(12/70) 1971 240Z electric antenna

[astrohog]

My original antenna was broken when I bought the car (mast was broken off). I removed the interior panels and removed the antenna. When I removed the two screws that secure the mast to the rest of the unit, I realized the white plastic (does this "push" the mast up and down? or is it the actual antenna?) is broken and VERY brittle.

My question: IF the motor and all else works (I have NOT verified this yet), is there a replacement available for the actual sectioned antenna AND can the white plastic "wire" be sourced and "rewound", effectively refurbishing the antenna?

I was able to pull an antenna from a 197? 280Z and thought it would be a simple "switch", but this weekend I found that they are quite different. I could probably spend a few hours or (most likely!!) more, getting the 280 unit to work, but I am thinking I would rather have the original.

I think I saw that MSA has an "OEM" replacement for the 240Z power antenna, but it is almost $200.00. I don't mind spending the $$ if it is the only/best option, but wanted to hear from you experts before spending the money.

What options do I have???

Thanks for any advice you may be able to lend!!

Regards,

Astrohog

[hls30.com]

Yes, the white "line" is the push for the antenna.

Replacement sections (with the push)are available from Harada that will work thought the button at the top of the antenna is different. Several abay sellers supply these, but your local Kragens/Autozone/pepboys should also have them available-and usually at a cheeper price.

I'll be going that route in the near future, and maybe that would make a good tech article.

Will

[astrohog]

I am not that concerned about remaining "concourse" with my "refresh" (different button) so it sounds like I can just go the the local Kragens/Schucks/Autozone???

Astro

[Zs-ondabrain]

Screw the OEM power antenna. I replaced mine with a metra 44-PW22 It comes with plenty of option parts for all different angles or what ever.

I can get you 31" or 42" fully automatic power antenna for less than $80

Hell, send me $100, I'll order the antenna, and when it shows up, I'll bring it to you and help you install it.

What are your plans for the stereo system? Full out 4 2-way speakers and subs? Amps? Do you want power windows, power locks, full out alarm with 2-way comunication remotes? What do you wanna do to your Z?

drop me an email at wolfin32z@yahoo and I'll give you my 360 number.

[astrohog]

Zs-Ondabrain,

Right now I just want tunes!! I have a speaker panel that came out of my Uncles Z that has 2 - 8" subs and 2 - 2 ways w/ crossovers. They are cheepo speakers, but he has been in electronics all of his life and said that it sounded GREAT (too much for him) w/ a 4 X 50w head unit. That is my starting point for now. If I do not like it, I will look into different optiosns.

I am trying to focus my attention on getting the Z to be a tight, reliable driver and protecting her from future corrosion by tackling a few minor rust issues. Once I have accomplished that, I am sure she will be a "work in progress" for quite some time!!!

I sent you a p.m. and would like to come down and visit soon! I am gonna look around at my options as far as getting the arial and "pusher" piece locally from Schucks, but just curious, where would a guy order the antenna you mentioned and how long would it take to arrive?

Regards,

Astrohog

[Arne]

Where did your white shaft break? When I disassembled mine I found that the break was only 7" from the end. I removed the metal tip from the broken piece, put it on the remaining end and drilled a new hole for the cotter pin. Works fine now, just 7" shorter when fully extended.

[astrohog]

Arne, Not sure how short it is. When I removed it the first time, it was not connected to anything as the arial was missing (completely broken off while extended, I assume). When I removed the metal housing, and tried to replace the housing, the white plastic was so brittle, the little bit of bend it had, caused it to break again in a couple of pieces ( DOH!!!).

Astrohog

[Zs-ondabrain]

As for your PM question, I can have the antenna here three business days after I order it. They are $75 each and it's a Metra 44-PW22 full automatic Power antenna. Also Available with a black Mast for $8.00 more.

So figure 2 days for your money order to get to me, 3 days for me to get it. and 2 more days for it to arrive on your doorstep. Roughly round it up to 8 days from the time you drop your order in the mail. Just over a week ain't too bad. But if we plan it right. You can also come down here when it arrives here and I'll help you install it.

Let me know what ya think.

[jackwarnock]

Zs-ondabrain, I have sent you an email with enquiries about Antenna Masts. I have had no joy trying to find a replacement Mast. Nissan did have replacement units, but I cannot find Part No for them. Anyone got any ideas?

My Antenna Mast is 30cm (1ft) long when retracted and is a five section unit which extends to some 126cm (42") when fully extended.

Arne, unfortunately my white cord broke just 5cm (2") from the steel section and could not be saved. I enquired about plastic welding of the cord, but that was not possible. I finally wrecked the thing by trying to work out a way to join the white cord to the steel again - not possible.

I spent too much money buying a complete unit off eBay. It does work, but is not the same or as good quality as mine.

I look forward to finding a replacement Mast one day soon. Hopefully.

Regards, Jack

[Zs-ondabrain]

I'll do a little research on 12" mast but I've never heard of them either being only 30 cm long when retracted (pulled back in ??) or only 30cm long extracted.

I'll check around. Can you tell me exactly who made the unit 33 years ago?

That'll help a little.

[astrohog]

Zs-Ondabrain,

Thanks for your offer to help! I did some searching and was able to find the antenna you mentioned on the shelf here locally (Best Buy) for under $60.00, PLUS I realized I had $25.00 of Best Buy Bucks in my wallet!

It looks really straightforward to install (the key being the strap they include to cut/bend to fit!). I will be putting this one in this weekend and I have an appt. at the local car-audio place to install the head unit next Tuesday!

It will be sooo nice to travel with tunes!! (might even make me forget about the fumes!!) haha!!!

I will be heading to Z Specialties hopefully Tuesday afternoon to buy some asst stuff (including rear hatch weatherstrip, maybe the fumes will be a thing of the past!!) and then on to the ZCCW club meeting at Performance Nissan.

Thanks again for your generous offer!

Regards,

Astrohog

[76Datsun280z]

I will be heading to Z Specialties hopefully Tuesday afternoon to buy some asst stuff (including rear hatch weatherstrip, maybe the fumes will be a thing of the past!!) and then on to the ZCCW club meeting at Performance Nissan.

Hey, maybe I'll see you there tommarow. I'll be driving over tommarow early afternoon to pick a battery frame for my 280z.