Antenna mast broke for the last time! Recommendations?

FC Zach · 12-26-2016, 02:04 PM

Found my antenna mast broken again. . . not long after recently repairing it

If it's not one thing, it's another. Either the mast doesn't go all the way down, all the time or its broke. I dealt with the mast not completely retracting for many years and finally fixed that issue not long ago by trying different assemblies I had laying around, only to find it broken yesterday.

I'm done with power antennas and would like a tasteful OEM look that is fixed, like this:

What have you done?

FC Zach · 12-26-2016, 02:11 PM

I'm definitely saving myself from the frustration of even considering repairing this again by going with a fixed piece because the last time, I recall myself ripping the POS from the car and throwing it the entire length of my driveway all while yelling obscenities like a mad man. . I don't want to do that again, not with the new neighbors.

rx7 vinnie · 12-26-2016, 05:55 PM

iPhone and aux cable has the best radio reception.

t_g_farrell · 12-26-2016, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rx7 vinnie

iPhone and aux cable has the best radio reception.

Ditto! Ipod with homemade aux cable to stock 80 head unit on my SA. Rocks
Rammstein!

Sometimes its just the internal plastic mast that needs replaced, as they
break at the point of max externsion and then refuse to retract unless you
push it down. Also, having it automatically go up and down with the radio
power on/off wears them out a lot quicker.

FC Zach · 12-26-2016, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t_g_farrell

Sometimes its just the internal plastic mast that needs replaced, as they
break at the point of max externsion and then refuse to retract unless you
push it down.

Sounds easy enough but even if I wanted to deal with this again the mast is no longer available.

Pete_89T2 · 12-27-2016, 08:01 AM

Been there, done that

Is this on an FC? If it is, your options are rather limited if you have the factory wrap around spoiler.... Can't mount a rubber ducky antenna and keep the spoiler, so that narrows choices down to:

1. Fix the stock power antenna. The plastic "chain" in there is the part that breaks. I got the replacement mast kit for mine a few years ago from Ray Crowe. Mazdatrix and Atkins stocked them too, but as usual brother Ray had the best deal.

2. If the mast kit is now NLA, you might try a generic power antenna. Look for a quality unit and expect to pay for it. Try Crutchfield.com and call them for recommendations on a suitable replacement. They do exist, I just don't remember what brands/models.

3. This is a long shot, as it didn't work for me, but some FCs (S5's at least) have a 2nd dipole antenna element embedded in the stock windshield. If you have that, you can plug that antenna in and see if you get decent reception. I didn't - reception sucked. To see if you have it, look for 2 thin wires running vertical along the center of the windshield)

4. Another option is an aftermarket roof-mount patch element or rubber ducky antenna. Or you can source one of those antennas from a late-model wreck in a pick & pull yard. I didn't seriously consider this because I didn't want to have to drill holes in my roof.

djmtsu · 12-27-2016, 09:59 AM

Zach has the S4 duckbill spoiler. Maybe look into something like you have pictured Zach, and recontour the base so it fits the body?

chibikougan · 12-27-2016, 12:11 PM

Remove Mast Plug Hole Wire in...

http://www.rvpartsnation.com/rv-elec...FUOewAod9C8L4g

FC Zach · 12-27-2016, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

Been there, done that

Is this on an FC? If it is, your options are rather limited if you have the factory wrap around spoiler.... Can't mount a rubber ducky antenna and keep the spoiler, so that narrows choices down to:

Quote:

Originally Posted by djmtsu

Zach has the S4 duckbill spoiler. Maybe look into something like you have pictured Zach, and recontour the base so it fits the body?

Yep, I have the duckbill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

1. Fix the stock power antenna. The plastic "chain" in there is the part that breaks. I got the replacement mast kit for mine a few years ago from Ray Crowe. Mazdatrix and Atkins stocked them too, but as usual brother Ray had the best deal.

Checked, not in stock

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

2. If the mast kit is now NLA, you might try a generic power antenna. Look for a quality unit and expect to pay for it. Try Crutchfield.com and call them for recommendations on a suitable replacement. They do exist, I just don't remember what brands/models.

Honestly, I'm over a power antenna. . I've had nothing but trouble with one in this car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

3. This is a long shot, as it didn't work for me, but some FCs (S5's at least) have a 2nd dipole antenna element embedded in the stock windshield. If you have that, you can plug that antenna in and see if you get decent reception. I didn't - reception sucked. To see if you have it, look for 2 thin wires running vertical along the center of the windshield)

This was an option and what I had to do I my Celica but unfortunately can't be done in the RX7

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

4. Another option is an aftermarket roof-mount patch element or rubber ducky antenna. Or you can source one of those antennas from a late-model wreck in a pick & pull yard. I didn't seriously consider this because I didn't want to have to drill holes in my roof.

