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The antenna in my car does not go up or down, but it seems like the motor is working since it grinds.

I'm thinking (based on what I have been told) that the plastic strip that runs the antenna up and down is separated from the tip.

Is this possible, and--if so--is there a workable fix?

Alternately, is there a simple way to get the antenna fully retracted? It sticks up about a foot or so.

The plastic inside of the unit becomes hard and brittle over the years hence it breaks. There are two things that need to be overcome.

1. find a suitable replacement for the plastic

2. find a way to remove the plastic from the antenna, and
attaching the replacement material to it.

If memory serves, it was nylon....FWIW....

Any ideas or rebuilders out there?

Any ideas or rebuilders out there?

With Antenna Masters now out of the picture (and he was slow but GOOD) the only rebuilder that I know of is Sandy Chirco (Tuscon Packard). I know of a few who have had Sandy do their antennas and I've heard good reports. But NOT inexpensive, especially if you need new masts and motor work.

An idea: Paul in Las Vegas replaced the twin power antennas on the rear fenders of his 1956 Exec with some new Ford units. Those had to be mounted at an angle, of course. There are probably more than one aftermarket replacement power antenna that can be mounted straight up. After all, the antenna performs a simple electrical function, so from a functional point of view, anything that is close in looks should work.

Unfortunately, I don't have a specific example, but some googling around the web should pop something up.

Craig

I have searched high and low for anyone having something similar to the oddly shaped nylon strip that was used in the front antennas. Stiffer round you can find all over but the one needed is sort of a flattened oval shape yet still flexible. Don't know if Sandy changes that part or just what he uses. Maybe he had a run made of the special shape. The dual rears use the round but again need fairly flexible.

12v aftermarket electric antennas are easily available but not 6v. AntennaX.com is one place worth looking if you want aftermarket. Biggest issue with new is mount and masts do not look the same as Packard used. While the place mentioned ships several angled fender pieces to pick and choose from, still not quite right as it exits the fender. It might be possible to incorporate the Packard bakelite and chrome nut in some fashion but would take some experimentation. Most likely it would take a special dual threaded insert piece for the nut or possible modification somewhere else along the line. The aftermarket electric antennas I have use a smaller diameter nut and are probably metric.

The mast sections will not have the tapered visible top on each extension so another difference. Most modern or aftermarket type antennas are just telescoping round tubes with a slight rounded over top end and will retract to be almost flush to the top of fender mount.

It could be that the tensioner that drive the shaft up and down just needs to be adjusted. That was the problem with mine.

I have pep boys after market ,antennas, on the rear of my 400,, they go down flush with fender,,

I am sure these would work on the front,,,,i would perfer, flush,,myself,,not, org,,

But, no one,,will,,break it off,,

I replaced mine with a modern unit last year. In case you are interested.

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