Antenna access and or removal

[n29we]

Hi All - A quick question for you all. Whats involved in gaining access to the antenna mounted to right front fender. Looks like in might be a real pain! Like alot of you I'm not a fan of it there but to add to that the mast/whip is bent. I'll probably leave it there but I need to straighten or replace the whip. Thanks in advance for your help JimO

[Jonathan]

If it is only the mast itself that is bent, you can replace just that part without anything more than a wrench standing beside it.

The thread is universal and I found a replacement kit at Canadian Tire (maybe AutoZone for someone in the US) for about $15. It came with the lower section, maybe somewhat different, but it didn't matter because I didn't need it.

It may not have been initially obvious, but the mast unthreads from the base. Use two wrenches and hold the base firmly so it doesn't turn, and loosen the smaller top portion. Once loose, you can unthread it with your fingers. You can still reposition the lower portion from above if not centred well. Replacing the base entirely and getting at the wire might need to go from underneath, but that shouldn't be necessary with what you've described.

[DMCMW Dave]

Most fender antennas can be removed without taking the fender off. Think "toggle bolt" but instead of the toggle it's a bracket that rotates and will fit through the hole. Varies from car to car, don't force anything, don't bend the stainless.

[n29we]

If it is only the mast itself that is bent, you can replace just that part without anything more than a wrench standing beside it.

The thread is universal and I found a replacement kit at Canadian Tire (maybe AutoZone for someone in the US) for about $15. It came with the lower section, maybe somewhat different, but it didn't matter because I didn't need it.

It may not have been initially obvious, but the mast unthreads from the base. Use two wrenches and hold the base firmly so it doesn't turn, and loosen the smaller top portion. Once loose, you can unthread it with your fingers. You can still reposition the lower portion from above if not centred well. Replacing the base entirely and getting at the wire might need to go from underneath, but that shouldn't be necessary with what you've described.

Yes it just the mast I want to remove. It will not separate from the base. I have the whole unit removed from the car but the mast wont separate from the base, its infuriating, it just spins in the base and doesn't unthread. It might be time to just remove it altogether but I really don't want to go through the whole deal of mounting one on the back, I just wanted a straight mast.

[David T]

Yes it just the mast I want to remove. It will not separate from the base. I have the whole unit removed from the car but the mast wont separate from the base, its infuriating, it just spins in the base and doesn't unthread. It might be time to just remove it altogether but I really don't want to go through the whole deal of mounting one on the back, I just wanted a straight mast.

On many fixed masts, the mast is molded into the base and can't be removed. The Delorean venders sell a S/S button you can use to fill the hole or you can remove the fender and have the hole welded up. If you want to stay with the front fender-mounted antennae you need to buy another one with the wire and replace the whole thing. Easier to install the rear power one.

[Jonathan]

Yes it just the mast I want to remove. It will not separate from the base. I have the whole unit removed from the car but the mast wont separate from the base, its infuriating, it just spins in the base and doesn't unthread. It might be time to just remove it altogether but I really don't want to go through the whole deal of mounting one on the back, I just wanted a straight mast.

Do you think you could take a close-up photo of the base of your antenna mast and post here? The one that was on mine, and the replacement I bought, had a couple different spots that were squared off and in which you could get a wrench on and perhaps you were trying to get it apart in the wrong spot? The mast I have comes off right at the very end and the portion to loosen is a smaller diameter and not much more than just the size of the threads under it. It is the very first part that gets larger below the skinny mast itself. Hold the portion right below that with a vice or wrench and go for the top portion. The two lower portions (of three if you will) will spin with each other as I think that is the means it secures into the stainless.

[bfloyd]

Mine was broke off at the base. The antenna mast was straight and the threads were good, but the part in the fender was broken. I removed enough bolts on the top of the fender and some screws under the door gaskets where I was able to pull the fender far enough away from the body tub to remove the whole thing. I simply cut the antenna lead wire from the bottom of the antenna bracket, and pulled the remaining wire out from the inside of the car.

If you do remove the bolts from the top of the fender, make note of the stacks of washers under the lip of the fender beneath each bolt. The "fender washers" are in there to level up the top surface of the fender so it will line up smoothly with the hood when closed.

I found a stainless steel 1" plug at Ace Hardware to plug the hole. I currently don't have an antenna to the radio, but honestly the radio is the last thing on my list for next year.

If I still have my old straight antenna mast, you're more than welcome to have it. It's probably in the box with all of the other old parts I've replaced.