Fixing the original power antenna

[Reverend]

Basically its not broken, but the mast is. It seems to be a very solid piece and after looking for a while in a dark, i couldnt find a way to take off the broken mast.

1) how do i take it off

2) is it possible to install new

3)how does that happen

4 any1 has spare mast?

Thanks

[FastWoman]

3) Mean people. That's why I don't like the OEM antenna. It doesn't automatically retract when the power goes off, making it vulnerable to mean people. I can't help you with answers to 1, 2, or 4. However, if I were you, I'd wire in an aftermarket, fully-automatic power antenna.

[Arne]

You have to take the antenna unit out of the car, and pretty much disassemble the spool case to get the mast off. If the mast isn't bent up but doesn't go up or down, the likely cause is that the nylon/plastic/whatever spool cord-thing inside has become brittle and broken. I've been told that it is possible to replace the spool-cord with really heave weed-whacker string, but have no experience doing that. My original broke about 8" from the end, so I just shortened it. My antenna now works, but is about 8" shorter when fully extended. Of course, I then changed the radio and replaced it with a full auto unit instead.

Replacement masts used to be available from Nissan, but have been NLA for a few years now. If you find a source for the original 240Z masts, please share.

[esprist]

Basically its not broken, but the mast is. It seems to be a very solid piece and after looking for a while in a dark, i couldnt find a way to take off the broken mast.

1) how do i take it off

2) is it possible to install new

3)how does that happen

4 any1 has spare mast?

Thanks

Here is the thing, I tried US, Canada, Japan......I cannot find a replacement mast.......So If the pastic part of mast is broken, I do not know how to fix it.

Now, Nissan current version is also discontinued here in US......

Taking it apart is one thing, but repairing it is another thing. Does anyone know any possible replacement mast looks like original one?

Esprist

www.jdm-car-prats.com

[Zs-ondabrain]

When I replaced mine for the same reason. I ended up going with the METRA 44PW-22 power antenna. It is a fully automatic so it works great with my Pioneer stereo which has 1 wire to activate the antenna.

It's almost a direct bolt in but requires a little rewiring. Just take the 2 wires from the antenna switch, wire one to battery power and connect that same wire at the antenna to the red antenna wire. Then take the other wire and connect it to the blue aftermarket radios wire and connect that same wire to the blue wire at the antenna. Ground the antenna wire in the back and you're done.

If you're keeping your stock radio, just do the same as above but connect the wire that would go to the radio, to an acc. wire. This will raise the antenna when the key is on and lower it when you shut the key off.

It has a nice low profile and makes it very hard for your local idiot (vandal) to get ahold of and break it intensionally. And I think that replacement masts are readily available. in chrome or black.

Dave

Edited November 4, 2009 by Zs-ondabrain

[bob m]

I wanted the original antenna in my 72 240z. It stopped moving up and down. When I took it apart the plastic inner shaft was broken. There was a replacement available years ago but I could not locate one. However, I was able to find another antenna that did not work for $20. The mast was OK so I put the two antennas together and ended up with a perfectly operational original antenna. The early antennas (240z) and the later (260/280z) antennas are different and the shaft is not interchangable. The later antenna is taller and larger overall. It is an improved design I believe, but it is a tight fit into the fender and it is heavier looking.

Good Luck

Bob M

[70 Cam Guy]

3) Mean people. That's why I don't like the OEM antenna. It doesn't automatically retract when the power goes off, making it vulnerable to mean people. I can't help you with answers to 1, 2, or 4. However, if I were you, I'd wire in an aftermarket, fully-automatic power antenna.

By mean people, you mean crack heads right? I think in Oregon, they can be called tweakers :stupid:

Like spark plugs from a motorcycle, people make pipes with them.

Driving my car in Oakland, I got into the habit of always lowering the antenna before leaving the car.

I was going to say MSA has an antenna available but wow!

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SEIC09A/12-1280

I'd run with Dave's suggestion if I had to replace my antenna. Knowing a regular part number certainly makes it easier to find an economical replacement

[FastWoman]

Hi Andy,

I hadn't heard that one! That reminds me of the fashion rage at one time -- Mercedes hood ornaments worn hanging from a chain around the neck. Of course they were broken off from people's cars, not purchased from dealerships or wrecking yards.

Regarding the antenna, I just meant vandalism -- most commonly bending them over, but sometimes pulling them outwards to strip out the mechanism. For some sad reason, people tend to do this more to cars that are "different" -- especially nicely restored antique cars. People are just plain mean.

I remember once about a month after I had sprung for a new paint job for my old '75, someone left a "ping" (crater, really) in the door more than 1/4" deep. I'm guessing they used a hammer? Another time when I had left my car sitting in the driveway a bit too long (maybe a month), someone decided to add sugar to the gas tank. I had to rebuild the head. People are truly unbelievable. They delight in ruining a good thing.

The only good power antenna is a fully automatic one.

Edited November 5, 2009 by FastWoman

[esprist]

By mean people, you mean crack heads right? I think in Oregon, they can be called tweakers :stupid:

Like spark plugs from a motorcycle, people make pipes with them.

Driving my car in Oakland, I got into the habit of always lowering the antenna before leaving the car.

I was going to say MSA has an antenna available but wow!

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SEIC09A/12-1280

I'd run with Dave's suggestion if I had to replace my antenna. Knowing a regular part number certainly makes it easier to find an economical replacement

That is the very last one according to MSA.

Esprist

[Arne]

The full-auto I have in my car now is an aftermarket Harada #HR-22. I found it at a local clearance house. Same size and mounting as the factory unit, which was also made by Harada. Don't know that they still make the one I got. I paid all of $33 for it.

[Zs-ondabrain]

the 44PW-22 runs about $40 and less for the PW20 (same thing but less mounting angle plastic peices) and still has the right peices though.