Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I purchased this vacuum antenna off of ebay. Does anyone know how to disassemble the thing without tearing it up?

ebay.com/itm/160999703627

No idea if the construction of the GM version is the same but some pictures of the taken apart Packard antenna were posted herepackardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... .php?post_id=112447#forumpost112447

The bottom end piece has some kind of sealant around it so can be hard to remove. Once the end is removed the mast will slide out. The piston has a couple of cups for the seal. IIRC, it's a non standard size. Before getting interested in another project, I had thought about playing around with some brake wheel cylinder cups. Possibly there is a size that might work and just need a hole thru their center.

The part to be careful of is the top piece where the vacuum enters. On the Packard version, that part inside the tube appears fixed and doesn't seem to want to remove. It has the antenna connection and also the top vacuum seal. If either of those are bad I haven't figured out a solution or way to repair them yet.

One of the people at Tuscon Parts has restored the vacuum antennas but no idea what they do if those parts are bad or if they would say how they do it.

From oictures the Packard and Gm appear to be very similar. From your comments Howard attack the bottom end!!

Years ago I had a 39 Cadillac 60 Special with a vacuum operated radio antenna. At that time I was talking to a person who specialized in rebuilding these antennae. He, however, did not have parts for my antenna because of the cylinder bore size. He may still be in business rebuilding these units. Check Hemmings classified ads for he and others who may provide this service. Watching and listening to one of these antennae operate is quite a treat - smooth and quiet.

(o{}o)