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

 

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

Easiest solution is proably just to replace it...

 

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.

 

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...

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

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)

 

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