold the coax cable to the antenna body, remove them, cut the 3 wires going to the antenna (leave enough on either end to splice to). Now you'll have to gently wiggle and pull the antenna to get it out, have someone on top try to guide the mast down the hole.
Once it is rebuilt (test it with a 12V power source) get a 4 wire trailer weather pack trailer connector (avialable at most auto stores and Wal-Mart) Splice the connectors to the wiring left in the fender area and the other end to the antenna's wires, this way when you have to remove it again (in about 5 years or so) you can just unplug the wires. Next is to reinstall the antenna.
I've done about a half dozen of these antenna repairs and this method works great.

 

Just a FYI. I sell the Antenna Wrench also.

Lon Salgren
Top-Down Solutions

 

THATS where I saw it! I couldn't remember where I'd just seen that thing.

BTW, great to do business with, Your kits are fantastic!

 

Thanks for the help. I am going to gtive it a try this week. I will let you know how it goes.

Lon, if I had known a member sold it, I would have gotten it from you. I already bought it though.

 

I just got finished fixing the power antenna. It worked out great!
Thanks guys.
Unfortunately, the car is throwing codes and running like a pig...I got some things to figure out.