Antenna mast removal help

[greenmachine1]

I need to replace the antenna mast on 94 GT3000. The antenna motor removal instructions indicates the 1st step as removing the ring nut. How does this nut come off. It has 4 slots but a screwdriver doesn't work. What type of tool is used?

Does anyone know if I need to open up the trunk compartment to access the motor antenna (thus removing all sorts of trim), if all I am doing is replacing the mast & attached (plastic toothed) rack cable? Sounds like it can be all done from the outside of the car.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Mark

[Linebckr49]

what do the rest of the directions say?

i don't recall having to remove the ring nut when replacing my antenna mast. however, i have removed it in the past for other things, and there was no special tool i had to use. you should be able to do it with your fingers. its not that tight. if anything, put some duct tape around the end of a flat head screwdriver and try turning it with that.

[youngcaradvc]

i actually came into a problem with my antenna, it started to nock whenever i turned it on for about 20 seconds. I fixed it by ripping the thing out, it needed to be replace anyway. Not sure how exactly to get inside to the motor but i would think you would have to remove some of the interior panels which may be a bit"h.

[AutostradaVR4]

your just replacing the mast itself right? not the motor? if all your doing is putting in a new mast, you shouldnt need to take out any interior trim (although its very easily done with just a phillips screwdriver). yes, your gonna need to take the ring nut off though. Heres the basic idea (team3s.com)

Vehicle: 3000gt/Stealth
TSB Number: 08-37-95
Group: Electrical
Date: Sep. 8, 1995
Subject: Power Antenna Mast Replacement
Models: 1991 - 1994 (B7) Stealth

Discussion:

The antenna mast is a replaceable component on the power antenna.
Complete assembly replacement should not be used for problems
caused by the mast. Included, for your reference, is the Service
Manual Procedure, Labor Operation and Time.

Parts Required:

1 MB629309 Power Antenna Mast

REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE:

(1) Remove the ring nut.

(2) Set the radio switch to ON. After the antenna mast has extended,
remove the antenna mast and rack cable as an assembly.

(3) Extend the replacement antenna mast up to its farthest point.

NOTE:
If the motor end of the rack cable is bent, straighten it.

(4) Force the rack cable into the motor assembly with the tooth side
facing toward the luggage compartment.

(5) Turn the tooth side of the rack toward the rear of the vehicle (90°
clockwise) to bring the rack cable into mesh with the motor gear.

(6) Lightly pull the rack cable. If it comes out without resistance, it
is not in mesh with the motor gear. Recheck that the cable end is not
bent before repeating insertion.

(7) With the antenna mast upright and the radio switch OFF, feed the
rack cable. As the rack is taken up, insert the mast into the motor
assembly.

(8) After the ring nut has been tightened, set the radio switch to ON
and OFF to check the operation of the mast.

[greenmachine1]

Hi all,

Thanks for all of your input. The ring nut was on pretty tight and I attempted to remove with screwdriver but ran the risk of slipping and damaging the paint. So I tried a pliers with rag & it finally cracked. That was the least of my problems.
I intended on just replacing the mast with nylon gear from the top. The cable did not go in properly & was advised that the old one was probably broken & sitting inside the motor. We then had to take out the trim (Yes, no fun at all), then remove the antenna and we worked on the inside of the antenna to remove the broken piece and properly place the new one. If one has not done this before, it is very tedious to get it right. I'd say, if you haven't had experience with opening the motor then make sure you have someone next to you that is very mechanically inclined. Once open - all components have to go in just right.
Thanks for all your help. I appreciate it.
Mark