Radio Antenna Mast

[ccomt]

Anybody know where to purchase an OEM replacement radio antenna mast for a 1990 Towncar? The dealer wants $ 44.95 for just the mast! Would a used one from a salvage yard be viable or would the plastic strip be too deteriorated to last very long?

[Richard J. Parker]

I bought one from Autozone. Check various auto supplies.

[ccomt]

I checked with Autozone and Advanced Auto Parts and the ones I talked to locally only sell universal power antennas (complete with motor) not just the mast. Has anybody tried a used mast from a salvage yard?

[Richard J. Parker]

Let me check with the autosupply I go to here in town. Maybe I can get the brand and model and then you can call around for it.

Ok...
Harada Industry of America
Rancho Dominguez, Calif
and
HARADA Antennas Limited
140 WENDELL AVE. UNIT 1 A
NORTH YORK, ONTARIO
M9N 3R2 CANADA
1-800-421-2753 http://www.harada.on.ca/

HARADA Model FD6 replaces F3Az18A886A
$21.99 Retail in Houston

[ February 14, 2002: Message edited by: Richard J. Parker ]

[georgiahoosier]

Most all the posts about the antenna revolve around a bent or damaged mast, my problem is in the works, the motor will groan and grind for an additional minute after the mast is fully up.
I went through a tense period when this started where I would have to physically push the antenna down to get it started after the radio was shut off.
If this can be as quick a fix as I got with the locked door, I'll be in good shape!!!
Thanks!!
(forgot to mention, mine's a 93 TC with the auto antenna)

[ March 06, 2002: Message edited by: georgiahoosier ]

[Speedycat3]

GeorgiaHoosier.. Mine is a 94 TC, and It also made noise and sometimes did not want to lower fully unless I helped it.. Almost not noticeable, but there was a bent in some of the steps in the midle that made it difficult for the whole mast to go down.. I put a soft towel on the trunk and used a flat board against the mast in the full up position, and turned the mast around against the flat board to see the bent.. Like I said, hard to notice, but about 15 minutes of gentle pushes at different steps in height until it was much flatter.. After that, I used a piece of of the softest sand paper I found ( I think it was 2000 grit) and wet sanded the mast gently.. And after that, a lightsoft coat of WD 40 (which I do every time I detail my car, and now it goes up and down every time..
Hope it works for you..

[Speedycat3]

I forgot to mention that when the antenna does not go up fully because it is dirty and gets stuck, you might not notice the difference in height unless you pull it all the way up yourself, but the little motor still keeps trying for a little while.

[georgiahoosier]

Interesting!! I'll give the board trick a try!
This Lincoln-fixing is easier than I thought!! :D

Just have to know the right folks!

[Speedycat3]

Wait till you get to what scares everybody away from most lincolns, and the reason some of them can be picked up dirt cheap sometimes.. "Air Suspension Issues" Air springs and compressor replacement...
I myself was really dissapointed when mine failed last month, and with the help of the postings and the links I could change both air springs and the compressor myself in about two hours for about $338 including shipping...
I was happier than a wife with new shoes...
tongue.gif

[georgiahoosier]

Uh oh, you know, that compressor does run a lot of the time....
Though I haven't found the TC lowered to the ground, ever!!
There's someone around here with a MK VII that is mostly a low-rider though.

hey, I'm not scared though, I even have an Ambassador I work on from time to time!!

[Speedycat3]

From now on, I agree with all the postings suggesting to change the rear springs as soon as the develop leaks, or if the Check Air Suspension light comes one even though it might only be for a while, and not happen again in some time.. This will prevent the compressor from overloading or run for extended periods. and If you ever pop the fuse, do not just keep on changing it.. The mechanic-ex fiend that trouble shot my car and told me to just change it and keep going is my ex friend now that it cost me a new compressor.. ( just joking.. I will still not run him over if I see him out there) :mad:

[TW/92LSC/SE]

That's why the Suspension; Climate Control; ABS; and Engine EEC-IV, has built-in self-diagnostics. You can pin-point and repair specific problems at the cheapest cost. Most people changing parts by guessing end up with huge costs that could of been prevented by spending $80-$200 on Factory Manuals; a Test Light; a Digital Volt Meter; and a low cost Code Scanner. ;) It's very difficult to troubleshoot computer controlled systems with out some equipment because each part relies on info received by the computer from other sensors to operate correctly. :eek:

[Richard J. Parker]

Regarding the 2nd antenna problem post; I'd replace the mast (which also replaces the plastic drive "tie-wrap" looking spline). Not the easiest job but it will very likely fix everything as long as the motor runs. After that, a little antenna cleaner and silicon once in a while will help until it gets bent again. Most of the time the antenna doesn't get cleaned because it's down when the car gets washed.

[Speedycat3]

I had not stopped to think of that, since I am always to the turne of "at the car wash" when washing my car with the kids, so the Antenna is up.. Always gets cleaned and WD40'd, but you are right Richard It is bound to get water trapped and dirt sealed in.
So far, after my crude but gentle fix of the bent mast and cleaning, it has worked like a charm for the past 8 months.

:cool: