Cascadia

New to the forum and need some help. I have an 82 GSL, and I need to remove the power antenna to either replace or repair. I know the passenger side tail light assemble needs to be removed. I took the inside box off the tail light assembly, but it still feels very snug. Is it just the rubber gasket around the lens that is still holding it? I started to pull the gasket, but don't know if that is all that remains for removal. Also, is that gasket glued in? I did a search, but didn't find anything on tail light removal. Thanks for any help!

Siraniko

iTrader: (13)

you have to remove the center rear panel first. then the tailights. Easier to remove the carpeted panel and floor jack to get to the 10mm nuts (about a dozen)

Cascadia

Thank you for your reply. I actually did take the inside part with the 8 or 10 nuts, off the assembly, but the whole assembly still felt very snug. Do you take the assembly out from the inside or outside of the car. My main concern is the rubber seal around between the lens and the body. I cannot tell if that is what is holding the assembly. I don't want to remove that rubber seal around the lens if I don't have to, but if I do, do you simply grab it and pull it out? Just don't want to ruin something. Thanks again!

FirebirdSlayer666

iTrader: (3)

It's easy. Just make sure the middle panel is off and then make sure you get the two side bolts close to the turn signals and slide it out. The rubber is just a weather stripping, you don't need it if you don't want it but it easily goes back on when you put the light back in

Cascadia

Thank you for the info! This middle panel that is being referred to, is this a panel between the left and right tail light assemblies, and if so, is it removed from the inside of the car or the outside? Sorry for sounding like a dummy here. I have had the car for 24 years, and have done virtually nothing repair wise, but from all the wonderful posts, I am starting to learn more. Thanks again!

FirebirdSlayer666

iTrader: (3)

The middle panel is held in by two more bolts on the inside. Just unbolt them and take the panel off

trochoid

iTrader: (6)

When the lights come out, they slide to the outboard side, then back. Reinstall the gaskets, they keep water and exhaust fumes out of the inside.

Rogue_Wulff

Along with the metal bracket, there are 2 nuts on the side, by the signal lights. The center panel doesn't have to come out, but it makes the task easier.

Cascadia

Thanks to all of you for the responses. I think I get the picture now.

FirebirdSlayer666

iTrader: (3)

And don't forget to unplug the wire harness for the lights

Cascadia

You guys are awesome! Got the light assembly removed and the power antenna out. It definitely needs a new mast. I see Mazdatrix has replacement masts, but they sure make it sound intimidating to replace without parts flying all over the place. Decisions, decisions, decisions!! Maybe I'll just bite the bullet and get one of those rubber jobs. Thanks again for all the good advice!

FirebirdSlayer666

iTrader: (3)

Yeah I'd just go with a fixed antenna. I never understood why they wouldn't have power steering or brakes but a power antenna? LOL

Whanrow

ngI replaced the mast from the Mazdatrix kit. Like youself, I was intimidated at their description of changing it, but I wanted the car 100% original.

Turns out it was pretty darn easy. It did take me about 2 hours as its wound up with a clockwork spring and its a bitch to hold it all and put it together. Make really sure you're already having a good day, or you'll pitch it across the room in short order. BUT - it is not hard to do, just requires patience.

BTW, I tried a rubber antenna, and it lasted a week. Reception was completely crap.

bliffle

I replace the entire unit. I have 4 of the good Radio Shack replacements stockpiled, but I think you can use any of the $60 Foreign Car replacements from an autostore. they're cheaper on eBay.

Never tried replacing just the mast. I want a power antenna to make the car cover work better.

gsterror

Why power antenna but not brakes or steering?

Because power steering and brakes are for sissies. Power antenna is so punk kids don't knock your antenna mast off during the night.

Cascadia

Well, after giving it much thought, I decided to bag replacing the mast. 100+ bucks for just a mast seemed a little steep for a 24 year old antenna. I Ordered a Metra 44-PW22 Antenna today from Amazon. I should be able to make this work. I'm fairly good at wiring, so making it work like the original shouldn't be too much of a problem (I hope).