AFTERMARKET ANTENNAS ON EBAY

[reattadudes]

A word to the wise: don't bother with the aftermarket antennas for sale on ebay.

we are always looking for a source for antennas, as demand always outstrips our supply capabilities. all the ads you see (repeatedly) on ebay were well written, and the antennas looked like they might work, so we ordered one.

first, it just doesn't fit. we tried to use the original mounting studs in the trunk with the supplied "plumber's tape", and nothing lined up properly. we then tried somehow fitting the old bracket to the new antenna. this almost worked, but the antenna was floppy in the hole, with no way to tighten it down.

at this point, we tried the "easy wiring directions". this of course, requires cutting off the old plug and splicing wires. to make a long story short, when the wires were hooked up and the radio was on, the antenna gave a good grunt, went up about an inch, and that was it, probably somewhat akin to an early Viagra clinical trial.

we sent an email to the company, Antenna X of Lake Mary, Florida, and received an immediate answer offering a free replacement. they explained that they were changing suppliers, and the failure rate on the antennas could be as high as 10%. we passed on the exchange, as a failure rate of ten percent is much too high for us on any items we would resell to customers.

its really too bad, because we get the feeling that these guys are really trying hard to do a good job. unfortunately, you are only as good as your product. this is one reason we have just signed off on our ninth (and hopefully last)convertible sun visor clip prototype that is being manufactured offshore. and just think...nine prototypes, and it doesn't even have any moving parts! and they said it was going to be easy.

Mike

[Guest Greg Ross]

GM also offers a "Made in Mexico" new style Antenna as the replacement in their inventory system. Instead of being able to use the original body mount bracket there is a supplied piece of galv. sheet metal to fabricate your own. I bought one, as I recall paid around $125. Cdn, looked identical to an aftermarket one I'd bought about 4 years ago that lasted about 2 months. The similar/ same one from GM didn't survive a single Winter. Took it back and got a refund-eventually.

I'll just keep buying OEM originals used and blend parts.

[Jim]

The original antennas are easily rebuildable. What goes bad 90% of the time is the nylon band inside breaks. The motors seldom go bad, so if the bottom two sections are in good shape simply order a new band from any GM dealer and it comes with the top section. The part number for the replacement band is 22038195 and are about $ 24 retail and about $ 18 if you tell them it is for Joe's, Bob's, Dick's etc Auto Repair. You drill out the 4 or 5 rivets, replace the band and either repoprivet the motor case or put in some 1/4 inch bolts. It is important to replace the rivets as the small clips on the side are not strong enough by themselves to hold the motor case together.

Barney also rebuilds them. Barney@texas.net

[Roadster90]

Folks, I need an antenna for my coupe...and yes I had noticed the ebay stuff....had already decided against it however if I hadn't, I tell ya...this thread is an excellent example of the marvelous group of people we have contributing to this forum....just plain can't get any better....thanks...

Nic

[Barney Eaton]

I agree with all the above, but think I can add more detail.

(A) Every replacement (new) GM (Delco) antenna I have see says "Made in Mexico"

( The part number supplied above by Jim will work, 22039349 will also work.

© If you have an antenna with either of the two lower sections bent, you have a problem. Prior to 1991 the bottom section measured .300 in diameter, 1991 and later antennas measure .250 in diameter. This in itself is not a problem. It is only a problem if the lower sections are bent. GM no longer stocks the old, larger diameter mast sections. If you try and use the new smaller diameter mast sections, they are sloppy in the tube and do not make good contact, and will allow water to enter the mast/motor.

I have not investigated the availabity or cost of a new complete mast sub assembly but by the time you buy it and do the work you probably have the cost of a new antenna from GM.

I rebuild antenna assemblies for mechanically challanged or owners without the time and tools to rebuild the antenna. I have written a procedure that tells you how to rebuild the antenna, it can be found at www.reatta.net

I do not rebuild antennas (or headlight motors) to pay the rent, it started more as a service, but I do want something for my time.

If you have an antenna with bent lower shafts, contact me and I will determine if I have spare parts to repair it, otherwise, I can only rebuild those that have stopped working for other reasons.

[Reatta Man]

Barney,

THANKS for posting the part number. My wife's 96 Regal, as well as my '84 Olds, have broken electric antennas. I have rebuilt more of them than I care to admit. However, when at Cavender Buick a few weeks ago, the parts guy told me the replacement shaft is no longer available, but I could get an entire replacement unit for about $200. Apparently, there is a LOT more profit in a $200 antenna (probably wholesales to them for $65) than there is in an $18 replacement shaft.

I'll spend an hour or so rebuilding the antenna, but it ain't worth $200 smakaroos to watch that little silver shaft go up and down every morning before I go to work!

Once again, the Reatta technical advisor comes through!

Joe (currently going through the 12-step recovery program for former Reatta owners)

[jimustanguitar]

I will be selling a factory original 1990 Reatta antenna (power antenna) on ebay, starting in the next few days. The chrome spanner nut is not in that good of shape, but the rest of the antenna is in fine condition. Look for the antenna on ebay in the next few days.

[Guest imported_keystone]

I have been looking for a fixed mast GM antenna to replace the power unit.

GM used these on cars in 80s and 90s. Anyone found one that will fit?

Keystone