Power Antenna Installation
 

How does the power antenna install in a 1983 Mazda RX7? Apparently, the trim panel in the hatch area must be removed to access some wiring. However, the only way I can see to access the antenna assembly and its wiring is via the right-rear tail-light/backup-light/directional-light assembly. A diagarm would be helpful.

As an aside, why do the words "Exhaust Leak" appear under "Rotorhead83" in the left column? Did I blunder into someone's thread?

You have to remove the trim panel. It also takes a contortionist to get in there, remove the nuts/bolt, and get the thing out. :)

Exhaust leak just means that you don't have many posts. It will change as you get more. They had this setup when I started (Jan. 2003) and then removed it shortly after (probably Jun 2003). From then until now it said "Registered User" or people made their own title. Now it is back the way it was when I was a newb. :)

Thanks
 

I'll take another look at the situation. Unbelievedly, the last mechanic who replaced the antenna must have stripped the threads or whatever in the threaded hole in the body into which the screw that holds a snap-half and the foot of the trim panel is supposed to screw. The snap-half is the thing onto which the carpet snap snaps. So, rather than fixing the threaded hole properly, he riveted the snap-half and trim-panel foot to the body. Consequently today, I had to have the rivet drilled out and the screw (rivet) hole welded closed before a new hole could be drilled and threaded.:crzyeye:

After all of the above was done, I quickly checked the area behind where the panel normally is secured but didn't see a way to get to the antenna. So, I must check that area again, for, except for the speaker, it looked like body structure to me at first glance. Maybe I didn't look far enough aft.

I used to always replace them through that single hatch inside the rear area, but last time I took the tail lens out and used the opportunity to put a new molding/seal there so as to prevent exhaust gas from leaking in around that fixture.

I change the wiring slightly to ensure that the antenna retracts when the key is turned off to obviate anyone snapping the mast off while I'm gone. there are instructions somewhere on the forum and I have them on my Palm for convenience, if you need it I'll upload.

I always removed the antenna by removing the taillight assembly.

Yes, please upload whatever information you have. Thanks...

Although some folks on this thread state the power antenna can be removed and replaced after removing the right trim panel in the hatch area, I don't believe it can be done that way on my '83 RX7 Limited Edition. The only way I see to do the job is via the right-rear tail-light assembly. So, the next question is how does one remove that assembly? I don't see any obvious screws to remove.

take the back panel off the one under the hatch you will see the 10mm nuts that have to come off then slowly wiggle the asembly and pull it straight out

Thanks, I'll do that.

I tried doing the power antenna thru just the trim hole on my 80. Real knuckle-buster.

Could you upload this? I always forget to put mine down until I get out the car and then I have to get back in, turn it to acc, and put it down. It would be much easier if it did it for me!

bump this old thread up to tell you guys I just took BOTH of my power antennas out of my 84 and 85 without taking off any pannels. You need a 10mm socket, and a pair of pliers.

Lift up the carpet attached to the rear trim part, and you will see 2 10mm nuts on the right which hold the motor in place. Remove them. Then, use the pliers to twist off the chrome ring on the outside of the car around the mast. Now you unhook the 3wire connector and the antenna cable (connected through the large hole right next to the tail light.) with it all dissembled, you lower the assembly into the car, then pull it out the same hole the wires were running through, MAST FIRST.

this will take a bit of twisting the unit and shifting the wires, but is very simple and took me 5 min the first time, and 2 the 2nd car. I just put one back on my GSL, same manner, just reversed.

I'm a bit confused with Electronblue's description. My '85 did not have a hole large enough to reach into and gain access to the 4 10mm bolts (not 2) that had to be removed, and I highly doubt it would have come out through the hole even if I did have access to those bolts.

I purchased the replacement antenna mast (not the entire unit) from Mazdatrix. I removed the tail light, which was the easiest part of the job mind you. There were two 10mm bolts on the bottom of the unit, and two holding a bracket on the top. After removing all 4 and unscrewing the chrome ring I was able to get the unit out.

Replacing the mast was another tricky job and in retrospect I might have been better off with a brand new unit. The old mast comes off by loosening a phillips screw at the base and twists off (look at your new mast to see which way to twist). The nylon cable was stuck inside the motor unit, which looks entirely different than the photos provided on Mazdatrix site. I remove the 8mm nut on the face of the motor and a phillips screw on the side. The cap came off and revealed a drum. Inside the drum was the remainder of the broken cable. It is clipped into the drum and I used a flat head screwdriver to loosen the bracket holding it in place. By now my hands were covered in grease.

I grabbed the new nylon cable and threaded it through the motor's base and then fastened the end of it to the clip. That is one sentence for a job that took at least 20 minutes of fiddling with hand tools. I spun the drum a few times as I fastened it back onto the motor and screwed everything back together. I tested it before reinstalling.

Installation is basically same as reverse, except I forgot to transfer over the upper bracket and decided not to start over again...so no bracket. However, one of the nuts for the bracket needs to be reinstalled because it also secures a ground wire. Don't let that ground wire float around disconnected. I don't know what it goes to, probably the wiper motor or marker light or something.

Start to finish it took me about an hour.

Hey Chuyler -- that extra ground wire you speak of -- I didn't see one, but do you think that could be the reason I can't my brand new factory power antenna to work? -- where exactly is that ground wire you mention?

It came down from above. I don't think it is the ground for the antenna though, since I was able to test my antenna motor without it connected.

It's a ground wire that gives the antenna cable shield a solid ground...helps you get a better signal.

:)

So where does the other end connect to? I only did a quick test after installing the new shaft and I was pulling in my favorite FM station just fine...which is about 50 miles away. I'll report back if there are issues.

Do you mean this wire? Apologies if I got it wrong.

It bridges the mast body to the mounting bracket which theoretically should get a good ground. Folks might think that the top chrome connector and knurled swivel clamp would provide that...but those surfaces are painted and therefore insulated.

And to echo other answers, it has nothing to do with the motor's operation.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...1bcfb57ff8.jpg

Yup, that's the one.

Anyone have the part number for the power antenna mast for a 1988 rx7 turbo II?

I have the be honest, I'm not sure why people like power antennas. They are a pain and they will break. There's a reason car companies don't use them any longer (other than cost). I like the newer stubby style.

Yeah I'm just trying to keep my 88FCII as stock as possible. Would you happen to have any parts for sale?

I don't have the parts. I some four used antennas I got with my current project but they are not second gen and not working. Can't guarantee the parts interchange.

It's probably cheaper and easier to just buy a new electric antenna. The escutcheon (nut) on the outside is the big part for appearance. I've tried to change out the inner mast before and it's a pain.

I like the rrrrrrr sound and the old school "hey look my awesome motorized antenna which raises and lowers at my bidding". ;)

I used the Metra


for my FB and reused the escutcheon from the OEM with the Metra's chromed top nut (with the right thread etc.) .


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...f290994f61.jpg

And also meant to add...

Mazda RX7 Power Antenna Mast 1986-1992, 0000-81-A901, 000081A901

Which has the mast, theoretically, for your FC