CHEAP F-Body Power Antenna Repair (Fixed Previous Owner's Hack Job) & One BIG New Problem
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- Опубликовано: 22 май 2021
- In today's video, I go over repairing the power antenna on my 1987 Pontiac Trans Am GTA (L98/700r4/9 Bolt Rear End). This is a very common issue, where the antenna motor continuously spins after the nylon cord breaks internally. The part may also be referred to as an "antenna mast", or "mast replacement" etc.
There doesn't appear to be a great source of aftermarket parts available, leaving the average third gen owner high and dry. You can source a replacement from a junkyard, but it will be the same age as the part that has failed, which doesn't seem to be the smarted move considering a working one isn't "cheap".
After doing some research, it seems that the best option is to go to Home Depot and get yourself 36.5" of 3/32" braided steel wire/rope and repair it yourself!
#fbody #firebird #thirdgen #satisfying #detailing #camaro #f-body
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As an added bonus to all of the forward progress on the car, the heater core is leaking now. Neat.
Guess this car wants to fight you the whole way 🤷♂️
Yeah I guess so. The better i treat it the more it fights to die lol
Looking forward to that video. It seems your car is pretty stock. I highly recommend you replace that plastic Heater Control Valve ASAP, those tubes in the valve tend to disintegrate over time, causing coolant leaks. I recently had the control valve blow up on my face causing some light to moderate burns...not pretty.
I think in one of LSXMatt's recent videos he replaced his heater core on the Trans Am and mentioned that it's not too bad compared to others and you don't have to pull the entire dash
It's an easy core to swap compared to some other cars!
This is a fantastic video and will be used for decades to rebuild power antennas..Thanks for the detailed description and fix...I don’t even have 3rd gens anymore and I still love this content...
Hope its helpful to some people. A couple have forwarded me links to getting a replacement nylon string that I didn't find before. They can be had for $30-$50 online. I'll still go this route next time. Its cheaper and 10x stronger
Great tip on repairing that power antenna. The heater core is a simple fix on third gens. It takes about 45 minutes. The only issue is that it is nearly impossible to get a factory copper style core. The only one I could find was a replacement aluminum type and it doesn’t get as hot as the original one. I live in the desert and don’t really need heat. You might want to take your leaking one to a radiator repair shop and have it fixed.
I'll examine the core I take out and see if my local repair shop can fix it. I've put in the aftermarket AL cores in these before. Not the worst job in the world, but I wouldn't say it's fun either lol. Oh well, that's the way she goes on old cars like this.
Very timely, my antenna broke last week. BTW beautiful GTA, congrats!! Thanks for posting this.
Sweet, hope itll be helpful for you. It's pretty straightforward when you take things apart. Good luck!
Wow! I can’t believe you got that thing repaired! My gta power antenna mast was cracked off. When i bought my 99 ws6 the previous owner gave me a gm replacement mast and i replaced it. Very cool you got yours fixed
Good video! I don't listen to music in my cars because I don't want to wear out my power antenna motor and have it stick up. Glad you got it fixed cheaply.
I dont for the most part either. I'm usually running errands though. When I hit the freeway I'll listen to music.
I stumbled across that metal cable fix several years back after fixing that nylon cable for like the 3rd time lol. Thats a life time fix with the metal cable.
Those wheels changes a little over the years. I think one style had a dimple where the center meets the barrel of the wheel. So the previous owner may have curbed one and replaced a 87 gta wheel with a 92 gta wheel. Just a thought. Good luck and keep up the great videos.
I think you're correct. I zoomed in on the wheels and thought the same thing.
Thanks for the tips guys. At first glance I hadn't noticed it. Theres some sharp viewers in here! I'll check the rears closely too.
This is good stuff! I have an 87 GTA that I'm picking up this weekend that needs paint and interior work, amongst other things. Looking forward to start digging into it!
Good to see someone doing a proper and thorough job of a repair. Not only did you fix the initial problem, you improved on the factory solution with a stronger means of extending and retracting the antenna and fixed several other problems you identified whilst you were on the job! On top of that, I've now learned about the internals of a piece of this car I've never taken apart - great stuff - you've just earned yourself another subscriber!
Sweet, thanks for the feedback bud. I hate to admit it, but my solder job wasn't the best and I had doubts about it lasting. Sure enough it let go on one end and it was back back square one.
In the future, I would WELD and grind it as the fella did in the photos I saw, or two part epoxy each end. Soldering isn't the best method here IMO. You live and you learn.
@@Greenlightfilming I've got one myself so that's valuable info to know. I'd probably go with the welding - it's metal on metal that way and with enough grinding and sanding it should look smooth and professional - and hey - it's still easier than spray painting!
