Removing Original Antenna
Step1
Activate the antenna switch to the up position.
Step2
Using the wrench or needle-nose pliers, loosen and remove the original retaining nut on the base of the antenna mast.
Step3
Gain access to the underside of the area where the antenna is located.
Step4
Remove the bracket or brace that is below the hole and holding the antenna in place.
Step6
Find the motor that controls the antenna mast. Generally, power antennas will have a constant 12-volt lead and a ground lead. The ground lead will be grounded to the panel next to the motor.
Step7
Remove the ground lead from the panel.
Step8
Pull out the antenna coaxial cable.
Step9
Unplug the coaxial from the extension coaxial cable.
Step10
Remove the original antenna coaxial cable. Note the route the cable follows.
Installing the New Power Antenna
Step1
Inspect the fender area where the antenna mast will be mounted for rust.
Step2
Clean the area before installing the new antenna.
Step3
Plug the new antenna coaxial cable to the extension coaxial cable. (On some General Motors and Ford cars you may need an adapter to mate the 2 cables together. Car audio retail stores sell such an adapter.)
Step4
Plug the new antenna's coaxial cable into the radio's chassis antenna jack if there is no extension coaxial cable. Tie or tape the string you put on the extension cable to the new antenna coaxial cable. This assures that the 2 cables stay together as you route them to the antenna mount in the fender.
Step5
Connect the power lead of the antenna to the power antenna lead on the radio.
Step6
Connect the 12-volt constant lead to the antenna to a 12-volt source or to the ignition switch.
Step7
Direct the new antenna cable via the same route followed by the original antenna cable on up to the hole in the fender in which the mast will be mounted.
Step8
Ground the ground lead from the motor to a clean metal surface on the metal panel near the mount.
Step9
Insert the mast into the hole. Face the serrated side of the plastic cable on the bottom of the mast toward the motor side. The plastic cable can be inserted freely to about 12 inches and will stop.
Step10
Turn on antenna switch to down position until the plastic cable goes down and catches into the gear mechanism of the drum housing. If the plastic cable does not gear into the mechanism, twist the cable slightly until the cable contacts into the gear mechanism while the motor is in operation.
Step11
Stop the motor after the cable goes into the housing 12 to 25 inches.
Step12
Secure the bracket or strap to the bottom of the antenna mast and to the metal fender.
Step13
Replace the retainer nut to the base of the antenna mast and secure tightly.
Step14
Replace the panel that covers the antenna mount area.