My '86 Country Squire wagon power window antenna decided over the weekend to end its' life, when both the motor failed and the mast bent at the halfway point during the annual "Icy Apocalypse". The previous Fords I've owned with a power antenna have been trouble-free in that respect, so I've never had the need to R&R the antenna assembly. So, anyone have any helpful hints on this??? Thanks!
It might be bad news. Another member had trouble with his and it seems it required fender removal. See if a search turns up the thread. I will look later.
You'll probably have to drop the inner fender and the 2 bottom fender bolts and pull it down to gain access. Never had to pull a whole fender on one. Don't remember which cars, but on some the book recommended cutting an access hole in the inner fender and then tacking a plate over it when finished.
I have to ask, Patrick. Does you radio still work the same with the antenna down? I can't remember the thread but I commented on having the same issue with my Buick after the antenna got a "kink" . I pushed it down by hand and have not had any difference with radio reception. I know it's preferred to have everything working proper but if it still works fine (the radio) mite be not worth the tear down. ... just saying....
I remember reading about what OldFox said about cutting an access hole. Also like Tedy wrote my wagon radio seems to work with the antenne up or down. Obviously your icy then bent antenne caused the motor to burn up. Probably not a good idea to try those when iced over. I haven't had that problem since moving to Florida. Might be easier to move than rip the fender off.
An icefall hit the antenna, that is why it is bent now. I get reception fine right now, but I want the ability to raise and lower the antenna for car washes and such. I figured this would require removal of the inner fender somehow. Might be worth it to manually lower to mast past the bend and leave it.
If you replace it with a good one I'd wire it so power to the radio raises it and when you turn the car off cutting the power it automaticlly lowers it. My .02, Jer
I'd throw the damn thing away and replace it with a standard antenna. You can buy them with removable masts that can be unscrewed for car washes. Oooo, I just had a flashback. We had a contract with the tunnel car wash across the street to replace broken antennas and ripped off wiper blades.
Yup, a lot cheaper BUT I just had a flash back...... when I barned my 2 Olds wagons for the winter I unscrewed the antenna from fender and put it in the back before driving it to storage. I listened to the radio no problem with no antenna while doing the 15 minute drive ..... ? So???, as I mentioned before.... If you still have a working radio, do you really want to go through the grief of replacing? I know we all want perfect working, but, if it still works fine..........
I believe it is possible to change the mast alone on the Ford antenna, and I think it is done from the top. I am not 100% sure about the top part, but the replacement mast from Ford is, I believe, $70. Check the Haynes, Chiltons, or Ford manual for the procedure.