I have a 88 GTA with the same problem, and have been trying to find nonexistent replacement parts. Great video, and I'm going to give it a try.
Great fix. Wonderful all the little surprises these cars present distracting from other repairs. Hope the heater core fix goes smooth.
Me too! For what it's worth, the antenna is boogered up again. I think something let go inside, as all it does is spin the motor now up and down.... Yay.
Great video as always! Makes me want to turn some wrenches on my 92 T/A convertible. Many projects completed many more to go on my ride. Total motivational videos to make my ride sweeter. Thanks. Love the drive thru the tunnels in my old home town at the end of the video.
Glad it's doing something for you! They are fun cars, but they have some not so fun issues to address as you are well aware. Since filming this, the power antenna has a new issue that I'll have to address. Seems like it never ends on old cars.
An original owner, fully documented 1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA was advertised, in a local newsprint magazine, in 2008, for $4,500. The ad stated that the car had "mechanical issues" and the battery couldn't keep a charge. The car had 46k original one owner miles. Having wanted that exact car since they were new, I answered the ad. It was just 46 miles from my home. When I went to see the car, the owner connected the battery and I heard the whir of the faulty power antenna. That was the "mechanical issues" the owner stated in the ad. After I pointed that out to him and told him that this car was now and in the future will be even more valuable, he still wanted to sell it to me just because of my honesty. This was my dream car since I was 16 and at 36 my dream was coming true. I ended up buying the car for $2,500 and I've had it ever since then. Today it has 67k miles and spends it's winters lounging in the garage next to my newly aquired 29k Camaro RS.
Regarding your question about the wheels being factory or reproduction; the 1987 GTA had “dimpleless” GTA wheels. Where the cross lace meets the inside of the rim, your wheels have dimples; whereas, the factory 1987 GTA did not. I restored my white 1987 GTA 5.7 liter hardtop and, like you, really got to know the car and these little idiosyncrasies. Thanks for the videos on your ‘87 GTA.
One of those front rims is incorrect. 87 GTA's had a one year only production rim. The 87 rims do not have a dimple at the end of the crosslace, 88-92 does.
Thanks for the info. Figured one had to be wrong, just didnt know which was correct.
Nice seeing GTA vids. Can't wait to work on my 90 some day soon.
That’s an awesome looking firebird. I had an 89 formula. Just got an 02 firebird, working on getting it painted, sunset Orange, but man I like the looks of your car, my formula had that long leinier look like yours. Congrats on that awesome car.
Thanks buddy. This was a good car for sure! Good luck on painting your 'bird!
I love those cars I've had 5, of them.had a 89 GTA with 9000 miles on it. Tuned port 350 and it had T-tops. Read with gray leather. Had it for a couple of years then I had to sell it because there was a girl in town who had one identical to mine and I always liked being able to stand out. Oh and this was about 1991.
I was planning on doing this with my 87 Formula but I bought one of those Bluetooth cassette players to connect my phone. You could listen to the radio off of iHeartRadio... Lol but this would be a fix for the future I’m sure
That's the way I see this one. It should really be a long term fix. Hope I never have to touch the antenna again.
Awesome video and very informative, I wish mine still had the original power antenna but a PO did me a similar favor lol and removed the entire motor assembly so I went stationary mast. As you mentioned the used ones are very expensive for a likely worn out part. Switching to aftermarket power may be what I eventually end up doing.
@@SoGoYoko Thanks for the heads up, honestly the headache of finding one that fits properly is why I went with the stationary mast.
That is a very clean GTA nice ride bro!!!
Thanks man, appreciate it!
I have an '87 IROC-Z. Enjoying your channel. Been thinking about converting my non-power antenna to a powered unit so it's less BS to deal with the car cover. This can let me hunt for a broken unit to fix myself. Enjoying all your F-body vids so far. As a headphone user to watch videos, I'd love to have the montage music volume lower, that's more agressive rock music than I usually listen too. :) Keep up the great content, thank you.
Doing it on a junkyard one first would be a perfectly good way to go about it. While editing, I actually already turned down the music 6dB, as its pretty loud compared to the microphone volume. I didn't do it using headphones but I'll keep it in mind. Sorry for that, I tried to tone it down haha. Will take it down a little further.
@@Greenlightfilming No worries. I have younger kids and some YTers don't keep the language clean like you do (thanks for that) so I wear headphones. Thx!
