Power Antenna rebuild thread....
#152
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Not sure what you mean by messes up the cable. Can you explain a bit more what's happening and when? You shouldn't plug the unit back in unless the antenna casing is completely closed up again. If it isn't closed up, the roll up wheel may bounce out of sequence and cause the entire system to keep running and cause a mess. There is an internal switch that senses fully up or fully down when there is tension on the cable. If there is no tension, the motor keeps running.
#153
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
I have a feeling the cable might not be spooled tightly on the drum when reassembled, then the cable is getting entwined on itself and knotting up.
#154
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
I gave this a shot today and did not have any luck with pipe solder. What did you guys use? The solder just runs off the piece. It won't hold to the galvanized cable either. I may have to take it to get welded. Any suggestions?
Last edited by 82tarecaro; 07-20-2013 at 11:26 PM.
#155
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Flux and the parts need to be heated properly. hot solder and cold parts with no flux =s no sticky
#157
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
And for some, that is the way to go. For me, I need to keep my car look original as it's a low mile car. It's not perfect, but years from now, nobody will look at my car and be able to list the non original parts.
The guys contact info at the AACA website is below. He emailed me his address and phone number, but I don't want to list that here. Tell him I gave you his contact info so he doesn't get paranoid.
email = Barney@texas.net
Here's the thread I found.
http://forums.aaca.org/f200/power-an...ir-306414.html
The guys contact info at the AACA website is below. He emailed me his address and phone number, but I don't want to list that here. Tell him I gave you his contact info so he doesn't get paranoid.
email = Barney@texas.net
Here's the thread I found.
http://forums.aaca.org/f200/power-an...ir-306414.html
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Wow...what a lasting problem. I just found this thread today after taking my GTA out for the first time in 6-9 months and it broke on me this morning. I've been pulling the accy fuse every time when getting out of it to turn the motor off.
The steel cable certainly seems like the option. The only thing I wonder about is over time the rough and hard surface of the steel cable wearing into the nylon spool/gear and eventually failing it. Maybe no one will drive there car enough to realize that but I figured it might be a possibility. Maybe that is why the one guy mentioned uses plastic coated steel cable? If Home Depot doesn't have that I bet McMaster does and it likely wouldn't be too much. Unless they make you buy 1000' of it... Or maybe another option would be to glue some brass shim stock to the rubbing surface of the spool.
In addition to wearing the spool maybe it could wear through the thin walled tubing of the mast and cause it to hang? Just some thoughts about longevity for infrequently driven 20-25 year old cars...
I'm going to see about removing mine this weekend and pull it apart.
The steel cable certainly seems like the option. The only thing I wonder about is over time the rough and hard surface of the steel cable wearing into the nylon spool/gear and eventually failing it. Maybe no one will drive there car enough to realize that but I figured it might be a possibility. Maybe that is why the one guy mentioned uses plastic coated steel cable? If Home Depot doesn't have that I bet McMaster does and it likely wouldn't be too much. Unless they make you buy 1000' of it... Or maybe another option would be to glue some brass shim stock to the rubbing surface of the spool.
In addition to wearing the spool maybe it could wear through the thin walled tubing of the mast and cause it to hang? Just some thoughts about longevity for infrequently driven 20-25 year old cars...
I'm going to see about removing mine this weekend and pull it apart.
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
So McMaster does have an assortment of plastic coated "wire rope" (aka: steel cable). They have nylon coated, vinyl coated, and polypropylene coated versions with the nylon and vinyl available in 3/32" post-coated sizes. The only kicker is the minimum length to buy is 25' but at $0.39 per ft that's still less than $10. More than a few inches from Home Depot but should last forever if the steel isn't already going to (IE: wear of other parts due to steel on plastic). I would think you could just remove a bit of the coating near each end for the soldering (and likely some more will burn away with the heat) and follow the same procedure.
Go to www.mcmaster.com and enter PN: 8923T125 to see the 3/32" nylon coated type. I'd think nylon is likely what the original plastic cable was made out of?
Go to www.mcmaster.com and enter PN: 8923T125 to see the 3/32" nylon coated type. I'd think nylon is likely what the original plastic cable was made out of?
#160
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
I am going to try the 3/32 coated cable from Home Depot. I just hope it is not too thick. I purchased uncoated and thought about the wear issue and I will be going back to purchase the coated cable. I am waiting for my acid flux to be delivered so I can give it a try again.
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
The problem with the plastic coated stuff is it gets brittle and flakes off, maybe cause a jam up?
Maybe someone can make a billet wheel?
Maybe someone can make a billet wheel?
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
I think I've seen some plastic coated stuff flake off though I think it's been on things like dog yard chain/stakes or bike lock cables and maybe UV exposure plays a part in that? What kind of coating is on the stuff at home depot?
