Hey guys, I have a 90 GXL, like most RX-7s. My power antenna crap to bed. My question now is how do I remove the thing without taking out my spoiler? I figure I have to spoiler to take out that stupid mask

 

You can try using a neddle nose to turn the nut off of the antenna but most likely you will have to remove the spoiler, I think is only like 4 bolts and 2 tabs so its not that bad.

 

Anyone knows where I can get the inside cord for the antennae ? We dont actually have too many stores over here that carry that sort of things.....

What other types of "rope", cord, metal line or whatever can I use ?

 

I actually did the exact thing yesterday. If you have the replacement antenna already, then all you need is a snap ring tool. it will reach down into the hole. try to push the antenna down into the mechanism with your thumb before starting anything. this way you can actually use the tool. when holding the handle, just squeeze it and turn and the top part will just loosen up. There are two nuts holding the antenna inside the car. take those off and you actually have to pull the antenna down.

when putting in the repalcement, not that there is a certain amount of alignment that you have to do (not much though). before you start screwing the antenna in at the top, make sure that you've already oriented it at the bottom and have the nuts already screwed on (not tight though). you'll have to push the antenna up when screwing the top part back on. when it's all done, tighten the nuts on the bottom and attach the wires then you should be set.

 

My antenna is stuck in the up position, how should i do the removal?

 

can you physically push it down with your fingers? if so, then do it. if you have a complete replacement, and don't mind breaking your existing antenna, then do that.

 

I want to take my antenna off completely, and then get the same kind of antenna you see on VW golfs and toyota altezzas (heh) and put it in the place where my rear window sprayer is (since the rear wiper doesn't work anyway and I plan to take it out)

 

The cord you refer to is part of the mast assembly. Most often when a antenna won't go down all the way of doesn't go up wor work correctly the mast (cord) is broken.

Mazdatrix has the replacement masts for around $35 (thats where I got mine from- cheaper than the dealer, even with shipping). But I found an intresting thing the other day when I went to install mine, it was a Mazda branded version of the standard Harada mast available at many car stereo stores.

So you might want to remove the old mast assembly clean it and take it down to your local car stereo shop and ask them if they have a Harada replacement mast like this, (showing them the factory mast). They should be able to match it up.

When I did car stereo we had them all the time and for around $20-$25.

You will need to remove the nut at the top to get the mast out. I use needle nose pliers in the two slots. If the Mast broke inside then you will need to remove the antenna, remove the lower black plastic access plate/cover and remove any of the old mast/cord.

BTW: Never ever use WD40 on a antenna. Its suspension properties for the lubricant eats the teflon gears and cord of the mast. As well as tends to attract dirt, causing early failure of the mast/ antenna. You wouldn't belive all the gunk I had to clean out of the antenna yesterday that I did, because the last owner used WD40 or something like it.

 

Cheers Icemark

 

FAQ on installing the antenna/mast (with pictures) is at: http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/86-92ant.htm

Very hard to do without removing the spoiler.

If you are interested:
ANTENNA MAST 86-92 81-A901-0000 $32.22

 

I used the black one from Circuit city.

Needed to widen the bolt hole to fit it, but it works great.

Yes you need to remove the spoiler (2 hand bolts, 2 regular bolts, 2 top mount screws)

 

did mazda ever make a non-power antenna? I took my broken one out but want a manual one instead.

 

Hey Mark, what should I use to clean the antenna? My G20's antenna sometimes only goes halfway down because there's a lot of dirt on it. It looks like the previous owner used some WD-40 or something because there's some greasy black stuff on the antenna when it raises. I wiped it off as much as I could, but there's always more when the antenna raises. Thanks.