Yep, same here. . I don't want to drill into the body especially when there is already a hole for that. .

Quote:

Originally Posted by chibikougan

Remove Mast Plug Hole Wire in...

http://www.rvpartsnation.com/rv-elec...FUOewAod9C8L4g

I do like these but I'm not fond of plugging the hole.

FC Zach · 12-27-2016, 09:35 PM

I stopped by a local audio store and picked up an inexpensive universal antenna kit with intentions of using the base only. . where I'll eventually add a short stubby antenna. That's the idea so far.

This is the style shorty I have in mind. . what do y'all think?

***TitaniumTT*** · 12-28-2016, 08:51 AM

Sirius

All I'm saying

Pete_89T2 · 12-28-2016, 08:55 AM

It looks good, and it will work. The real question is will it get you the kind of radio reception quality you're used to as compared to the old mast antenna? Only way to find out for sure is to try it.

FC Zach · 12-28-2016, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitaniumTT

Sirius

All I'm saying

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_89T2

It looks good, and it will work. The real question is will it get you the kind of radio reception quality you're used to as compared to the old mast antenna? Only way to find out for sure is to try it.

This as well as a phone and an aux cable are good ideas. . I use the aux port often so it's not too important that reception is 100%

However it is important that I fill the hole with something other than a plug, even if the short antenna isn't completely functional it should still work some. We will see. I'll order one of these Mazdaspeed pieces soon.

FerociousP · 01-03-2017, 12:22 PM

http://www.cravenspeed.com/the-stubb...nna-for-mazda/

Had one of these on my miata... nice quality and has nice powdercoat finish...

FC Zach · 01-03-2017, 03:09 PM

Nice, if the eBay piece falls apart I'll try this one.

12-26-2016, 02:04 PM	#1
FC Zach RCC Loves Me Not You Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eagleville, TN iTrader: (2) Posts: 2,267 Rep Power: 19	Antenna mast broke for the last time! Recommendations? Found my antenna mast broken again. . . not long after recently repairing it If it's not one thing, it's another. Either the mast doesn't go all the way down, all the time or its broke. I dealt with the mast not completely retracting for many years and finally fixed that issue not long ago by trying different assemblies I had laying around, only to find it broken yesterday. I'm done with power antennas and would like a tasteful OEM look that is fixed, like this: What have you done? __________________ 1993 Yamaha GTS1000 1992 Celica Turbo AllTrac 1987 RX7 Sport 1979 Yamaha G1, KM24 powered 1975 Dolmar KMS4

12-26-2016, 02:11 PM	#2
FC Zach RCC Loves Me Not You Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eagleville, TN iTrader: (2) Posts: 2,267 Rep Power: 19	I'm definitely saving myself from the frustration of even considering repairing this again by going with a fixed piece because the last time, I recall myself ripping the POS from the car and throwing it the entire length of my driveway all while yelling obscenities like a mad man. . I don't want to do that again, not with the new neighbors. __________________ 1993 Yamaha GTS1000 1992 Celica Turbo AllTrac 1987 RX7 Sport 1979 Yamaha G1, KM24 powered 1975 Dolmar KMS4

12-26-2016, 05:55 PM	#3
rx7 vinnie I SEE DEAD PEOPLE Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: nashville, tn (antioch) iTrader: (0) Posts: 743 Rep Power: 17	iPhone and aux cable has the best radio reception. __________________ VIN-AUTO Rotary list of Fails below: 86 mazda rx7 csp 61 N/A= because RACECAR 87 mazda rx7 t2 with 13b-re cosmo GT42= FKN RUNS!!! 03 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Vert 06 dodge ram 2500 Megacab turbo Cummins=puller 16 MB ML350

12-27-2016, 09:59 AM	#7
djmtsu My minds tellin' me no... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Murfreesboro, TN iTrader: (10) Posts: 4,043 Rep Power: 21	Zach has the S4 duckbill spoiler. Maybe look into something like you have pictured Zach, and recontour the base so it fits the body? __________________ 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 2003 Toyota Tundra TRD 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5

12-27-2016, 09:35 PM	#10
FC Zach RCC Loves Me Not You Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eagleville, TN iTrader: (2) Posts: 2,267 Rep Power: 19	I stopped by a local audio store and picked up an inexpensive universal antenna kit with intentions of using the base only. . where I'll eventually add a short stubby antenna. That's the idea so far. This is the style shorty I have in mind. . what do y'all think? __________________ 1993 Yamaha GTS1000 1992 Celica Turbo AllTrac 1987 RX7 Sport 1979 Yamaha G1, KM24 powered 1975 Dolmar KMS4

