Antenna replacement? Suggestions?

[technocoy]

You know, I may continue my search for one, but I'm certainly starting to consider just getting the bastard down and dipping it in plastidip. I saw a post on lifehacker a few weeks back about folks using it on their frayed headphones, worth a shot either way. Do a couple coats get it sealed back on the top and just get a new mast.

Thanks for all the info everyone. I'm gonna try those searches on ebay. I'm thinking at 1/5 the price I'm certainly open to modifying one of those before spending tons of cash on OEM.

Thanks again everyone. Always a quick and useful response from the fam.

[SlowPro48]

Yeah I used Plastidip on the mast a couple years ago. Wrapped the disintegrating rubber part tightly with 12 lb test monofiliment to hold everything together and then dipped three coats. Worked great.

Not sure I'd do that with the base though. If I go to the trouble of R&R-ing the base - even if Dub's right and you don't have to completely remove the headliner, (and I'm sure he is) I'd want to replace with something new.

On the other hand if there's no reasonably priced alternative, PlastiDip to the rescue! Wonder if you could make a mold and create a new base plinth entirely out of PlastiDip...?

Really, does it matter what it looks like? How many people are tall enough to see it anyway? I say the h3ll with the truckers - cut a base plinth out of marine plywood, and paint it black!

[Ldub]

even if Dub's right and you don't have to completely remove the headliner, (and I'm sure he is)

Wish I shared your confidence...

You may have noticed, I tried to leave myself some wiggle room when I included sentences like "I think it might be possible"...

If I was going to repair the base, I'd go with several coats of JBweld epoxy.

The stuff in the tube(s) is pretty much self leveling, & it's sandable & paintable.

I fixed a cracked banjo fitting (fuel injection) on Suzy several years ago in Moab, & haven't had a problem since... (where's the "knock wood" smilie when you need it)

I didn't even add a reinforcement layer, though if I were to take a "do over", I would wrap it in kevlar fishing line.
You could incorporate a layer of fiberglass cloth in the process, to repair the base.

[mhill]

This is an ebony from Idaho I saw in Phoenix AZ during a spring training game. Don't know if it is someone on here, VIN 0392. Could just seal up the original hole and go this route.

[CowboyErik]

How do you fix the POOR AM radio reception on VX? my 1999 barely picks up anything

[JAMAS]

How do you fix the POOR AM radio reception on VX? my 1999 barely picks up anything

Howdy Cincinnati neighbor. What are you listening to on AM? 700 WLW?

[deermagnet]

How do you fix the POOR AM radio reception on VX? my 1999 barely picks up anything

Sorry I didn't notice this question before. I have an Isuzu Service Bulletin for your problem-

http://www.drivehq.com/file/df.aspx/publish/mgpa/kaats/amradio.gif

Mark Griffin

[vt_maverick]

Don't know if you ever use a roof basket or roof cargo box, but if you do you might do yourself a favor and buy a "stubby" antenna rather than search for the OEM "RC Car" style antenna. I kept having rub issues with mine until I replaced it.

[89Vette]

ou do you might do yourself a favor and buy a "stubby" antenna

If anyone can confirm if these ebay 3" or 5" antenna stubs pick up as well as stock, I'd consider it.

Thanks!


(For my 89V, I bought an underdash "sportscar" antenna. It's no where near the same reception as a full-length antenna.

[Maddawg]

It finally happened, the antenna the previous owner installed has parted its ways.
I have searched all over the web hoping to find another limp antenna to avoid having to pull the headliner down, no luck finding an exact replacement.

Two questions: first, how the heck do I remove the rear black panel? I dont see any attachments. I think Ldub referred to that as the "rear ceiling panel".

Second, are the antenna cable plugs interchaneable with just any old antenna?

[bartmanS4]

To remove the rear ceiling panel just carefully pry it downward from the ceiling. It is held in by metal spring clips. If you pull too hard or fast it will break the plastic tabs the clips bite into. Some metal clips may be left in the door once you have the panel out, just pinch them with pliers, pull them out, and push them back onto the panel.

[Maddawg]

To remove the rear ceiling panel just carefully pry it downward from the ceiling. It is held in by metal spring clips. If you pull too hard or fast it will break the plastic tabs the clips bite into. Some metal clips may be left in the door once you have the panel out, just pinch them with pliers, pull them out, and push them back onto the panel.

That's what I was afraid of...... prying. That just makes my exhaust port pucker.lol. So pry from the front or the back?

[VxSport]

I pulled ours down from the front edge, just enough to stick a 12" thin wonder bar. slow and it can be removed with out breaking, there are about 10 or 11 clip tabs.

That's what I was afraid of...... prying. That just makes my exhaust port pucker.lol. So pry from the front or the back?

[Mile High VX]

I took mine out to put in my rear dome light....slow and steady will get it done with out damage...

[Maddawg]

I took mine out to put in my rear dome light....slow and steady will get it done with out damage...

Thanks guys!! BTW when you put in your rear dome light did you take the whole liner down or were you able to fish the wire from the existing light?