power antenna

[lightin rod]

ok the power antenna in my car dosent go up or down the motor just runs so i disconnected it from the stereo and then i got a new cd player for my car and was takin the old one out and the antenna came off and stayed in the old radio so i bought a whole new antenna motor and mast with the wiring but i cant put it in because i cant figure out how the inner fender comes out, because the chiltons book says u have to take it off so im stuck with no radio just cds and they are getting really old. So does anybody know how it comes out another way to replace the whole unit? that includes the wiring. Thanks in advance

[Mike75]

Try helping the antenna up as a friend holds the button down. Once it's up, clean it off with an alcohol pad. It's probably gummed up from all kinds of stuff.

I had the same problem, but tried that out, and now it works just fine. Hope this helps.

[lightin rod]

uhhhmm theres no button it runs on its own when the radio turns on and off but i will try it anyway it is up all the time thanks mike75

[Mike75]

Oh, sorry man! My 93 has a button that you use to put the antenna up and down.

[lightin rod]

i tried the alcohol pad thing and it didnt work there is about a foot of travel on the mast where it doesnt catch so im assuming the gears are stripped off so anybody know how to remove the whole unit?

[94GreenBeast]

I have been having the same problem however my mast eventaully broke off and now I also have nothing. I have read that to fix/replace it you have to take the front right wheel off along with the inner black fender gaurd. I was just reading on another post about how some guy needs one of these fender gaurds and that they are just held in by 4 or 5 push things....so maybe it just has to be pulled hard enough. And I would be careful obviuosly, this is the same reason that I havent replaced mine yet either. Hope you figure it out, and if you do could you please post how it all works out, so I don't reck mine. thanks alot.

[intrcptrbird]

you guys are in luck I just replaced my whole power antenna. The flexible white plastic gear strip broke in mine so I could have just replaced the mast but I did the whole unit.

1. It helps a lot to take the the wheel off and then remove the inner fender.
2. Remove it by taking out the 6 to 8 screws on the sides and top that attach it to the fender and then remove the little plastic things. A clip remover used to take door panels off with helps with this step. Examine it closly though b/c there is a way to take them off without damaging them.
3. After that you will be able to access the antenna motor.

[94GreenBeast]

SO, can I just go on JCWhiteny and buy a generic antenna or do I have to buy a special Thunderbird one. And where can I get one of those clip removers. (autozone?) Thanks for the help.

[flewthecoupe]

Use a pair of side cutters but don't cut the retainer, just pull the center portion out about a 1/4" or so and the whole retainer will come out.

Better than that, and quicker too, just turn the wheels all the way to the right, remove the screw at the bottom rear of the panel (at the rocker panel) and remove a couple that hold the splash shield to the fender lip. It will take some muscle but the splash shield will bend and you can get in to the antenna. Takes about me 20 minutes in and out. There is an odd nut that holds the mast to the top of the fender on the outside that a pair of needle nose pliers can take off.

[RickwithaTbird]

I just used a hammer to get the clips off. the prongs should slide right under the center part, and pull it right out... easy as pie.

[94GreenBeast]

Well can I use just any power antenna? Or what?

[intrcptrbird]

I just used a generic one but it ended up being more work than needed. I ended up having to run new wires for it b/c the old ones weren't working right. it might be a different story for you but I'd still try to get the Ford replacement.