12-27-2016, 08:01 AM	#6
Pete_89T2 Lifetime Rotorhead Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Elkton, MD iTrader: (1) Posts: 874 Rep Power: 15	Been there, done that Is this on an FC? If it is, your options are rather limited if you have the factory wrap around spoiler.... Can't mount a rubber ducky antenna and keep the spoiler, so that narrows choices down to: 1. Fix the stock power antenna. The plastic "chain" in there is the part that breaks. I got the replacement mast kit for mine a few years ago from Ray Crowe. Mazdatrix and Atkins stocked them too, but as usual brother Ray had the best deal. 2. If the mast kit is now NLA, you might try a generic power antenna. Look for a quality unit and expect to pay for it. Try Crutchfield.com and call them for recommendations on a suitable replacement. They do exist, I just don't remember what brands/models. 3. This is a long shot, as it didn't work for me, but some FCs (S5's at least) have a 2nd dipole antenna element embedded in the stock windshield. If you have that, you can plug that antenna in and see if you get decent reception. I didn't - reception sucked. To see if you have it, look for 2 thin wires running vertical along the center of the windshield) 4. Another option is an aftermarket roof-mount patch element or rubber ducky antenna. Or you can source one of those antennas from a late-model wreck in a pick & pull yard. I didn't seriously consider this because I didn't want to have to drill holes in my roof.

12-28-2016, 08:51 AM	#11
*TitaniumTT* Test Whore - Admin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Right Behind you son iTrader: (4) Posts: 4,581 Rep Power: 10	Sirius All I'm saying __________________ -The Angry Stig- DGRR 2009, 2011, 2012 & 2013 - Best FC DEALS GAP!! WOOHOOOO!!!!! 2015 Audi S4 - Samantha - Zero Brap S4 2004 RX8 - Jocelyn - 196rwhp, 19mpg fuel to noise converter 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport - Wifey mobile - Now with 2.5" OME lift and 30" BFG AT KO's! So it begins 1998 Jeep Cherokee - 5 spd, 4" lift, 33" BFG's - Rotary Tow Vehicle 1988 'Vert - In progress 1988 FC Coupe - Gretchen -The attention whore BEAST! I'm a sick individual, what's wrong with you? I'm pure Evil I'm still insane, in the best possible way. I think Brian's idea of romance is using lube. Your rage caused the meteor strike in Russia. The Antichrist would be proud of his minion. You win with your thread. Most everything It's a truck with a steel gate on the back. Just a statement of fact Motec M820, AIM dash, ported 13B-RE Cosmo, 6-spd trans, 4.3 Torsen, custom twin wg fully divided mani, Custom 4" split into 2x 3" exhaust, Custom HMIC, Custom custom custom custom I like to welder stuff.... No Bolt-ons allowed. Dyno'ed @ Speed1 Tuned by me - 405rwhp on WG.... WM50 cuming soon. *-Angry Motherfcker Mode ENGAGED-**

12-28-2016, 08:55 AM	#12
Pete_89T2 Lifetime Rotorhead Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Elkton, MD iTrader: (1) Posts: 874 Rep Power: 15	It looks good, and it will work. The real question is will it get you the kind of radio reception quality you're used to as compared to the old mast antenna? Only way to find out for sure is to try it.

01-03-2017, 12:22 PM	#14
FerociousP I-had-a-bad-experience... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: M'boro iTrader: (2) Posts: 1,046 Rep Power: 18	http://www.cravenspeed.com/the-stubb...nna-for-mazda/ Had one of these on my miata... nice quality and has nice powdercoat finish... __________________ '15 Juke Nismo '06 MX-5 GT SOLD '04 S Silver RX-8 GT Track Day Use SOLD '90 Black TII vert w/ Sprint RE stock port/turbo DD dyno (242.6whp@5500rpm @12psi 8psi@redline) and (250ftlbtq@4800rpm @13psi) SOLD '89 GTUs 6p TII SOLD, '87 sport SOLD, '79 SA stock SOLD '91 B2600i 4x4 w/ Rx-8 LSD SOLD

01-03-2017, 03:09 PM	#15
FC Zach RCC Loves Me Not You Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eagleville, TN iTrader: (2) Posts: 2,267 Rep Power: 19	Nice, if the eBay piece falls apart I'll try this one. __________________ 1993 Yamaha GTS1000 1992 Celica Turbo AllTrac 1987 RX7 Sport 1979 Yamaha G1, KM24 powered 1975 Dolmar KMS4

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