Replace driver's side manual antenna without removing door?

[bford]

After some patient years of searching, I finally found my first Porsche car — a very original 1973.5 T Targa with a nice story and complete history. I am having a blast driving it and am ready to take on some small projects to make the car even better.

One issue is the car's manual telescoping antenna mast, which will not retract all the way. See here:


Except for those two stuck links, it does go all the way up, so I have reasonable reception. I just can't retract it all the way to get a snug car cover on. I've tried WD-40, just tri-flow lube, and I've also tried tapping it with a mallet. It ain't goin' down. I've purchased a replacement Hirschmann antenna , but am having trouble getting the original one out. My wife has smaller hands and got closer, but we were both worried about scratching the paint with those sharp edges, so stopped.

Anyone have a good procedure for antenna installation without removing the door? I don't have the right tools (or courage) for door removal at this point. Threads I've read at PP indicate it's a sucky job. Wayne Dempsey's 101 projects books leaves door removal "beyond the scope of this book". Or maybe I'm just being a pansy?

[mobius911]

This is a frustrating one because it seems almost possible to do it without door removal, but I'm not sure it is. Removing the fender is another option; it requires at least much as much courage but no special tools...

[John Straub]

Brad, I think you need to take the door off.

John

[gsjohnson]

I had to remove the door on my 68 to replace the antenna. There really isn't an easier solution.

[SIMI BOB]

Brad,
What color is your car? Looks darker than Sepia.
Bob B

[bford]

It is indeed Sepia. In a dim garage with fluorescent lighting. My kids call it caramel. My wife calls it A&W Root Beer.

[M_deJong]

Removing the hinge pins is the way to go. Do not unbolt the hinges or you will have to realign the door which is difficult.

[bford]

I'd very much like to avoid realigning the door, messing with gaps, etc. For hinge pin removal, do you need the awesome tool pictured in this thread?

Removing the hinge pins is the way to go. Do not unbolt the hinges or you will have to realign the door which is difficult.

[LiveFromNY]

I'd very much like to avoid realigning the door, messing with gaps, etc. For hinge pin removal, do you need the awesome tool pictured in this thread?

That's the tool I bought. Makes door removal a breeze.

[Frank Beck]

On Sepia Brown cars door removal isn't necessary.

Scratching the door with the antenna is a good first step to stripping the paint.