Electric Antenna Repair

[NickP]

My 73 came equipped with an uber luxurious electric antenna. It has worked flawlessly for the 13 years I have owned my car, which I really consider a small miracle. Lately, I've noticed that one section struggles to extend in sequence with the others and stays hidden. I can manually extend it, but fear that may lead to some damage. I've always kept the antenna cleaned and lubricated. Is there a person/shop anyone can recommend who can service or repair the antenna? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks all,

Nick

[NickP]

you guys all must have manual antennas!

[304065]

http://beckerautosound.com/

[DOUGS73E]

Hi Nick,
Many years ago my electric antenna started having problems and I replaced the whole Hirschmann unit. Since your 911 is a ROW and mine a USA model, I don't know if there is a difference in what power antenna unit was used. I know the location of the antenna is slightly different on your 911 compared to mine. It may require many more $$$ and time to find an original Hirschmann replacement unit.

[NickP]

Thanks Boys. Looks like a replacement antenna is likely what I'll need to do. I'll keep a sharp eye out for an unobtainium original in the meantime.

[blucille]

These are very simple devices. But prone to breakage.

A flexible nylon gear on the mast gets driven by a gear on the motor. There is an adjustment nut on the motor that is basically a clutch....but most likely a tooth or two on the nylon mast is likely fractured or broken.

One important note, back in the day, Hirschmann used to sell a cleaning and lubrication kit, basically a wipe with a very light lubricant, but the trick was to always start at the bottom and wipe upward, rather than forcing the grime in between the mast sections.

I’d start with a careful cleaning and lube, and look at the motor for the clutch adjustment. If that fails, I’d buy a new mast.

[NickP]

Thanks Louis, I suspect I have a broken gear in the mast. I easily changed a mast on a Toyota some years ago, maybe the Hirschmann unit is similar. Since only one section gets stuck I think I’ll focus on finding a replacement and then maybe I’ll mess with the thing a bit.

[304065]

I sent the Hirschmann on my R107 to Becker, they cleaned all the old grease and serviced it, was about $200. That's for repair of an original unit. If originality matters I would ship it off to them, nice guys. I shared the link above but didn't have time to explain. They also converted my pinstripe Becker Mexico to iPod input and repaired the tape mechanism (I only own one cassette tape, but it sure plays!)

[NickP]

I sent the Hirschmann on my R107 to Becker, they cleaned all the old grease and serviced it, was about $200. That's for repair of an original unit. If originality matters I would ship it off to them, nice guys. I shared the link above but didn't have time to explain. They also converted my pinstripe Becker Mexico to iPod input and repaired the tape mechanism (I only own one cassette tape, but it sure plays!)

Excellent! I've got their website open and will give them a call. Thanks