I either read or hallucinated that I read a post in the past about replacing the powered antenna on a 745 with a short rubber antenna from, I think, Radio Shack. I have searched the archives but to no avail. Anybody done this or recall the post or should I go back to sleep and try to redream it? If you have one, how is the reception?

Dan

Dan,

Lemme guess ... antenna doesn't retract/extend ... again?

As for reception, it works fine enough for me. A helluva lot better than the power antenna which extended 1ft out.

I posted a reply a couple weeks ago in the aftermarket board; if you need more details, just let me know.

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Inside the antenna is a nylon belt ... that broke. Two choices ... replace the mast (ipd or ebay - make sure it's the one for the wagon, as the sedan ones are shorter. $20+ or something), or forget the whole power antenna and get a rubber ducky one or something (about $10 at walmart or radio shack).

If going the latter, the nice thing is that the setup is just plug-n-play. Remove the d-pillar cover, and you'll see the antenna connector. Remove the whole power antenna assembly - just be careful about the mounting plate behind the power unit antenna. Remove one nut, and keep the plate tight, then remove the other - if the plate falls, though, you'll be pulling some panels underneath.

The exterior hole on the D-pillar will fit the mounting, though not with the method presented on the package. Instead, fish the base clamp from the inside-up with some thread, align, and hold it tight to the hole. Then mount the antenna base. At this point, yank the thread off, and proceed with the ball mount and antenna.

If you're gonna keep the power unit, follow the instructions in the FAQ. I can't help you there.

-- Kane ... I usually go the cheaper-fix route, so. :)

Hi Kane,

Yes, yours' is the post I was seeking. This 745 tic is new to me and came with a broken(vandalized) antenna. I like the siplicity of the rubber ducky idea and am going to go this route.Thanks for the reply.

Dan

I have the short rubber one on my 240 (I bought it at Wal-Mart for about $10). The install is really simple...

1) remove the old antenna (cut the antenna line from the radio that is in the trunk, but remember to leave enough to splice the new antenna in to)

2) insert the new antenna in the hole in the quarter panel and splice into the antenna line and wrap in electrical tape.

I have no problems with reception, and now I don't worry about my antenna when I go through car washes.

Hi Kenton,

Thanks for the info....I'm going to go this route.

Dan