CUTLASS Probably the dumbest question....(antenna removal)

[RICKDIZZLE]

I got my new car cover today, just to keep the Cutlass covered in the garage and keep dust and such off. I want to remove my antenna so I can cover the car, mark the antenna spot and then punch through the cover and use my plastic grommet to make my antenna hole. Either I am an idiot or I am over thinking this or both. Shouldn't the antenna just be mounted (screwed on to a post) to the base? I can not get it loose and don't want to damage paint or the antenna. Am I missing something?

 

[melloelky]

A lot of times because the mast has been attached to the base for so long it doesn't want to come off,it seizes in place and it breaks off when you try to remove it.

 

[69hurstolds]

Potential idea. Get the proper size wrench to fit the mast nut. Can't recall size, something like 7mm? I forget. The mount nut needs a spanner. Something like this.

I also "WILL NOT" suggest (I'm not responsible if you use this info or not) wrapping some tape and/or soft rags around the mast nut base, to allow you to liberally squirt some PB Blaster or similar penentrant between the mast nut and the mounting nut. Let it soak for an hour or so. Take the mast nut and while holding the spanner wrench on the mount nut to keep it from moving, just NUDGE the mast nut to TIGHTEN IT slightly. VERY SLIGHTLY. The idea is to just bust any corrosion loose. Don't go all ape strength on it and snap it off. Just nudge it even if you can't see it move. THEN, gently try to loosen the mast nut from the mount nut. Don't force it. Just keep working it. It has worked on stuck bolts before for me. I don't see why it shouldn't work for this.

 

[08Malibu]

A lot of times because the mast has been attached to the base for so long it doesn't want to come off,it seizes in place and it breaks off when you try to remove it.

Way early in my Auto body career we had a cutlass Cierra in the booth. I went to remove the antenna from the base witha wrench. I barely turned it when it snapped off at the base. My boss was not happy to replace that antenna.

 

[melloelky]

as long as they install solid mast on cars it'll never stop happening. the writer's act like we do it on purpose 😏

 

[RICKDIZZLE]

Points all taken. I will just leave it on and take some good measurements for the hole. Glad I wasn't over thinking the the issue and not crazy at how tight it is lol.

 

[78Delta88]

I used the grommet kit from Walmart for the same reason. I removed the antenna with out issue. Yet being in SW Arizona it can be extreme windy at times and too many times torn of the car covers and wrapped it up around the antenna. This happened to the Delta 88 the 98, S-10 and the Trans Am.

Nothing ever got broken but the wind would lift off the cover and would get stuck due to the grommet. On one cover where I just made a hole with no grommet, the cover just got ripped.

I found the best was to remove the antenna set it up on windshield by the wiper . Put the car covers over with antenna removed.

 

[RICKDIZZLE]

Here is what I did. I took measurements from my previous cover to get me close and marked the new cover. I then put the new cover on the car checking the mark I made on the new cover for the hole for the antenna. It was pretty close. I re-marked the correct placement and then used a sharp fresh razor blade to cut an X for the hole. I then confirmed hole was almost perfect to where it needed to be. I then take the old cover and the I cut out the plastic grommet from the bottom of the cover where a bungee or cord would go to hold the cover on. I cut approximately an inch of material all the way around it. Then I use a small dab of CA glue to hold it. Then I use ShoeGoo to attached that grommet by its material around it. After it dries, I do another coat all around the top and let it cure for 24 hours. Now the hole for the antenna is relatively tear proof! The car is 100% garage kept so the cover sees zero wind. So this works very well. Did it on my last cover too. Removing the antenna just makes marking the hole for the antenna. This is how it turns out. This is a Budge Car Cover, size 4. It will stretch a good bit after it is on for a bit and fits even better. 😁

Top of cover at the antenna.

Underside of the cover at the antenna.

 

[78Delta88]

Looks good, and being out of the wind you won't have the issues I experienced with having them blown off

 

[69hurstolds]

Good job on improvising. Mods are what have to be done sometimes when options are limited.