Caprice WH Series 2 Aerial Replacement

[CapDan]

Owned this car (Caprice WH Series 2 V8 5.7L) since new, 22 years and somehow today I went through an automatic car wash with the aerial up and it has snapped.

I found this thread on this forum

https://forums.justcommodores.com.au/threads/wh-statesman-and-aerial-control-module-what.279613/

Sounds like the answer is I need to buy one of these

Aerpro AP971 Fully Automatic Power Antenna Suit Select Holden Vehicles | eBay

The Aerpro AP971 Antenna is designed specifically to replace the OEM fit antenna where a universal type is not suitable. Fully automatic power antennas automatically raise the mast when the radio is powered on and lower the mast when the radio is powered off.

www.ebay.com.au

Before I go ahead and do that, I'd like to ask

1) I'm reasonably handy but not an auto electrician by any stretch. How difficult would this be to install myself? Any guidance on how?
2) Is it possible to buy and replace the mast / rope only since the module itself still works? If so what would I buy?


Thank you

 

[Lex]

2) Is it possible to buy and replace the mast / rope only since the module itself still works? If so what would I buy?

Yes.
wh statesman ariel mast.

https://www.onlineautoparts.com.au/products/ZPN-01400_?noseo=true&c=AU&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm5zhvpzWiQMVBZBLBR1BXzRNEAQYASABEgJnHfD_BwE

 

[CapDan]

Brilliant, thank you Lex

I don't have an outer lug nut as shown on the demonstration video, does that mean I'll be forced to remove the left wheel, the fender cover and get to it from below to replace the mast?

 

[Lex]

Brilliant, thank you Lex

I don't have an outer lug nut as shown on the demonstration video, does that mean I'll be forced to remove the left wheel, the fender cover and get to it from below to replace the mast?

If that's a pic of your antenna, then l think it's cactus?
That part needs to be intact. It looks brloken to me?

The antenna has to be taken out by removing the wheel & the black plastic cover.

May even have to take the footwell (from inside of car) out as well, depends if the cable will come out of the footwell & if there is a join there?

 

[CapDan]

Yeah the antenna is snapped at the base. I presume that's just the mast and thus all I need to do is buy the mast that you linked me to and then install it into the existing motor by going through the front fender and removing the old, snapped mast. Let me know if I'm missing something.

Or are you saying that the new mast does not include the bit that's broken in the photo, isn't that just the bottom of the mast?

Thanks for your advice. What a painful mistake!

 

[Lex]

Or are you saying that the new mast does not include the bit that's broken in the photo

I just checked the video on the link l supplied.

I thought l was wrong after seeing it.
Went out to the shed where l have the box for it.

It's the same one.
So, l've been doing it the hard way.

I've done 3-4 times.


Will your anteena come up like in the video?

So give it a shot if the same as the video?

 

[CapDan]

My antenna will come up, but wont go down all the way. As for whether it'll come up such that I can remove it from the top like the video, I don't think so, I don't have the nut on top like in the video so I figured I need to go from underneath as you've described.

I guess my last concern is I that I said from the start my antenna was broken and I needed to replace it. But when I posted the photo, you said 'that part needs to be intact'. Are you saying that a mast replacement with the AP205 is not suitable and I need to buy the whole thing (ie AP971)?

(the italic are unintentional I just don't know how to switch it back!)

 

[Lex]

My antenna will come up, but wont go down all the way. As for whether it'll come up such that I can remove it from the top like the video, I don't think so, I don't have the nut on top like in the video so I figured I need to go from underneath as you've described.

I guess my last concern is I that I said from the start my antenna was broken and I needed to replace it. But when I posted the photo, you said 'that part needs to be intact'. Are you saying that a mast replacement with the AP205 is not suitable and I need to buy the whole thing (ie AP971)?

(the italic are unintentional I just don't know how to switch it back!)

Went & checked my car, same as yours. So mine doesn't have that nut either, like the video.
But there is a nut on it, must be under the car.

Think you'll have to come from underneath the car.

 

[rambunctious]

I have done 2 on VZ's.
Both look same as pic

First one came from Zupps Holden but was not correct, so I did a cut and shut and spent a lot of time fitting the new antenna to the old motor and cord, what a painful experience.
Eventually sold that car.

Second one I bought after market on ebay for about $45 and had to remake the bracket it to make it fit.
Still working today some years later although the antenna goes up and down with the window switches.
Others have asked about this same problem but no answers available for why that happens.
Seems to have something to do with after market.

Both had to be done from under the guard with inner guard removed and with the passenger kick panel off in order to reconnect the radio cable.

At my age it was easiest to sit on a milk crate to work under the guard.
Sitting on the ground/concrete would be better to see under the guard but my body is too old for that stuff.
While working, make sure you lay the wheel under the sill for safety.