Guest ozzytom Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 Hi all,My power antenna has decided not to function. It was working a month ago, but now has decided to go on strike.It is in partial retracted position (about 12") but the height is insufficient to maintain good radio reception.I can not sense any activation of the motor.... no sound / vibration on switch activation.I've checked that there is 12V available on both sides of the switch toggle (Up/Down) so I suspect either the wiring connection to the motor, or possibly the motor itself.Question is ... "How do I get to the motor on a 57 Special."These ol' girls don't seem to offer easy access to their accessories.All feedback appreciated.regardstom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caballero2 Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 There is an inner fender panel that is attached to the fender. By removing that panel, you have access to the power brake vacuum tank (if you have power brakes) and the power antenna.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ozzytom Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Hi Dan.Is that panel accessible from the engine bay or from under the car (on a hoist)?I had a quick look under the bonnet and could not identify a removable panel...Unless you mean the entire inner panel requires removal :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caballero2 Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 It is behind the front wheel , drivers side, similar to the one in the attached thumbnail.Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ozzytom Posted August 7, 2011 Share Posted August 7, 2011 Thanks Dan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fr. Buick Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Look in your service manual to be sure, but on my '54 there is an in-line fuse that powers the motor. It runs from the fuse block to the antenna switch. Since your failure was sudden and total, it makes me wonder about the fuse... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ozzytom Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Thanks for the heads up.I checked all the fuses on the fuse block previously, and they were OK.I didn't consider an inline fuse, as my power antenna was factory fitted with the wonderbar radio.I'll get my head under that dash and see if I can follow the 12V supply wire at the switch back to its source.... A blown inline fuse would certainly solve the problem easily.thankstom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TG57Roadmaster Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Tom,In case you don't find an inline fuse and/or an easy fix, for many years this man has been rebuilding GM power antennas of our vintage.Klaus WojakP.O. Box 553241 Hanging RockBanner Elk, North Carolina 28604828-898-9338 I've had his info on file for 20 years, waiting to get around to fixing my own power antenna.He advertises in Hemmings, usually under Buick and Cadillac Services Offered.Good luck,TG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fr. Buick Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 And he wants over 500 for the job and would not sell any one-off pieces. So I kept looking for spare parts until I got one complete one to work...Others may no thave that option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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