FDNewbie

iTrader: (10)

Hey guys

When I turn on the radio, I can hear the motor moving to extend the antenna, and when I turn it off, I can hear the motor moving to retract it. Only prob is, the antenna itself is always extended (ie broken). I'm not too familiar w/ the internal workings, but if I hear the motor, is it safe to assume that it's fine, and just the mast is broken, so that's all I need to replace? Or do I have to check both?

Thanks
~Ramy

smnc

It's all one unit. I don't know how you'd go about fixing that...

Easiest solution is proably just to replace it...

IanS

iTrader: (4)

I believe that people have mentioned buying the ones from radio shack. They are cheap enough to where if/when they go out it wont hurt too bad to replace it again.

FDNewbie

iTrader: (10)

Well, I believe I replaced the mast only on my FD (or at least that's what they told me). Could be wrong. I was thinking about the Radio Shack one too, just because I doubt Mazda still makes 'em, and even if they do, it would prob be at an astounding price. I'm tryin to replace parts w/ new ones, given that everyone else's parts are 20 years old just like mine, so it's only a matter of time...

MakoVai

I've been snagging these from the wrecking yard, I have 3 stock working antenna's. They were spares for me, but since I have all these spares of corse mine is working fine. I would be willing to sell one if you want a original replacement.

FDNewbie

iTrader: (10)

How much are you looking to get for one? And I take it this is the motor + the mast? (basically the entire unit)? And just wanna confirm they are working...

Thanks
~Ramy

ray green

iTrader: (14)

You can buy a stock replacement mast, but it is expensive and people say it's very difficult to install. Also, why put a new mast and drive on top of a motor that's already 20+ years old? The radio shack antenna's are (were) an excellent, very well made and easy to install (see Jimrothe.com for installation instructions) replacement part, available for $25 from radio shack until about a year ago, when they were discontinued. I have since found a couple of the radioshack units on ebay, which I bougt at $15 each, you might check there. Otherwise, I've seen some very similar aftermarket electric antennas in the local auto shops for around $30 that probably would work the same way.

Ray

John64

Keep the factory antenna retracted and put a hidden antenna in the car. Autoloc makes them. I just put one in last night and it works awesome.

FDNewbie

iTrader: (10)

Ray, thanks for the info. Circuit City has replacements too. I had to replace the antenna on my FD, and they were the only ones that agreed to do it, and it works just fine. Cost me $50, and that was including installation...so not bad at all.

John64, I guess you got a good one. I have one of those in-windshield antennas on my FD, and it SUCKS. I mean, I have reception to like 4 radio stations lol. Good thing I don't use the radio much in the FD. I just didn't want the external anymore because my headunit's a Pioneer, which leaves the antenna up not just for radio use, but for CD use as well. Bad for aerodynamics In the FB, I don't care much. In fact, I listen to the radio a LOT in it, since the factory tape deck has a mind of it's own...sometimes it plays to just one speaker, sometimes you hear nothing, sometimes it works perfectly (this never happens when listening to the radio though). I figure it needs to be cleaned and serviced, but I haven't the faintest idea who would do that (I wanna keep the FB bone stock)

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

You can disassemble it and use weedwacker line to repair it. It takes patience but can be done. the motors don't wear out that often. rx7doctor