Power Antenna
My antenna on the 66 goes down but not up. I replaced the power switch (I found an NOS GM power top switch with identical innards and did the swap). Any ideas on what the likely cause is? Thanks.
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Re: Power Antenna
Ted,
Are you saying that you replaced the switch and the antenna still only moves in one direction? If so, I would recommend pulling the antenna to bench test it. I believe it has a three pin connector, with one ground and two 12 V pins. Which pin gets 12 V depends on whether you're going up or down. Do you have a schematic?
Joe -
Re: Power Antenna
Hi Joe, yes, I replaced the switch. I do have the schematics in the shop manual and the AIM. I don't see anything on troubleshooting the antenna. I haven't got into the back end yet. I am just in the middle of the brake caliper rebuild. Is the antenna plug reversable for trouble shooting? Is it reachable without muffler removal? Thanks.Comment
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Re: Power Antenna
The plug is not reversable and it would be nearly impossable to remove the PA without taking the exhaust off or at least loose.Comment
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Re: Power Antenna
The lead off the antenna is a two pin connector. Both are positive leads, one will raise the mast the other will lower it. The ground goes through the antenn to a copper stap to the frame. You will have to move your muffler to get to it. See the attached info (hopefully). When you activate your switch one side should go hot. When you move the switch the other direction the other lead should go hot.
You can also try giving the motor housing a tap with a hammer.
66AntRR.jpgComment
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Re: Power Antenna
Thanks Greg, that will get me started in the right direction.Comment
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Re: Power Antenna
Ted,
Please don't hit it with a hammer. That guy has gotta be kidding!
It is a two pin connector with ground coming from the body of the motor. Obviously the motor will work if it goes in one direction but some of the winding may be either open or burned open.
Bench testing will be the only way to eliminate the motor completely.
Trace the wires to the motor and apply 12VDC to each the up and the down and see if the motor responds in both directions. If you can unplug the harness from the motor and apply 12VDC to each of the pins individually to see if the motor will respond. If it does in one direction and not the other then it will have to be removed.
Hopefully you have a wiring problem as the motors can be very expensive to repair.
Good luck and proceed cautiously.
JRComment
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Re: Power Antenna
Thanks JR. I will try not to use the persuader. It might be a few weeks before I get to it though. I have ordered the Restorer DVD with all the 66 articles, so I hope there is a tech write up in there on a DIY fix.Comment
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Re: Power Antenna
Well, I tapped the antenna...no change. Took it out, only to find that it was a repro off shore item. I got in touch with Greg Thompson at C2powerantenna.com and ordered one of his restored originals. I just got it today and it looks awesome. Greg was a pleasure to deal with, I thought I was stuck as I didn't have an original to trade or repair.
Hey this Corvette restoration is easy, all you have to do is send out money and you get mint parts back.
Next stop...DeWitts...Comment
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Re: Power Antenna
Ted,
Good deal, I'm glad you got it resolved. I too, had fine dealings with Greg. Since you've got buku dolares, it's time to take it to the next level. Just drop it off at your friendly local restorer, pay the 100 grand or so and kick back until the car comes back all done and shiny. Nothing to do but drive off into the sunset, chrome all a gleaming!
JoeComment
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Re: Power Antenna
Joe, you're absolutely right. Here I've been doing it wrong for the last 40+ years..doing it all myself...well I never did my own chrome. I'm a slow learner, but, better late than never.Comment
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