C2 Antenna Squeal

[Mark P.]

My antenna for my 66 has been squealing every time I operate it, both raising and lowering. Are there rebuild procedures available, or is this something best left to professionals? It sounds like it just needs lubrication, but I don't know for sure. I looked in my back issues of the Restorer, but did not see a recent article. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Mark

[Mike G.]

Re: C2 Antenna Squeal

There are a couple of decent Restorer articles on these antennae, but they go back more than a few years. Tom Crockatt authored one, as did Ron Dembrowski (sp?). Sounds like you're due for a clean & lube --much like the headlight motors. There's a clip that holds the spool on its shaft and there are springs pushing up against it. Use a clamp to push the spool down and then removing the clip is much easier.

Another slick idea that somebody came up with -- put a slight bevel on the "bumps" that the ball bearings in the clutch mechanism travel over. This smooths out the action and should increase reliability.

Remember when you bench test it that the connector leads are both 12 volt. Up and down. Ground is through the case.

As long as your cable is not broken, you can service the drive mechanism without too much aggravation. The worst part is getting it out if you don't have side exhaust!

[Mark P.]

Re: C2 Antenna Squeal

Mike,

Sounds great...thanks for the info. I will give it a try. FYI, I do have side exhaust, so at least that part will be easier. Any recommendations as to what type of lube to use on it?

Thanks again,
Mark

[Mike G.]

Re: Lubricant

I'm a big fan of "Lubriplate" which comes in a silver tube. It can be used sparingly, seems to last forever, and doesn't harden. I get it at my local Ace hardware. If you can't find that, then white Lithium grease seems to be the favorite for this application, as well as the H/L motors.

[Mark P.]

Re: Lubricant

Thanks for all the help, Mike. I'll get to it.

Mark