@@BowTied69 I hear you there. Try to keep it as clean as possible! Thanks
Sucks that you got rid if it, I own an 89' and your videos were the only ones that really helped me... There are way too many 4th gen videos out there, us 3rd gen Pontiac guys really needed more GTA ones since there's hardly any😞
I'm sure there will be another 3rd gen GTA in the stable sooner or later. They are great cars, but the reality of the red one I owned was that I was done with it.
It made no sense to have it painted even if I did all the labor of removal/installing of the panels and it drove great.
It was at the tipping point of value so i sold it.
Way cool, nice video.
Thanks! Sounds like there is a couple other ways to skin this cat too if you read the comments.
Good stuff
If you examine closely the outside front edge of the wheel center, you can see that the left wheel is smooth, whereas the right wheel is "dimpled." Check the rear wheels to see if they have the "dimples," but I believe you have a later version of the wheel on the left front.
Thanks for the info. I'll take a look at that closer today. I didnt realize the factory wheels would be cast different on earlier/later wheels. Wonder if the mismatch has something to so with the paint work that was done.
@@Greenlightfilming The earlier two piece non-dimpled wheels were weak in the hub area and prone to cracking. The later one piece dimpled wheels fixed that problem.
I'll take a look tonight. Thanks for the info, you know your details on these cars.
The antenna cord on my 90 snapped also but a friend of mine found and ordered a kit for me. I really wish I knew where he got it so you and everyone else can properly repair your projects.
Cool video!! Keep up the good work I'm learning a lot even thou I own a third gen Z28 and not a Tran Am but anyway again outstanding work.
Thanks, appreciate it. Hoping this will help some people save a bunch of money. It's a good DIY in my opinion. I'll get back to my Z28 sooner or later. Life gets busy you know?
@@Greenlightfilming Oyeah I hear you about life gets busy never enough time to do what you want to do. O I forgot you said something about replacing the heater core man i had to do that on my 92 Z28 I don't know if its any different on a Tran Am but it was a challenge on my Z28 i hope you have a easier time than i did.
It's going to be a big PITA. The process would be pretty much the same on this car. I've done them before on these, just been awhile.
Nice job on the antenna bro
I know im years late on this but just thought I'll throw out there did i know you said etc when you were checking online but did you classic industries .
Thats where im ordering my antenna from i have issues regarding mine also
I have white 89 Gta t-top
The third gen guys online are big on the Crown antenna as a replacement, but I'd pay good money for one done that way.
Several topics covered Gen 3 style! I have a 91 Camaro with factory fixed antenna that I need to change out (Use a car cover) with a brand new GM NOS power antenna I got at a swap for $5. I took the RF cable from a Junk yard Camaro (the new unit just has the post and two screw holes in mast) and thought I would just use the power wire from the Alpine stereo that is in the car to operate it. Doesn't the stereo switch the power already? Unsure now...
Just remember to oil that antenna from time to time, it really helps in the operation
How did you solder the wire in the antenna mast repair?
The first rim is a one year only for 1987 ! The 2ed rim is after market or 1988 and above due to the lace next to the chrome rim ! The 1987 has no lace just flat next to the the chrome I the gold gold honeycomb
Really sad that you didn't show how to take off the antenna. Also question to you, i see 3 wires 1 green and 2 white, which one(s) are positive and negative?
I miss my GTA notchback sold it last year still have the irocz that I can’t ever sell
Notice the car smokes a little when you first start it, so does mine. Is it you valve stem seals?
Yes sir. I believe that's what it needs.
Do you have a video on changing the Camaro antenna to fixed?
Negative. The car came with a fixed antenna from the factory.
Replace anything the mice touched in the hvac. I bought a 92 talon once completely mouse infected inside and out and I even took engine degreaser to the entire inside of the hvac and nope it still smelled like gross mouse no matter what. Start by replacing the ac evaporator and blower motor with fresh parts. Trust me that ac evaporator will always have a mouse smell no matter what
You are right. Even with what I cleaned out, it still has that odor. I'd imagine it's all just coated in the scent.
He shouldve use AC evap cleaner. That pink acid maje reaction with the aluminum and cleans everything
I know this is a few months ago, but, in case you didn't notice, or get it fixed... At 24:28, between the D and the S of Grand Spirit, the wheel appears to be bent, just a touch.
I was thinking of use a cleaber look, with an windshield antena. Also I hace a deal on a cheap similar antena for $25.
Dont know what to do
This is exactly what I had to do to mine to get the mouse houses out after being in a barn for 4 years. It smelled disgusting. I need all new carpet it was so bad.
They sure can ruin everything. It's really amazing what a mouse or two can do to a vehicle.... ish.
@@Greenlightfilming I have an idea for you for your channel. More private way to communicate?
