67 vs. 68 antenna

[Philippe Courant <accf-club@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,
I've a similar problem on my '57 antenna: first it began to work slow, 
then slower then slower then .. stop (at middle extension..). I try to 
extend or retract, no motion. But i saw that the amp gauge went to "D" 
and int. light dimmed ..  After several tests (the antena must be fully 
retract on '57 if you want to remove it from fender) and with a help 
which push gently on the mast, the mast was fully retracted. It was 2 
months ago and i had no time to remove the assy.
Last week i decide to remove the antena . First i try to extend it, no 
motion !! So i remove the assembly from the car. On bench i remove the 
motor and test it: perfect ! So i had to remove a circular cover to see 
what happen in the housing. I know that it wasn't the mast because the 2 
lower sections move freely. When i remove the cover, all the nylon cord 
bursts out the housing ! So i remove the remaining loop , clean it, 
remove the semi circular plastic part (with a lot of tiny springs) which 
pushs the cord on a "gear pulley" and reinstall the nylon cord; you must 
have the mast fully extended (no loop in the housing), reinstall  all 
the parts then plugs the motor to + with the "retract" wire. I 've some 
fresh grease in the assy. gears.
I've note that the end of the nylon cord is free in the housing !
After this "overhaul" the antenna works great and faster than ever...

-- 

Philippe COURANT (Pau, France)- Webmaster des sites ACCF et C-I-F
Imperial 1957 Crown convertible
Buick 1996 Roadmaster wagon

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