I replaced the stock antenna years ago, then waited for someone to steal the new one when I parked on DC streets. It never happened. Over time, the antenna bent to an odd angle, but it stayed put.

Until last week.

Somehow, the antenna snapped off right where it screws into the base. The base is intact, but I can see no way to unscrew the remaining bit of screw from the base.

I've done some reading on removing and replacing the entire base, and that seems to involve getting under the headliner, removing some wire harnesses, and then reattaching them blind. I don't want to go there if I can help it, esp since big hands and small spaces do not play nice together.

Can anyone suggest an easier solution to my problem?

 

An easy-out screw extractor for around $10. or less from most automotive supply outfits. Heck of a lot easier than taking the car apart.

 

+1 above. You need a small easy-out.

 

on above post - best hope.

 

OK, you]ve got me roaming the net to learn about these devices.

I stopped at an auto parts store on the way home and asked for a screw extractor. They had bits of various sizes called "OEM Bolt Extractors." I paid the princely sum of $2.99 for the smallest size, which is described as '1/8", 1/4".' It says it is "For removal of broken studs, set screws, pipes and grease fittings."

Even if this is small enough for the job, I still need something to hold the square end once I get the threaded end in place. I've read warnings that pliers can easily snap these things, and that getting them out after that is pretty much impossible.

I'm gonna hit a Home Despot or such like tomorrow and either get something to hold the square end or, knowing me, a whole different set of tools. Thanks for telling me these things exist. Further advice on using them, or selecting another brand, will be appreciated.

Phil

 

chainsaw

 

What you want to hold the square end of the extractor is a "tap wrench", like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tap_wrench

 

OK, after purchasing yet another, smaller screw extractor, and buying a tiny drill bit on the off chance that none of the 62,327 other drill bits found scattered about house and garage are small enough, I finally got around to doing the actual job tonight.

I was worried about screwing it up in all sorts of ways. I might drill at an angle and wind up destroying the threading in the base, esp since the whole thing had been a bit bent back when I still had the aftermarket mast. Also, the bit of screw that was in there was pretty short, and I did not want to drill right through into the other end.

What I did not worry about, but should have, was that my drill bit just wouldn't want to sink far enough into the existing screw to create a purchase hold for the extractor. I did not know how deep was deep enough, or too deep, so I kept going back and forth from screw to extractor in hopes that it would finally do the job without doing damage.

After a while, though, I grew tired of the cautious tack and decided to really bear down while drilling, since the bit did not seem to want to go very far in any case. I got the drill bit plenty far in, and decided it was time to reverse the drill, remove the bit, and let the extractor finally begin to work its magic.

Naturally, the drill bit did not want to come out, but after a bit of tugging and running the drill in reverse, I got not only the bit, but the balance of the screw on the bit, out all at the same time. That screw is never coming off of the bit, as I've thrown both away.

The new antenna is installed, and that is all that matters. Thanks all for the advice. Leave it to me to make even an easy job difficult.

 

Bravo Zulu

 

Apparently the shop unknowingly sold you the rare drill/extractor bit.

The lesson I learned after using one of those: "Don't break bolts off"

Congrats on completing the job!