help!!!!Any1 fix their antenna, or replace it?

[fam]

Somehow wife managed to snap her antenna off and it left the threading firmly in the whole from the antenna. If I can get the threadingout with a 1/8" drill (dont have tap and die set), my guess is having to remove the top part of the interior so I can drop the headliner...are those my options?

Thanks!

 

[Tsuru]

I seem to recall someone on these forums doing something similar. I can't remember the forum post but I bookmarked his how-to on removing the headliner and switching the antenna base.
http://cid-a11ab21b76c441bc.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/How%20to%20replace%20antenna%20on%20Mazda5
Hope that helps.

 

[Phratt]

Canadian Tire sells a tool (less than 20 bucks) that enables you to drill a small hole in the piece that is stuck, then you use a bit (in the tool kit) that will help you unscrew the dang thing. Just be patient while working this and go slow - it should come out quite easily with a steady hand.

 

[skyhawk]

I think removing the stud is much safer than removing the headliners. I found this via google.


http://www.madelectrical.com/workshop/broken-bolts.shtml

 

[fam]

well... I drilled the old one out hoping I could pull it out and replace the antenna, I did so but the antenna doesnt pick up a signal (sticking a long nail in makes it work as long as my body is touching it, so im guessing the connection from the antenna (external) is severed from the antenna (internal).....looks like im going to have to buy the whole damn assembly, drop the headliner....yippiE!!!!!!

 

[Tsuru]

@Skyhawk: I just re-read the question. I'd say that you're right although it seems your suggestion won't work for him. That's a great page you linked to though.

@fam: I ran my radio on FM stations for about a week with no antenna attached just to see whether the antenna was even necessary. (I reasoned that there's got to be a fair amount of wire in between the radio and the antenna assembly that should be able to act as part of the antenna.) There was a definite reduction in signal quality in the downtown area (read: lots of tall, close-packed concrete buildings) but anywhere else, including the country-side, the lack of antenna was negligible. How bad is your radio reception with the antenna broken? I also had no problems running a crappy Belkin FM transmitter with no antenna.

 

[fam]

Im in a metro area and without it half the stations dont come in at all, but some are still clear....its odd....definitely going to have to buy the whole friggin assembly.

woot.

 

[skyhawk]

well... I drilled the old one out hoping I could pull it out and replace the antenna, I did so but the antenna doesnt pick up a signal (sticking a long nail in makes it work as long as my body is touching it, so im guessing the connection from the antenna (external) is severed from the antenna (internal).....looks like im going to have to buy the whole damn assembly, drop the headliner....yippiE!!!!!!

Drop the headliner first.. then check the assembly. Its possible the connection to that antenna mount was just lossened or severed by the drilling to remove the broken stud. I figured cable is either soldered or fastened with a screw at the other end of the thread.

Please Share pictures in case you do replace the mount.

 

[fam]

i definitely will be replacing it. Wife uses it daily so Ill probably order the parts anyway to keep her downtime at a minimum. Luckily I worked at a rebuild wrecks so Ive got plenty of experience removing interior but sometimes you break the clips and your interior will be looser than stock and will rattle...that is my fear. We shall see.

so...yes...i'll document it for you guys when I get around to heading to the dealer to order the parts.

 

[fam]

wow.


Called mazda parts.


Antenna is 39.50

Base is 60.62

Guess I will be tearing the interior apart 1st to see if my 5's antenna will get it to work, then Ill order a 10 dollar aftermarket antenna or a shark fin ;-)

 

[fam]

In these tough economic times I do wonder if JB weld is conductive enough to carry a signal ;-)

 

[Heat]

I assume that she damaged it while backing out of a garage?

For a shorter antenna, look at the Stubby lineup: http://www.stubbyantenna.com/detail1.asp?key=Mazda_MX-5_2006

 

[fam]

She said she heard a crash and it was laying on the top when she backed out....so I got home, there is over a foot of clearance above the top of the antenna which tells me the garage door wasnt completely open. It doesnt surprise me as she once tore her side view mirror off her sunfire GT when backing out of the driveway (hit the house).

 

[olddaddy]

http://mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123650481&page=3

Heres a thread about the same thing a couple years back.

http://stores.ebay.com/Mangowalk-Inc/car.html#ShortAntennaBlack

This is where I got mine from.

 

[fam]

My issue is mainly the base not working correctly (screwed in antenna doesnt make contact properly while a long nail will). However, that site has some nice dummy antenna's if I decide to go with an internal\hidden antenna. Im not sure on my route. Honestly waiting for a few warmer days in the 60's before I decide to rip out some of the interior. As dorky as I am, I will either replace it back to stock or make some elaborate creation that will add new functionality.

 

[skyhawk]

It appears you had drilled past the end of the hole, and must have severed the electrical
connection to the metal thread. It should be repairable once you have removed the mounting.

good luck.

 

[Tsuru]

IIRC, the CX-7 stubby antenna I picked up to replace the longer stock one was only ~$22 CDN direct from the dealer. You may want to consider that as a replacement mast if you want to stay $100 Mazda

 

[fam]

Not forgotten, Ill hit it up when the tax money hits my account. However, if I can repair the base it may be a cheap fix. I wonder if there is any conductive (for antenna) glues\compounds I could pour down the hole before screwing on the antenna to give it the connection I need (since a nail pushed in the hole brings a signal but my other 5's antenna does not)

 

[Tsuru]

There's a compound in the computer industry called Arctic Silver Thermal Adhesive. It's a two part epoxy that is supposed to have a high silver content so that it conducts heat better. I've got some in the fridge at work so if I get some time I can see if it conducts electricity as well.

 

[fam]

Ive used artic silver on my cpu heatsinks but I wouldnt think it would be strong enough to form a bridge to both components even though its not a deep hole at all (just a hair deeper than the original threading....it may work. I may give that a try or something similar.