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
I don't think the drum would be the first thing to wear with a steel cable. It would be the two halves of the motor case, right at the point between the drum and where the cable exits the case.
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Ok, so I've gotta ask... I've got an '88 IROC-Z, low miles (34k) and in pristine condition. I've got the same problem with the power antenna that you guys are describing above - motor runs constantly, but the mast never comes up. So based on what you guys have said, sounds like the nylon cable in the mast itself has snapped. I'm into it now, got the fender skirt pealed back and the power antenna motor unbolted (one bolt) from against the body, leaving the brace still attached to the motor itself. Problem is - is the complete assembly I.e. the mast tube housing (if that's a correct description?) and the motor together is too long and won't slide out of the through hole that's in the top of the fender. Obviously I'm trying to avoid yanking the fender off. Any suggestions as to how to get the motor out of there without doing so is greatly appreciated! 👍😎
#167
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Ok, so I've gotta ask... I've got an '88 IROC-Z, low miles (34k) and in pristine condition. I've got the same problem with the power antenna that you guys are describing above - motor runs constantly, but the mast never comes up. So based on what you guys have said, sounds like the nylon cable in the mast itself has snapped. I'm into it now, got the fender skirt pealed back and the power antenna motor unbolted (one bolt) from against the body, leaving the brace still attached to the motor itself. Problem is - is the complete assembly I.e. the mast tube housing (if that's a correct description?) and the motor together is too long and won't slide out of the through hole that's in the top of the fender. Obviously I'm trying to avoid yanking the fender off. Any suggestions as to how to get the motor out of there without doing so is greatly appreciated! 👍😎
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
It has to come out through the bottom. Take out the trim nut on top of the fender holding the mast and the bolt holding the assembly inside the fender. Then you have to disconnect the antenna and either go inside the car and disconnect the three power wires or do like I did and snip them and install a connector in the fender area to make servicing easier. Then the whole assembly can be maneuvered out the bottom where the fender skirt is that you peeled back for access.
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
See my thread for some tips on removing and fixing the antenna.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...o-trans-9.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...o-trans-9.html
Last edited by 89camario; 05-06-2014 at 10:13 PM. Reason: Spelling.
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
When i repaired my antenna it was much easier to remove/refit the antenna if i removed the Fuel injection harness that goes inside the car in front of the antenna. Its easy to do from inside the car, just remove the kickpanel and then the u-shaped clip for the harness. But first remove the negative on the battery so you dont short out the harness when you move it. From that point it was possible to remove the antenna assy with the mast extended. Hope it helps!
#172
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
See my thread for some tips on removing and fixing the antenna.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...o-trans-9.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...o-trans-9.html
#173
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
See my thread for some tips on removing and fixing the antenna.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...o-trans-9.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...o-trans-9.html
#176
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
See my thread for some tips on removing and fixing the antenna.
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...o-trans-9.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/memb...o-trans-9.html
#177
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
There are 2 limit switches in there - a high limit and low limit. When the motor spins all the way in one direction and cannot spin any longer, it causes tension on the motor shaft, tripping the limit switch. If yours keeps spinning then it was not assembled properly because once it reaches the end of its travel it cannot spin anymore, unless something is broke, or assembled improperly.
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
There are 2 limit switches in there - a high limit and low limit. When the motor spins all the way in one direction and cannot spin any longer, it causes tension on the motor shaft, tripping the limit switch. If yours keeps spinning then it was not assembled properly because once it reaches the end of its travel it cannot spin anymore, unless something is broke, or assembled improperly.
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
I just checked it out... I see now what you guys are saying. Wow, it takes a lot of load to trip the limit switches in either direction! No wonder that Steel cable pulled out. Gonna have to crimp it and let that epoxy set up really well.
#182
Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Just reading... my antenna broke too! I bought a whole new assembly, traced the wires back. Wow, GM had alot of Extra wire, cause my old antenna wire goes all-about the interrior of my dash, and my pwr/sig/neg go to a relay under the dash.
I am getting a New MP3 radio (but looks original), what did this realay do? Can I just omit it, and go srtaight from my new antenna to the new stereo?
I am getting a New MP3 radio (but looks original), what did this realay do? Can I just omit it, and go srtaight from my new antenna to the new stereo?
#183
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Just reading... my antenna broke too! I bought a whole new assembly, traced the wires back. Wow, GM had alot of Extra wire, cause my old antenna wire goes all-about the interrior of my dash, and my pwr/sig/neg go to a relay under the dash.
I am getting a New MP3 radio (but looks original), what did this realay do? Can I just omit it, and go srtaight from my new antenna to the new stereo?
I am getting a New MP3 radio (but looks original), what did this realay do? Can I just omit it, and go srtaight from my new antenna to the new stereo?
#184
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Hey guys, doing the rebuild and having trouble getting the ball off the top mast. I tried holding the top mast section with pliars and using a 9/32 socket to get the ball loose and have had no luck. Any tricks to this or advice?
