GM Power Antenna Repair – Replace Cable – Motor runs all the time

GM Power Antenna Repair – Replace Cable – Motor runs all the time

In this video, I replace the cable which pushes and pulls the antenna mast up and down.

When this plastic cable breaks, the antenna motor will run constantly and eventually burn out, after discharging the battery several times.

Often, when getting an older car going, you will find that the antenna has been disconnected to stop the motor. After replacing the broken cable, you will probably have to locate and reconnect the wiring.

The parts which I used came from Zip Corvette parts. The part number and contact information is below:

The replacement cable is reasonably priced compared to a new antenna assmebly. These antennas are very well built and you will not be able to purchase any aftermarket antenna mechanism that even comes close to this quality.

Zip Corvette
Part # A-330
Antenna Mast Repair Cable
www.zip-corvette.com

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Comments

Tim McElheny says:

Great video, thanks for posting. Very helpful

Puppet Master says:

Thank you for the video. My 1999 Cadillac D'Elegance Deville is basically the same gut's. My cable is broken as well. I was lost till I seen your video

Marty says:

Hey thanks, I have 5 antennas that don't work so I'll be fixing them all. The motors are all good just no up and down motion. Great video and thanks again!

Joanne Murray says:

Good job. I like with yours that I could see everything inside the antenna mechanism. I wasn't going to watch the whole video but I enjoyed what you were doing and you have a nice voice. It was actually quite calming just watching the work you were doing. Well done for being the first time you did this.

Tom Jones says:

This is the same antenna as a 1982 corvette. Glad I saw this because I thought you had to buy the entire collapsible portion. The solid rod with nylon cable is still available.

MCOTIB says:

Came to learn how the motor worked; stayed for the tool work. Great video!

Mario D says:

little chaos on the work banch but topic is helpful. thanks for share it.
how many years you work did last?

badgasser says:

great job good coverage from start to finish, just pulled out my power antenna from my 82 toronado and will order the repair kit, and follow your steps, mine looks just like yours. thanks,

MrHevyshevy says:

I have a 89 trans am. Same problem. It’s stuck up. No pun intended.

alwaysopen says:

I did my 93 Fleetwood a couple of months ago; the company you want is http://www.antennamastsrus.com.
I think I used a 5/16 drill for the rivets. Mine is in the trunk so there was no need for silicone or bolts/screws.
The parts are OEM but labeled by whoever sells them. You can get them from GM for $$$ whereas I did the entire thing for $50.
That gear setup is a worm and pinion.
You are correct about the AC Delco unit being stout; yours is exposed to the elements. I can find one of those in any junkyard if need be.
Good video; there are a few confusing ones on here about it.

Marz Paz says:

David do you know if the this kit work for a 1987 Olds cutlass 442?

Aztec Warrior says:

Thanks for posting. I knew how these antenna work but never really need to find out how the limit switches worked but was always curious. Thanks for taking the time and actually showing that.

Wastemorechannel says:

Good job on the video and thorough instructions. Thanks

JoeyPete says:

This is awesome David! I have to fix the antenna on my new Salon lol. Of course it doesn't work.

Classic928S says:

Nice job. Was hoping to see what was involved in buying the repair kit and now, with watching your video, I think I'm going to order the kit and give it a try. Thank you, David!

Gololed says:

Thank You. Very helpful. Going to work on my 89 Brougham now.

gusszgs says:

Thanks a lot for doing the vid. I'm going to attempt to repair the power antenna on my 87 Buick very soon. I received the exact same repair cable from Zip this week.
Question though, what size screws did you use to replace the rivits with?

mr black6 says:

Ok,the way I ended up getting this done was to put the cable in the mast and extend it all the way. Then I put the halves together and used the motor to draw the cable in with a battery. + goes to gray. – goes to green. Just make sure to unhook the power once it's wound up.

mr black6 says:

See how nicely his new cable stayed in the gear. ….even when he had the gear out. Not mine. It was unraveling and flying all over which makes it impossible to get the case halves together.

Winton Bowman says:

Which wires did you hook to positive and negative??

Anthony Perez says:

This olimpia is new for you???

Anthony Perez says:

what happen with the rock n roll olds convertible???

compu85 says:

Interesting how GM did the antenna control. My Benz's original power antenna used an electronic current sensing circuit to tell when the mast was at a limit and turn the motor off. I replaced it with a Motorola CB combo antenna. I don't know how it turns the motor off, but it does have q clutch inside that clicks several times when the mast is at its limit.

lesdmark says:

Well that is a thing of beauty.

theRarePartsHunter says:

GM made Mast repair kits for Bent & Broken lower Masts, upper mast with Cable, as well as sold a replacement gear. A few different types of power antennas were used across GM vehicles. if you can't find new parts you can junk yard hunt for similar looking units and Frankenstein one. Mount brackets are car line, year and trim specific.

HUBBABUBBA DOOPYDOOP says:

David- same exact setup with a Reatta, and same failure mode, too. A Member of our Forum does this service for a few others, but substitutes a metal cable. We've never had such a concise repair video before, or a source for the part. Thank you so much! Your video has been linked over there, expect a few more hits.

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