FML so hard - Is this for real?

[Retrobmx63]

And you guys though changing the cabin air filter was cumbersome...

So bad story short, I ****** broke the s*** out of my antenna. Not just the lil part that threads in, I'm talkin the whole ****** base.

Here I am, thinking... OH this is my chance to get the sharkfin, but turns out the sharkfin relies on the base to be intact and not damaged. AKA, I'm ****** and no matter what have to order a whole new base assembly from a dealer (**** knows how much that will be)

Also here I am thinking it's a 2 min job. But look at the manual this can't be for real... I might as well rewire the whole car and paint it.

 

[Mike240SX]

Speaking from general experience working with FSMs and other cars, not this specific situation:

FSMs are written to minimize damage to existing parts. Removal of XY and Z just to get to the nut for the antenna (as the FSM indicates) is likely the safest (but not easiest or quickest) way to get the job done. If you willing to risk scratching/bending/breaking interior trim, I'd be willing to bet you could get the headliner out or at least down without all that other business.

 

[Speed3Max]

Well, since you are lucky and have a hatch..... you can take off the 2 rear plastics that are touching the headliner... The headliner will the be able to fall down low enough to take off the nut......

 

[Nliiitend1]

One of the "other" sites has a good walkthrough for removing the headliner...

That's what I used when I had to replace my antenna base some time ago.

And yes, it's a total pain in the ass.

 

[AutoEuphoria]

Jobs are generally much easier than they make it seem in the manual. The manual is written to get you to a "best possible" situation to replace the part...meaning absolutely nothing in the way at all. Usually you can bypass a lot of that if you're willing to slide your arm under some trim or get in an awkward position.

 

[Retrobmx63]

Well as I guessed... the parts were ridiculously priced.

Antenna $40
Antenna base $100

So I told the parts guy, just give me the base. There's no way I'll pay 40 bones for a plastic stick with a metal core.

I figured why not just spend another 40 and get the damn sharkfin at that point.
Which is what I decided, and I am glad I did.

I only broke two clips! and didn't have to unhook the power steering lines to drop the rear of the headliner!