#185
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Using pliers might damage the finish on the ball. If you don't care, that's fine, but just wanted to let you know. The way I did it was to use vice grips on the ball and the mast. The top mast piece will be replaced if you bought the repair kit. If you are doing what others have done and replacing the nylon with a cable, use care with the top mast so as not to crimp it since you will be reusing it. Try spraying it with some WD40 and see if that helps release it. Just be careful. You can also try using a vice to stabilize the mast while you carefully twist the ball off with vice grips.
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
I know this is an old posting, but I hoping some can help me out. I have an 88 iroc with 35k original miles, and the power antenna will no longer go up. i bought an AC Delco antenna mast on Amazon. Although Amazon says it fits, it does not have the same mounting tab. The part number I purchased is 22048583. Does anyone know what I can do to get the right part or make this one fit? I've attached a picture that I found on the web to show the issue. Mine is like the one with the mounting tab that is pictured on the left. Thanks.
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
#190
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Morning all.
Here are the links to a thread and the vendor I posted on Turbotransam.com. It's an great replacement for the ENTIRE UNIT. Check it out. I bought 2 units for cheap.
Bob
http://www.turbotransam.com/forum/in...-antenna.7708/
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk.../56003151.html
Here are the links to a thread and the vendor I posted on Turbotransam.com. It's an great replacement for the ENTIRE UNIT. Check it out. I bought 2 units for cheap.
Bob
http://www.turbotransam.com/forum/in...-antenna.7708/
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk.../56003151.html
#191
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Morning all.
Here are the links to a thread and the vendor I posted on Turbotransam.com. It's an great replacement for the ENTIRE UNIT. Check it out. I bought 2 units for cheap.
Bob
http://www.turbotransam.com/forum/in...-antenna.7708/
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk.../56003151.html
Here are the links to a thread and the vendor I posted on Turbotransam.com. It's an great replacement for the ENTIRE UNIT. Check it out. I bought 2 units for cheap.
Bob
http://www.turbotransam.com/forum/in...-antenna.7708/
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk.../56003151.html
I may pick one up as well.
#192
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Morning all.
Here are the links to a thread and the vendor I posted on Turbotransam.com. It's an great replacement for the ENTIRE UNIT. Check it out. I bought 2 units for cheap.
Bob
http://www.turbotransam.com/forum/in...-antenna.7708/
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk.../56003151.html
Here are the links to a thread and the vendor I posted on Turbotransam.com. It's an great replacement for the ENTIRE UNIT. Check it out. I bought 2 units for cheap.
Bob
http://www.turbotransam.com/forum/in...-antenna.7708/
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk.../56003151.html
#194
Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
Found this didn't work as well for my 88 Conv, found the AutopartsWarehouse to work much better without the high mast attachment. The autopartswarehouse one is for a jeep, fits and plugs right into the 88Conv harness
#196
Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
My post makes sense, though the Autoparts is complete unit is for a jeep, it fits like a glove into the 88 conv, even plugs into the underdash relay without altering it.
The other mast by http://www.antennamastsrus.com has the antenna attachment way too high on the mast, it had an interference fit problem on the inter fender hole, which you could modify the hole, but that is a whole lot of work.
The other mast by http://www.antennamastsrus.com has the antenna attachment way too high on the mast, it had an interference fit problem on the inter fender hole, which you could modify the hole, but that is a whole lot of work.
#197
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
In for info
#198
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Re: Power Antenna rebuild thread....
OK, here goes. Here are the pictures. The replacement antenna retracts completely into the fend like the OEM did. The length,size, 3section mast, motor assembly,and mount tab bracket is identical.
There is two differences though, no biggie.
1. The antenna cable is shorter than original, but just use your old one
2. 3 pin Power connector is shorter than original, again, add to it if needed.
Below is details of a EXACT MATCH OF ENTIRE UNIT for our cars available at Auto Parts Warehouse.
It is listed for a Jeep Grand Cherokee, years I believe is 88-92. This was when Jeep was changing from American Motors to Chrysler/Dodge. They used the same assembly as the 82-92 Camaro/Firebirds.
This unit is a direct fit with relay plug, antenna cable,and fender grommet.
It is available for $78ish.
There is two differences though, no biggie.
1. The antenna cable is shorter than original, but just use your old one
2. 3 pin Power connector is shorter than original, again, add to it if needed.
Below is details of a EXACT MATCH OF ENTIRE UNIT for our cars available at Auto Parts Warehouse.
It is listed for a Jeep Grand Cherokee, years I believe is 88-92. This was when Jeep was changing from American Motors to Chrysler/Dodge. They used the same assembly as the 82-92 Camaro/Firebirds.
This unit is a direct fit with relay plug, antenna cable,and fender grommet.
It is available for $78ish.
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