87GN, The antenna has been broken for years, had to disconnect connector. What is the best way to remove and replace, do I have to remove the fender to get to it.
FYI
I recently fixed a problem with the Sunroof which would not close. It had the relay module right behind the sunroof. You could hear the relay click, but nothing happens. Hope it's not the motor. Finally removed and open up the module, upon close examination you could see a "cold solder" joint on one of the relay. Resoldered and works again.
Typical problem with audio/video electronic repairs especially with large components on the circuit boards.
AL
You'll have to loosen part of the fender, but not remove it. See http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/bodygauges/antenna_supl.html
Al,
I used the directions found on the website the Scott is directing you to. Follow the directions and you'll have no problems. It is a little nerve racking when you pull the fender out. Wiggle it back and forth to loosen the crud and you'll eventually open a gap at the bottom of the fender to slide the antenna out of.
I removed two additional bolts around the wheel well just to give the fender a little more freedom.
Follow the advice on the web site and cover your door and fender edge with masking tape to protect it from your tools. And, follow the advice that the metal inside the fender is sharp, I had some cuts on my hands after I was done.
Patrick
It's best if you've got another guy to help. All you need to do is take all of the screws out at the door (get the star one last since it holds the antenna up) and the first four from the back to front in the fender well so you can pull the bottom of the fender out just enough to get it out. Tie a piece of wire around the old antenna's connector and get down from below and stick your hand up there and just work it out with help from above. Put the new one in from the bottom and tape the new connector to the wire and work it back in place.
I recently acquired an 87 GN from my father. I am still learning about the car. I am attempting to get the antenna to work, but am unsure about what I need to fix. The motor will constantly run, so I unplugged it. The antenna stays up. Do I need to replace the motor, or the antenna, or both. Thanks for any help you can give.
Tim
Most choose to replace the entire assembly. However, in many cases what is really broken is the cable inside the motor/drive assembly. Cable replacement is cheaper, but more work than just swapping in a whole new unit. Either way, have a look at http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/bodygauges/antenna_supl.html to see how to approach it.
Scott, Thanks for the advice. I found a place to order the antenna online, but I want to make sure that I order the right one. I think I want the one that says, Buick, W/O C.B.. The other one said w/ C.B. I assume the one that says w/ C.B. has a place to hook up the cb antenna. This paticular web site wouldn't give me a part number, thats why I can't compare it with the one listed. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Tim
I have a 1986 Regal (Not Turbo) and the power antenna has been broke since I can remember. I replaced the factory Radio with a new one. If I replace the antenna do I have to do something to the wiring to get it to work properly? The new radio has a power antenna wire but I didn't know if there was an electrical component to cause the antenna to go up with the factory radio.
When you replaced the factory radio, did you hook up the antenna wire to the new radio? You may have to replace the antenna, or it could be the plug on the passenger side inner fender, not making a good connection. Probably the antenna though.
Brian
I know it is the antenna, but I cant find the acutal power antenna wire in the dash. Any clue where it is?
It should be in with the bundle for the rest of the wires. If you installed the radio with a wiring adapter, instead of cutting and splicing, then it should be there. If I am not mistaken, then it should be in the same 4 prong plug that has the power, accessory, and lamp leads.
Right now, I am without my car(cracked piston), otherewise, I'd pull the dash apart, and look.
Brian
Ouch, sorry about the car. Anyways ya it probably is there I just have to look for it again. Thanks for the help and good luck with the pistons.
No big deal. My philosophy: If it ain't broke, then you didn't push it hard enough! Just kidding.
If you still need more info, I should be getting the car back this week, and I can pull the radio and look if you want. Let me know. I may be replacing it this Winter anyways.
Brian