Just purchased a 1989 Buick Estae wagon. One of the few things that needs attention is the power antenna. It is currently half way up, or half way down. I would like to remove and replace if needed. But first I would like someone that may have tackled this in the past to tell me where to start? My guess is the removal of the inner fender panel? There could be an easier way, I just don't know. Thank you in advance. Craig
I've not done this on a B-body (knock on wood) but I believe it's about the same as a G-body of which I done numerous times. You basically remove the outer fender bolts in the door jamb, in the wheel well and along the top of the fender under the hood. Pull the rear of the fender out far enough to fish the antenna assembly out and reverse process to reassemble.
Greg, thank you for the quick reply. Well I guess I had the right idea, just a little more work than I thought there might be. Are there factory replacements available if the one I have is not repairable? Craig
I personally HATE power antennas. When the one on my 1984 Olds Ninety Eight died, I swiped a non-power antenna from a late 80s Caprice at the junkyard and installed it instead. I might have been driving the only Olds Ninety Eight without a power antenna.
If the antenna motor runs when plugged in, it's usually repairable with a replacement mast kit. The nylon inner cable usually breaks. If the motor is dead, replacing the entire thing will be the way to go. Both mast kits and whole antenna assemblies should be available. Check RockAuto.com, parts stores, eBay or even GM dealers.
Thank you,, I may have to look at the non power alternative. Im not a big fan of them either. Especially since you are dismantling half the front of the car, to get to the antena. Craig
The big problem with the G.M. power antennas is that they are purely automatic. Certain weather conditions can cause them to burn out, and any bend in the mast causes the same problem. Ford had a better idea, having an up/down switch for theirs on the Grand Marquis. For the G.M., a friend of mine got around the problem by putting an on/off switch in line between the radio and the antenna, so he could choose whether it would operate or not.
Yup! Do you still have the antenna (it's not broken off)? My Buicks antenna got bent and stopped working. By hand I bent it back but that was it, it was done and stayed up but I was worried about it snapping because it had been weakened/kinked. By hand I pushed it down yet I've never had a problem with radio signals, works just the same and for what ever reason I don't hear the antenna motor working/struggling(?), it's been a couple years now. Just something to think about........
I installed a cheap power antenna on my 1955 Chevy wagon back around 1990. Not sure why or what happened but somehow I pulled the ribbon up too far. After repairing it, the thing has always worked when turning on the radio. It goes fully up. But makes a clicking sound and jerks for a short time. Like it needs more ribbon or less. But it also goes back down after turning off the radio. The only problem with mine is if I don't shut off the radio the antenna stays up after turning off the key. It's worked anytime I turn the radio on so why fix it if it ain't totally broke? Universal power antennas are available many places. I painted the little top ball red so when fully retracted it barely shows.
