I replaced the OEM antenna about 4 years ago with a shorty.
its rubber cover recently came off due to cracking and age and now I have some ugly rusted metal bit as my antenna.
wanted to remove it and pop my OEM back on but it won't come off??!
the screw just spins in place and won't unscrew.
went under the headliner to see if I can remove the entire assembly somehow
before I do permanent damage but no luck.

any ideas on how to get it out?

 

Not sure if I understand, is it the male antenna screw that's turning without coming out (i.e. stripped), or is it the female base mount that is turning? If it's the antenna screw, I'd probably try a set of vise grip pliers to clamp hard on it and turn. If it's the female base, you'll need to pop off the plastic base on the roof, or remove the headliner to access it, and keep it from turning with pliers.

 

it's the male side that's turning ... I actually tried to go under the headliner with pliers to prevent the base from turning but still no dice.

 

This is too funny. I have the exact same problem, only I'm trying to get rid of the long OEM antenna (currently disintegrating and listing to the left) so I can replace it with a stubby!

Let me know if you get if off!

 

Hit it with a tiny bit of liquid wrench. Let it sit before you start cranking on it. This might not work since you said the whole thing is turning. But it's worth a try.

 

Drill it out from above horizontally across the antennae with a very narrow drill bit, the vibration should shake it loose. If not, you have a hole for PB Blaster, etc to penetrate. Good luck, if the hole is clean enough you probably can still use the male end for another antennae.

 

I had the same exact problem....I eventually had the dealer replace the entire base. I went back to the original antenna and now I lightly grease the threads occasionally. The cost at the dealer was something like $200 for the parts and labor. I'll see if I can find the invoice and if I'm wrong I'll update the thread.

 

no luck yet ... i'll have to try that drilling suggestion.

 

Use the smallest bit you have for metal, pad the roof to lay the drill on and take your time - let the drill do the work instead of pushing the drill bit into it. Be patient. 1/2 of what you are doing is applying vibration to the area to break the rust, which might be all you need to get it off. Last effort might be to clamp the drill (without a bit) right onto the antennae and run it in reverse a few times to get it to spin.

Good luck.