Power Antenna Replacement??

[Just a Six?]

Ok guys how hard is this project?? I have new antenna & bracket sitting here & need the old core for BPG! I have the instructions from GNTtype & basically 5 10mm bolts with door open & 3 10mm under the hood & pray you don't screw it up??? Shop wants 2 hours so I figure I should have it done in 5 hours??   
 
Any tips besides take it to the shop??? 

[Steve Wood]

It is easy.  I usually loosen the bolts along the top of the fender (in the hood channel) so the fender can "swivel" when I pull it out from the bottom.  Use a block of wood to hold it open so it is easy to stick your hand in there...pay attention to what you are doing so you don't cut your arm on the sheet metal.

If it is a simply swap, then 30 min to an hour depending if you are stopping for a cold one during the job.

It seems some of the new ones don't have the bracket attached to the shaft and you have to tack that on.

I tried to buy one from Glen recently and he said all the replacement units he had recently tried were junk and he was looking for a better source.

[Just a Six?]

Thats encouraging!! I have the bracket & mine was replaced maybe 12-13 years ago & no rust so I'll take a stab at it!! I'll let my buddy stick his hand up there!! 
Thanks!     

[Just a Six?]

My bracket isnt Tacked On so does that mean I have to screw it to (not weld) the antenna mast first I assume? Then back into the top bolt hole to mount it? I'll take a good look at it in the AM. This is an original rebuilt unit from Brian.

[Steve Wood]

the originals are spot welded to the mast

[Just a Six?]

Crap!! I'll have to take a good look before I rip it apart!!

[Steve Wood]

It should be attached if it is an original antenna

[Just a Six?]

Sitting here looking at the new one. It uses 4 small screws to attach the bracket. I'll pull the old one & make sure it looks right. The bracket from GM lists Regal, Riviera, Caddy, Olds 88 & 98 Tornado etc. The motor looks brand new to me not like a rebuild but???
Lets see what I find in a few hours from now.

[Steve Wood]

sounds like a new motor....screw s should work

[Just a Six?]

Motor & bracket were the same from 12+ years ago except the antenna cable looked refurbished. Good news is from bringing out the tools to putting them away with a 15 min break it took 3 hours. it would have gone faster if it wasn't a LTD with the added chrome to loosen up. Also the instructions should mention to make sure the Antenna Bracket is lined up properly with the hole Before you put it half back together to realize its coming back apart!!   
 
On a side note I lost 2 bolt clips from inside the door. They are the bottom 2 bolts.
Actually I didn't lose them, they are now sitting in the shop instead of being attached to the fender!! Still pretty tight so I'm not too worried. When I get it painted one year they can go back on with my NOS sunroof rubber thats been sitting here in a box for 10 years!!
 
Thanks for giving me a push Steve because it saved me close to $200!! 
 
Since I wont see you at BPG I'll drink all your beer IOU!!        

[Steve Wood]

Just make sure that beer is cold...I shudder to think of it being warm!  this is one of those jobs that goes a lot faster the second time you do it

[Just a Six?]

Your right! I know on a GN I could now easily do it in under 2 hours.
Altho, my back would only allow it a couple times a year!! Not too bad tho considering the job. Later on it might tighten up but thats why they invented Flexeril!!! 
Thanks Again!! 

[Steve Wood]

beer always made me limber

[gordyzx9r]

I had mine replaced in '98 at the dealership...i t failed recently and had to be replaced, this is how they did it:

[Steve Wood]

need a fresh tetanus shot before working on that one