I am trying to replace the antenna mast and can't get the old mast out. I removed the entire assembly from the car and have it on the bench. The motor is removed and the access plate is off, so I can see the spool turning as I attempt to extract the antenna mast. What happens is that the antenna gets fully extended and hits a very positive stop. It seems that the bottom of the shaft hits the top of the housing and will not pull out. I tried putting the tip of the antenna in a vice and pulling on the housing, but every time it makes a very positive metal to metal contact and stops.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.