Replacement MASTS For OEM Power Antennas

[dhs1223]

Has anyone purchased one of these from this or other sellers?

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Power-ANTENNA-MAST-Oldsmobile-Cutlass-Supreme-90-7-Olds_W0QQitemZ8043163860QQcategoryZ33639QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

and, is it very difficult to change out?

 

My antenna is stuck in the up position. When I turn off the car, the antenna motor runs and stops, but the antenna stays up.

 

I am looking for feedback on the seller as well as the degree of difficulty on swapping out the mast.

 

Thanks

[Bossman429]

Just get a GM one, there is a writeup on how to do it on the main site page.

I bought my mast from GM for like $30, and wouldn't have it any other way.

 

You KNOW the GM one will fit, and comes with the wrench thingy (which I broke) to remove and install the mast.

 

EDIT:

http://www.w-body.com/service/radio-antennamast.html

 

It's a fairly easy job, but is hard to do without another person.

 

I had to turn the ignition off, and run to the back of the car to feed the gears into the motor. Would have taken 5 minutes with two people.

[dhs1223]

Thank you for the information.

 

What is so special about the wrench provided?

 

The online mast would save about 50% over GM, however, if the provided wrench is necessary, then I suppose it may be worth it.

 

Thanks

[Bossman429]

It's not really special, I broke mine trying to get the mast out. I ended up just turning it out with pliers. There are two flat spots on the bottom of the mast base, that the wrench or pliers grab onto in order to turn it out.

 

To me the wrench wouldn't be worth it, I would buy the GM unit because I have 100% confidence that they will get me the EXACT one to fit my car. Buying online you never know just how many variations there are, or what you will end up with. Not to mention the probably poorer quality.

 

Buyer beware is all I am saying. All I can provide is what I would do in the same situation.

[dhs1223]

Well, I just finished calling 2 local GM dealers, and both quoted $ 51.68 for the replacement antenna mast.

 

GM Parts Direct - $ 25.84 plus shipping and handling (??)

 

Ebay seller - $ 11.95 plus $5.00 S & H.

 

I know the Ebay part may not be off the same quality, but for the price, I think I will have to give it a try.

 

Thanks Bossman429 for your input.

[ToroToro]

If you must, but I will second the notion to get a GM one. I've been burned before when it comes to off brand stuff on eBay.

 

About the tool, I just used an adjustable wrench when I had some string tangled in mine. Didn't even know they made a special tool for that.

[jeremy]

I think I will have to give it a try.

 

let us know how it turns out...the mast on my STE is gone, I have considered replacing it, but I am leaning towards replacing it with a fixed antenna and shaving it