Can't get it up
 

I have an automatic antenna that only raises and lowers a couple inches. Also, it's far from flush to the fender when down (about 8 inches remain extended). The Bently mannual states that on 84-89 Carreras the antenna is in the windshield so it doesn't give me much help. Any ideas on how to R&R the electric antenna or why it's not raising or lowering all the way?

Thanks,
Dylan

ps- It could be an after-market piece of crap: I don't know

Try cleaning the antenna mast with wd40. If that doen't help the "cable" inside has probably moved around a bit. Most likely you'll have to remove the unit to open it up and free it.

Re: Can't get it up
 

Reading only the thread makes me think of Viagra.:D

Probably the wire inside are broken in thoose cases the antenna usually dont make it to the top. Open it up and check it.

/J

At my age
 

I'm not even going to try to explain why I read the thread.

Re: At my age
 

Try cleaning the mast with wd40. :)

Re: Can't get it up
 

Hmmm.

Clean the mast with wax paper, not wd-40.

Nevermind your choice in lube - isnt "cleaning the mast" the womans job?

It has been a while since i did this but the drive mech can be removed and rebuilt. Usually this is just a matter of removing the cover , clean out all the gunk and adjust the clutch if necessary.
Jerry

[QUOTE]Originally posted by PBH
Clean the mast with wax paper.....

If I clean my mast with wax paper, can I avoid buying Viagra?

Replacement Hirschmann antennas are like 65 bucks...

I'm with Moses on this one. Eight inches is plenty.

How many of you are over 30? If so double your viagra, and maybe you'll get results....

Ah, a new name for it. Hirschmann...

Well, my eight inches now grows to about two and a half feet: success!
However, I still can't get it down below eight inches and Viagra can't help.

I'm thinking that the mast is after-market because I hear the motor turning but it just won't lower any more. I lubed, cleaned, tugged and pushed but it didn't budge.

Will someone tell me if the mast is suppose to be flush with the fender when lowered or if it's always erect and protruding somewhat?

(and I'll admit, I'm a bit scared of the answers to come)

It is definitely supposed to be flush w/ the fender when not in use. And the Bentley manual, much as I like it, can drop the ball w/ dilineating model year differences sometimes. The 1984 Carrera still came w/ a fender antennae I believe, (can someone confirm?), the 'inside the windshield' one was maybe in 1985, definitely 1986. Worked at a dealer in those days, but it's been a looooong time. ;)

If the thing is just shot, maybe hold a dignified funeral for it and bury it in the back yard, a brand new one is reasonable and helps support the auto parts segment of our tired economy. :cool:

New Hirschmann's are $39. Search for another thread that shows you where. For that price it is not worth the trouble of trying to fix the existing one!

Correct...I own a late '84 and it is fender mounted. You can usually find these for cheap on ebay.

-BG

You may not need to change the entire antenna assembly. Often in these cases you can just change the mast. Unscrew the top nut on the mount and turn the radio on. The mast will go up and you can just pull it out at that point. Be careful to observe which direction the teeth on the nylon gear strip face. You can buy replacement masts for less than $20. Feed the new mast, with the nylon gear teeth facing the same direction as the one you removed, then turn off the radio. The motor will pull the new mast into the fender. Just replace the top nut and all should be fine.