Power Antenna broken, any unique solutions?

tkarlstad · #1 (**permalink**) 01-11-06, 01:27 PM

I have a 98 Eldo ETC and last night the power antenna gave out. And it is kinda of a bit$h to get out as it has 2 tiny little screws up in the tightest little spot that were frustrating.
But nonetheless, I got the antenna motor out and found the power cord pulled completely out and appears to have broken. Thus, I think I need a new power antenna motor.
Any idea on the cost of these? dealership or other parts place anyone recommends?
Or does anyone have any unique custom options for an antenna?
Ideally I would love to retro fit a pair of '50's style antennas that sit at the classic 45 degree angle, but I don't know if that is realistic to work on a 98 Eldo, and those antennas run over $120.
Any ideas or recommendations are appreciated.
Thanks

mtflight · #2 (**permalink**) 01-11-06, 04:06 PM

I've seen these on eBay for cheap.

carnut · #3 (**permalink**) 01-11-06, 11:37 PM

If your comp insurance deductable is $100.00 have the dealership replace it and submit a claim. If its higher, then get one from EBAY.

**Ranger** · #4 (**permalink**) 01-11-06, 11:58 PM

Dealers are supposed to have a kit for about $20 to replace the cable. I was unable to locate one when I needed it. You can get it from http://www.antennamastsrus.com/ for $50. It is not listed on the site but call them, they have it. The instructions are right out of the FSM. Follow them to the "T". Check local dealers first though.

DBA-One · #5 (**permalink**) 01-12-06, 02:17 PM

I've seen new whole assemblies go for as little as 20 bucks on Ebay

imsexton · #6 (**permalink**) 01-23-06, 07:34 PM

My cadillac dealer wanted to charge me $250.00 for the replacement antenne motor.

I have a 97 Eldorado ETC

What are the search words to use on Ebay?

Ur7x · #7 (**permalink**) 01-23-06, 08:00 PM

If the motor still works but the mast doesn't go up and down.. Then the nylon cable inside the motor is broken, they are easily rebuild-able. You can get the nylon cable repair kit from your friendly GM Dealer
(part # 22038195) for $14.74 (list)...

This requires that you remove and take the power antenna motor apart... Which requires drilling out about 6 hollow rivets..

BTW YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR THE PART NUMBER...
Do not ask if this piece fits our cars...
your average dealer will tell you it doesn't... Trust me... It does

Good luck

91TexasSeville · #8 (**permalink**) 01-23-06, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ur7x

If the motor still works but the mast doesn't go up and down.. Then the nylon cable inside the motor is broken, they are easily rebuild-able. You can get the nylon cable repair kit from your friendly GM Dealer
(part # 22038195) for $14.74 (list)...

This requires that you remove and take the power antenna motor apart... Which requires drilling out about 6 hollow rivets..

BTW YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR THE PART NUMBER...
Do not ask if this piece fits our cars...
your average dealer will tell you it doesn't... Trust me... It does

Good luck

Ur7x is right!
Don't ask....just order the part by the part number and pay the bill. It is an easy fix once you have the antenna out of the car. If the motor has never before been taken apart you might have to drill out the five or six rivets that hold the two case halves together. use small screws and nuts in place of the rivets.

frankjr8 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-03-06, 06:14 PM

Ur7x
Is this a universal # or do you have to go to caddy, for it?
I am suffering with the same problem.

Ur7x · #10 (**permalink**) 02-04-06, 12:57 AM

Ah, Gm's part numbering system...

The power antenna "assemblies" that fit Camaros, Rivs, Fleetwood, Cutlasses.. Eldos, etc etc.. etc all have different part numbers... As some have different mounting brackets and some have different "finials"...

But Inside they are all the same... Long loopy nylon bit with a hook at on end attached to a chrome bit with threads at the top for the finial...

The number I posted fits all of these cars AND ours too...

GM's little secret...

Available at any friendly GM dealer... Doesnt need to be a Caddy one...

So ya it is kinda universal...

slamncaddydoes · #11 (**permalink**) 02-09-06, 08:42 PM

What would be the solution if the antenna is broken. my motor works, I hear it running each time i turn the radio on.

I used some needle nose plyers and pulled the thing up out and realized that the top of it was missing, a great deal of it was broken off. it only raised about 1' manually. Can I just replace the antenna and refit it back into the motor assembly?

Noodles · #12 (**permalink**) 02-10-06, 10:54 AM

First off it is not an antenna it is a power mast. I laughed my butt off when I replaced mine for the same reason and found that Cadillac called a power mast: I did not clean it often enough was the problem. The fastest way to get it reparied is buy a new one and do the job yourself BUT you have to make all of the new mounting brackets as the old ones won't work. The least painful way is let Cadillac do the job. On my 99 Eldo I made one bracket and used 5 minute epoxy for the rest of it. It is still working but I clean it more often these days to get the bug juice off of it. Cleaning the power mast is the only way to keep it alive and well. Good Luck.

Mike

Ur7x · #13 (**permalink**) 02-10-06, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slamncaddydoes

What would be the solution if the antenna is broken. my motor works, I hear it running each time i turn the radio on.

The solution to your problem is exactly what is posted above.
1) Unplug antenna power (three wire connector, green, grey and white)
2) unplug coax antenna feed
3) Remove Antenna motor and mast assembly
4) Remove finial (don't loose it!)
5) Open motor assembly (drill out the 5 hollow rivets and remove the 4 or 5 "U" clips along on the edge
6) Remove broken nylon mast bit (GM replacement part number above)
7) Install new nylon mast bit
8) Add a little high temp grease to the large white drive gear (on the teeth ONLY)
9) Replace finial
10) reassemble the motor replace hollow rivets with nuts and bolts and replace U clips
11) reinstall motor assembly in car...
12) reinstall all connections (power and coax)
13) enjoy!

Keeping them clean AND DRY helps extend their life... Not using them in the cold of winter helps too.

slamncaddydoes · #14 (**permalink**) 02-10-06, 05:46 PM

Does this include the actual metal antenna?

Ur7x · #15 (**permalink**) 02-10-06, 06:34 PM

Re Metal bit...

The antenna is made up of Three telescoping metal bits... The part number above contains only the last (or thinnest) one. This is the one that is connected to the nylon bit that is connected to the motor... If the other two are bent/broke you can buy them individually... But if your antenna is this far gone you're best to buy a "Mast Kit"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1987-...36660406QQrdZ1

Here is one on EBay.. This still requires you to take the motor apart.. And is a little easier to do as you can save the re&re of the finial...