No, I don't think the hose was meant to drain the water like the drains in the back hatch lip.
The hose is too small for any water to fully pass through without outside pressure acting on it. (like you blowing into the hose)
The hose I believe was more meant to trap whatever water flowed down and then have it evaporate. If you look at my hose there is significant discoloration caused by the minerals in the water. Also the entry way is too small for any significant amount of water to enter also.
There is no sign of rust in my fender in this area and it's seen its fair share of rain.
Now having the hose even if my theory is wrong it's still a good idea to have it there. To keep the possible rust area at a minimum.

Bumping this old thread. Lots of good repair info!

I recently read this thread for help restoring my '79 antenna. I tried two different weed eater lines, both were too flexible to work, they would double over when the antenna was fully extended.

I tried the 1/8 nylon rod from McMaster-Carr that was suggested earlier in the thread, the poster had called them and inquired if the rod would be flexible enought and was told it was not.

That is incorrect. I bought some and tried it and it is identical to the original rod. Plenty flexible and works like a charm, only cost about four bucks, not counting shipping so it is very cost effective.

2c......

Link to actual item on McMaster-Carr for ordering purposes?

Or rather this:

McMaster-Carr

Looks like a minimum of 4 ft. I take it that's plenty?

Yea, it works without even trimming.

Please someone help answer a question regarding the antenna. There is a small nut on the outside with a lock washer that holds the outer case to the shaft. What is directly underneath that? I believe there is a small washer, but I cannot find it. Can anyone confirm this???

I'm not real clear about what you're looking for, but here are the pictures I took when I had to fix mine again this summer. I probably have pictures from the first time I had to fix it several years ago. Let me know if you have questions and I'll try to help.

64mgb,
Looks like you have an aftermarket antenna there. I have the stock one and I am trying to figure how everything goes back together. The one I have that is all together has an extra washer. I'm not sure if it goes on the outside of the case beneath the nut and lock washer or underneath the case. Hopefully these pics will help explain:

No...I can guarantee you mine is absolutely stock...I'm the original owner. I have however cleaned it up and painted it, so it may not look stock. Your's does look different though. Mine is a very early '79 (built in March, 1978).

In the 5th picture I posted you can see a nut, lock washer, washer, and shim. These all go on the bolt that joins the 2 parts of the 'can' together that contains the coil of nylon cord used to raise and lower the antenna.

I'll look around for the pics I took several years ago to see if there is anything I can add.

Rich

I found more pictures. I don't think any of them pertain to the question you have, but perhaps you, or someone else, will find them helpful.

Rich

Ok, my mistake. Didn't realize the '79 didn't have a ball at the tip. It seems also it was changed in later years too because I have two that look the same, but are different sizes.

andernamen, your antenna is a later "FB" style, 64mgb's is an SA-type found in the 78-80 production run. Different models entirely.
That said, they may be assembled in similar fashion...?

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

Lots of good info here. My power antenna suddenly stopped working a year ago and I'm trying now to get it going. I've got a nice '85 tender blue with only 36k miles on it I'm trying to keep as original as possible.

The antenna unit is getting power to the plug/harness that comes from the front... and power is getting from the electric motor to the antenna winding contacts inside the antenna housing. I had a shop test the electric motor armature (I though maybe the copper wire was burned out) and it checks out... I got the motor to jerk once when applying 12v on my workbench. But I'm kinda stumped... I've downloaded the schematics and have tested up/down and on/off according to the diagnostic instructions provided.
I'm stumped though... I get no motor action when applying 12v... and 12v is getting through the various wires (wires from the harness to the motor and from the motor to the winding mechanism contacts...

Any suggestions? My next step will be to take the entire antenna assembly to a dc motor shop and see what they think.

Nate

https://www.mazdatrix.com/product/an...r-replacement/ its not power, but its not a bad replacement. You could also always just install a new head unit if you're not deadset on keeping things original

Make sure its grounded good and make sure the rear ground strap from the rear muffler mount to the muffler is on as well. It could just not be able to complete the circuit due to corrosion where it grounds.

Okay... I'll check the ground on the car... with it being garage kept I don't imagine corrosion is a problem... but it is 35 years old so it could be.

Also, when testing the thing on the workbench (removed from the car) do I need to ground the antenna housing to something?... I guess that makes sense... I guess maybe I'll try to rig up a wire and attach it to the 2x4 wall inside my garage (which is where my workbench is)???

The motor and bottom of mine was severely rotted/ corroded. I installed a universal power antenna. Works great

Resolved... one of the brushes wasn't making contact in the electric motor. The plastic around it had gotten hot/melted... which kept it from moving freely and making contact with the armature. Had a local DC motor shop guy help me figure it out. Now the fun job of putting it back in the fender... after cleaning it and lubing it up.

I think it helps to remove the tail light when installing the antenna mast assembly. Give you more room to reach in and maneuver.

yes, removing the tail light greatly improves the ability to get in there to it.

Crap! I got the motor working... but now I've discovered the nylon gear of the drive mechanism has a section where teeth are warn down... Anyone out there have an old power antenna I can have for parts?