So I thought it would be easy to get a new replacement power antenna mast for my 84 Turbo Coupe but it looks like most only fit 89+ models and not the earlier cars.
What mast do I need? Autozone was no help.
This one says 83-88 in the ad not the title
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Power-ANTENNA-1986-1987-1988-Ford-Thunderbird_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2eaba40359QQitemZ200448148313QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
Dude try this eBay link... the auction describes the actual OEM replacement as chrome instead of gold like in the picture.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350326900798&crlp=1_263602_263622&ff4=263602_263622&viewitem=&guid=01d21c691270a02653854fb5ff8c3d15&rvr_id=&ua=WVI7&itemid=350326900798
Decided just to buy a NOS complete power antenna replacement from an ebay seller. I have a feeling the older units are just a little bit different, for just a little more ($60 with shipping) I went with the new unit.
Replacing it might be a different story as it appears there are no connectors at the antenna, gotta pull the radio.
Really glad I bought it now. Looks like the price is going up as his supply goes down. Now they are $85 ($75+$10 ship).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400046283233
Just an afterwards here...
I also have not found just the antenna replacement for our power antennas. It does seem that the whole unit has to be replaced.
When I got my '98 Mountaineer back in '05, the power antenna wouldn't work...did a little digging and found that just the mast could be replaced. So I got on for a measly $14 from eBay, followed the instructions, worked perfectly. I was hoping that, somehow, ours could be like that but it doesn't appear so.
Anyway, you did the right thing, and that was a good price too. I paid $110 +shipping for a NOS one a few years ago.
I just replaced the mast on my 85 30th anniversary car. it had to be or
dered in (1 week) i got it from pal at LANDMARK FORD in PORTLAND
COST WAS UNDER $70. O.E.M AND EASY TO REPLACE:burnout:
I don't see the problem with just replacing the mast? The unit is easy to take apart, I've already done it. I have the same problem, the motor is good but the mast broke.
Well, on the Mountaineer, it was a simple matter of pulling the whole mast out when the antenna was going up. There was no disassembly of the unit necessary. Then you insert the new mast, turn the radio off, and it pulls the nylon teeth into the assembly and snugs everything up. Real easy, surprisingly so.
IF our cars' power antennas work the same way, here is a solution:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Power-ANTENNA-1983-1984-1985-Ford-Thunderbird_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem51911c483eQQitemZ350326900798QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
Again, I could be wrong about the whole thing but I don't ever remember ours having an easy mast replacement.
Being a nice 26k mile Thunderbird Turbo Coupe I'm ok with the cost of a new power antenna, especially being a genuine Ford product. The cars are just getting old enough that once common parts are no longer available or atleast hard to source. The pre-89 power antenna mast inventory must be exhausted or alteast not profitable for the low sales.
Same battle with the Battery. Seems nobody stocks a 56 series at the dealer.
Atleast I now have my NOS Goodyear Eagle GT's mounted up waiting at the tire store!!
Ah. Nah, it's not as simple for our cars, but it isn't exactly difficult either.
I think we may have posted at the same time... LOL!
I have had my dash apart and put it back together so many times that for me it's a piece of cake... LOL! It's really not bad. There are two electrical plugs that you pull apart behind the left side of the glovebox then you pull the antenna wire out of the back of the radio.
Anyway I am surprised that the original antenna on my 84 still works and is in great shape...
Great minds think alike I guess ;)
my 85 replaced exactly the same as the mountaineer - tire baron
Pretty happy. Replaced the antenna today. Much simpler than it looks like it would be.
Basic How To process.
Remove glove box straps, extend glove box door down.
Reach in and around to remove antenna coax from the radio.
Unclip antenna coax cable mounting clip from heater box.
Unclip power wire located on the left lower glove box area. (find wires by following ant coax)
Remove inner fender.
Remove top antenna mount, external, spanner nut around antenna mast.
Unbolt antenna.
Remove body grommet.
Install by reversing process.
DONE! Enjoy.
the antennas were 25.00 a little over a year ago. i bought
one as a spare. same seller. guess its a good idea to
have one if its left.--irv