Replaced antenna mast..

[islandboy57]

My mom's antenna started going only partially up. The motor was good but the mast was stuck - and she just got it replaced for $80 (!!) at the service station 6 months ago since they were doing the timing belt and water pump.

Anyway, I bought an "OEM" replacement on eBay for $18 shipped and installed it this weekend. It wasn't taking the new antenna cord at first but after a few tries it's perfect. The white cord was a little longer on the newer one and against the instructions that came with the mast, I decided to try it anyway

Works great! Can't believe the service station charged so much. I love being able to do small things myself. I think I'll practice fixing things on my mom's car.. My car is still a little too new. Heh. Next project on her car is fixing the seat belt retractors!

[jhbhatia]

seat belt retractors - gees, thats a death wish if you haven't taken care of it already! (i know in my gen 4 after two attempts myself in trying to fix it i just got a new parts off the stealership and its been good since. ).

[Heat]

On the antenna…

Every six months or so extend the antenna and, with a paper towel (or old cloth) behind it, give the entire mast a quick spray with WD-40. Wipe it down. Retract it, then extend it again. Wipe it down. Repeat the retraction / extension / wiping until you’ve gotten all the WD-40 / dirt wiped up – three or four times.

This is straight from the owner’s manual for my Volvo ('93 940 Turbo wagon), keeps that antenna clean and working great.