I had a mouse nest at the exact same place in mine😅
Great mice think alike
Your mystery wheel is not from an ‘87. The 1987 gta wheels don’t have the dimples in the gold mesh where they meet the polished lip. I hope that makes sense. The 1987 wheels should be smooth in that area. It was a 1 year only different in the crosslace wheels.
Did you use the existing hook end ? Kinda want to know .
Yes. Unless it's broken there's no reason to use a "new" one.
@@Greenlightfilming Did you simply solder it ? because I find it hard to do or did you do something easier? Thank you
I'm wondering if anyone in these comments can help me with my 87 IROC. I did a t-56 swap, and ever since My car won't cold start without being hooked to a charger/jumper cables. I didn't change any wiring other than running the yellow/purple to the clutch pedal for starter activation. Im using a flywheel/starter that fits a 95 Z28. The engine cranks over like it used to b4 the swap and woudl normally crank over on first turn of the key. Ive had the battery checked and theres no issues with it either. Everything on my car is stock L98 5.7L except it has an MSD ignition/coil/6AL/Distributor. Ive posted on 3rdgen forums, no one has any ideas. Im just beyond frustrated at this point. Cars been sitting a year now and hasnt really moved cause i dont trust driving it anywhere in this condition. So i just start it and let it run every few weeks and thats it.
Am I the only one who had a hell of a time actually getting the assembly in and out from behind the fender?
It's a little tricky. Took me a minute to get it situated lol
The rims that are on your gta and my T/A are BBK'S there the one who made them plus sweet Antenna fix a friend of mine just broke mine two weeks ago I could have cust him 3 ways from Sunday I told him there no speaker in the car plus the exhaust is to loud two even hear it anyway
Both of the fronts appear to be factory GM wheels like you say. I just noticed that the casting inside looks totally different. The passengers side has the center welded all the way around to the wheel's "barrel" if that makes sense.
The drivers side is fully cast with no weld.
@@Greenlightfilming it does I'm going to have a look at my wheels you my have a replacement wheel I'll look tomorrow see I'll get back to you then
Appreciate it, thank you!
@@Greenlightfilming both the front and the back of my wheels are smooth no welds stock if that helps
The antenna source has replacement parts
Do you still have it?
Yes
Kinda looks like a G body. Like Regal or some 80's G body rim
I think I see what you mean?
so what's going on with the car now? almost a year since this last video! what's up..
I've since sold the car. It was at the point that it wasn't worth putting anymore money into so I moved on to another project.
@@Greenlightfilming so what was wrong with it bro? what did it need?
@@kitvexed8229 it really needed a full paint job and some interior restoration. Mechanical work here and there. It would be a money pit.
@@Greenlightfilming damn im sorry to hear that i was excited to see where you were going to go with it - you were certainly excited in the beginning too! sorry to read you lost hope and gave her up..
@@Greenlightfilming damn im sorry to hear that i was excited to see where you were going to go with it - you were certainly excited in the beginning too! sorry to read you lost hope and gave her up..
Crown Automotive 56003151 Antenna
Looked that up quick and it lists it as being for jeeps. The RF connector and mast look similar. Does this fit an fbody?..
@@Greenlightfilming Yes it does. The Jeep antenna bolts right in. It's 96% the same as the F-body power antenna. It has a different finial screwed on top (I actually like it better) you can swap them, it has the same white, grey, and green wires with the same connector on the end but the wires are too short for a Firebird and I guess a Camaro, the antenna cable mounts to the mast the same way but it is shorter and has a different connector another cable is meant to connect to it and go to the radio, the grommet that goes through the body is the same, the mounting hardware/brackets in the fender mount the same and the trim/mounting hardware on top the fender mount the same. the antenna mast is the same length.
You can go about the shorter wiring and antenna cable two ways. Swap power antenna assemblies, push connector, wiring, antenna cable through hole and seat grommet. Extend green, white, grey wiring to reach, get antenna extension cable the right length with correct connector for your radio (full size Motorola or mini GM Motorola) and the correct female connector to connect to Jeep antenna cable. Or remove two screws from each power antenna that connect antenna cable to mast and swap GM cable onto Jeep antenna lower mast, cut wires in fender between grommet and factory antenna and cut wires off Jeep antenna and splice together.
@@Greenlightfilming Done it many times. Jeep antenna swaps in like a charm.
@@Airwolf1971 man, that's really good to know. In all of my digging I never saw this method mentioned a single time.
The aftermarket one that came with the car the was supposed to fit wasnt even close in many ways. I would have never dreamed a jeep replacement one would work out. I will mention this in the next video for sure!