I am trying to find someone who can rebuild my 68 power antenna or it may be cheaper to just purchase a replacement.Any suggestions?
Saw a NOS one go on ebay awhile back for over 400.00. If you can fix it Id go that way. many times it just needs to disassembled, cleaned and lubed. I know there is a way to replace the nylon cable inside it.
Like Steve said - repro units are not available. They are a DIY repairable unit, but it must be removed from the car and carefully disassembled to determine exactly what the problem is. The info contained in the '68 Shop Manual will also make the job a little easier too! If the nylon cable to the mast top section isn't broken, and the DC motor is OK, it's usually dirt or crud that collects in the base and lower section of the pot metal, cast housing that causes the nylon cable to bind or seize. The antenna mast sections should be straight, move freely and may also need cleaning and a light silicone lube. The ball/slip clutch assembly should be cleaned and adjusted, and you should bench test the unit before you reinstall it, so you don't need to re and re twice! The +12V DC motor also requires a good chassis ground to function properly. :TU:
Any idea on how to do this? I have one apart right now and am trying to figure out any way to replace it AND have it last.
What is the exact problem Tim - a broken nylon cable ? Remember nothing lasts forever, especially 40+ year old parts. o No:
If it is the cable that is broken you'll need to find alternative replacement for it. I found it here (for pwr antenna, 68 Wildcat) using wiring cable; exact same diameter, works like a charm again.
Wow. Thanks for all the info. I did remove the antenna and I do have the service manual so I will DIY. The mast was snapped off so I will need to replace it. I will give it a shot!
I just took mine apart on my 68 riv but it was already detached. From the looks in the service manual it goes all the way to the top of the antenna and attached but does not say how. Either crimped or soldered. Rivman should know!
Hey Michael - It's been a while since I did mine, so I'm going strictly on memory here. The nylon cable attaches to the small, top section of the mast and it is crimped or swaged to the base of the top section. An intact antenna would be disassembled by removing the small nut on the tip of the top section, and pulling it down through the second section will allow you to separate each mast section. Since your antenna mast is broken, your best bet might be to source another electric antenna (...working, or not), and use it for parts, or to just replace yours. I don't know if exact replacement power antenna masts are still available - they were when I overhauled mine, but that was about 25 years ago. o No: Wow, how time flys by when your having fun !! :TU:
Yea. Your exactly right. It must be attached to the tip of the mast or ball. I just found a 68 being parted out near my house at a salvage yard. From the pictures it looks like it has a power antenna. Hope I can get it for a decent price!
Everyone should like this ending.......I found a salvage yard parting out a 68 Riv on Craigslist near my home. Running when they got it they could not register it. I was the first one there and pulled out the power antenna, also while I was there pulled the 3 piece rear package tray in mint condition, no cracks (no speaker holes cut), a passenger side cosmetic mirror, a round quarter panel lamp and a complete factory bumper jack. All for 175.00! Pretty good deal! When I got home I bench tested the antenna and it works! I went back last week and pulled the sail panels, in great condition with the dome courtesy light fixtures for another $50. They are pulling out the dash for me this week. It pays to be patient!
If you would like your New Antenna serviced or the old one repaired,I do show quality antennas(always factory).Mostely Pontiacs but I have done some Buick resto's also.If I can be of help let me know.I don't recommend putting any part in a vehicle for use w/o restoring it.This holds true throughout the entire car. Tks Bill
Hi Bill, Sounds good. do you have a contact number or website. I would like to hear more. Thanks, Michael
