I have an 84 and 85 FB.

I am moving the OEM radio and power antenna from the 85 to the 84; everything worked while on the 85 and works as installed on the 84.

Once installed I noticed that the mast didn't appear to extend fully. I gave it a tug, or two, and the rest came out.

Now, the mast pwork retract. I can still hear the motor working when I turn the radio on/off.

I probably broke or damaged the nylon tether in the mast that retracts it.

Because the mast is now stuck in the up position I cannot pull the entire unit from the car.

My question - can the mast be removed from the motor assembly while the antenna is still installed in its normal configuration on the fender - as shown in this video...

https://youtu.be/L-rtujh4z7o

 

I would think the mast is mechanically anchored within the motor housing, so pulling it out will at the very least damage the mast, if not the fittings within the motor too. Since the gearing is shot (the nylon), you may be better off pushing the mast back into the motor...?

Stu A
80GS
AZ

 

Yep, that's the first thing I tried.

Have only been able to get a few inches of each section back in.

Something within the antenna is not allowing me to push in any one section completely or the entire mast; though theoretically I should be able to push it in if the radio is off.

 

Whatever you do, don't cut the antenna in order to remove the whole unit. I know you are doing this while it's mounted, but here are some photos on the bench. You should be able to finagle it.
You can disassemble the mast from the body. Scrape off all of the silicone schmutz from the outside, in the area indicated.

There's no getting a broken tether pushed back in, it just doesn't work that way.




I would cut the nylon stuff here: Then pull everything out of the car.



Then I would create a new tether using string trimmer nylon, thick stuff. It would be tricky but doable. This is what you have to contend with...

 

Found my write up on here. More details, additional photos:

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati.../#post12161161

 

Damn it!

Great photos! I knew there was a way.

Alas, it is too late...I cut the mast.😫

Gotta find a new one.

Thanks!

 

Ah too bad, would have been interesting. But don't feel too bad unless you're losing points at the concourse...the "universal" Metra unit works great with the installation as described in the other thread. And when it eventually breaks, the mast on that one is replaceable as in your linked video. Use the original escutcheon/angle adjuster, it works fine with the Metra.