Well, it looks like my "antenna mast replacement" has turned into a little more work. After removing the old mast, it turns out about 15 inches of the chord is still in the motor, so I have to open it up and remove it.

I think I found a single bolt that holds it on.

Q: what size is it? 8mm?

Also, there seems to be a clear tube at the bottom, is that for draining any rain that may get in? Do I just disconnect it? I guess I have to disconnect power and the radio antenna.

Any suggestions or pointers would be helpful. I'm not a mechanic and I've been fixing little things lately on the car, so I'm hoping it won't be hard to open it up and remove the 15" of chord.

Q: Can I just pull out the chord after I open it up? What part do I open up?

Thanks in advance.

 

It has been a while since I had my radio antenna out but I rebuilt mine. The motor/Assembly is held in place by a bolt or two inside the trunk (you'll have to peel back the side carpet) and the aerial raises and lowers through a nut. Take that off and the bolts out, there is a wire that disconnects and the drainage tube. Set the assembly on a table and take your time pulling it apart. You will be able to get the bits of broken cord out when it is open. Don't forget to lube up the moving pieces with your favorite grease when you reassemble, it'll keep the thing working right for years to come.