Power Antennae

[Anoyher]

I just purchased my first Corvette!!

It's a '93 LT1 with 95,000 miles. It's in excellent condition, with two issues.

One, the antennae will not extend or retract. I'm handy, but not sure how to tackle this.

Two, the door 'handle' on the rider side is off.. it looks like maybe just a screw?

Thanks in advance!

[cdn_eh]

Hi

My 89 had the same thing wrong, listen to the motor to see if it's still working, if it is, then maybe its the gear mast that's broken inside.
I got a power antenna repair kit from Eckler's, make sure you get all the old gear mast out. It took two people to install the new one, one person to run the motor up and down the other person to install the gear mast (read instruction) the teeth on the gear must go in the right way.

If the motor doesn't work look at the fuse first, if that's ok then the motor may be burnt out or a broken wire. Test the power with a test light at the motor end, if power's ok pull out the motor, bench test it if you can. if it doesn't work replace motor (Eckler's has ACDelco replacement as well)

[joe1968]

Looks like some good advise has already been given. He's right about the motor. If it is running more that likely the plastic tape that moves the mast up and down is stripped or broken. A mast replacement kit is the cheapest way to go. Now if the motor is not running. check the fuse. located on the passenger side of the dash. if good the make shure you have power to the relay that is located in the left rear corner of the rear compartment.(pull the carpet back) If the area is wet replace the relay and find your leak. water will puddle there if there is a leak.

Your door handle Is it the inside or outside?

Joe

[Anoyher]

Thanks for the replies!

The motor seems to be running intermittently. I'll follow the above steps and see where I end up.

It's the inside handle. I can pull it away from the door panel, and it looks like it needs a screw from inside the door panel to attach?

Is that correct? If so, what might I be getting into to take the panel off?

Thanks again-

[janderson]

It's the inside handle. I can pull it away from the door panel, and it looks like it needs a screw from inside the door panel to attach?

Is that correct? If so, what might I be getting into to take the panel off?

Thanks again-

Not sure how much your car door is compared to mine but removing the interior panel was simple. There are a bunc of screws along the bottome, a couple in the door handle area, then the "hidden" screw along the rear of the door panel. Somewhere in the latch area if I'm remembering right.

To fix your door handle you'll need a couple of screws. Most of the Corvette parts suppliers carrw a full interior screw set and some carry specific screws. I'm not sure if you need a machine screw or a self tapping scre to fasten it. Either one is also available from a hardware store. Maybe unsrew one from the drivers side and head to Lowes or Home Depot and see if you can find a couple.

[joe1968]

to remove the trim panel: there is a series of philips head screws along the bottom and one at the rear of the panel. romove the power window switch there is a hidden 7mm behind it. also remove the lock slide and the one philips at the inside opening handle. gently pull out on the bottom of the panel and lift up. A s shaped bracket will probably fall out that bracket goes on the back of the handle that is loose. It's attached by a short self tapping screw. It's the same bracket that the 7mm goes through. Re assemble in reverse. Have fun it's not that hard to do. Joe

[Anoyher]

Well, finally getting around to trying to install a new mast...

I'm fairly mechanical, but I can NOT get the old mast out.

I've removed the mast nut but can't get the 'spring clip' to slide into the old mast base.

Hints, suggestions please?

Thanks!

[LilRedCorvette]

Well, finally getting around to trying to install a new mast...

I'm fairly mechanical, but I can NOT get the old mast out.

I've removed the mast nut but can't get the 'spring clip' to slide into the old mast base.

Hints, suggestions please?

Thanks!

Dayam. Sounds like the current mast is broken inside. I'm sure Joe can give you some suggestions on how to get it outta there.

It really does take two people to work on it. One to work the antenna and the other to work on the mast itself. In my C4 it turned out the mast replacement wouldn't take hold but then Joe re-installed the old one and it has been working since. Pretty weird, those C4 antennas!

Good luck!

[joe1968]

A small dental pic is what has worked for me in the past. It may take awhile but take your time it'll come out.

Joe