62 antenna question

[Gatorguy64]

OK hopefully this is simple fix.  Just bought a 62 Deville.  I can hear the antenna motor working(good thing) when I push or pull the knob but the antenna will not go up or down.  It will collapse if I push it down but not all the way into the fender.  Any suggestions.

[Cadillac Fleetwood]

The antenna mast is extended and retracted by a nylon cable, which is wrapped around a spool when the motor is activated.  Think of a nylon cable that looks like the material used in a weed-whacker.  The fact that you are able to partially collapse the antenna is indicative of the cable being broken from its connection at the mast, or elsewhere. It's time for disassembly and overhaul.

Charles Fares

[Gatorguy64]

Thanks Charles...That's what I was kind of thinking.  At least the motor still works.  Is that a difficult job?  Is the cable something you can still buy?

[savemy67]

Hello Gatorguy64,

The difficulty of repair will be inversely proportional to your mechanical skill.  My '67's antenna was broken, but I undertook the repair even though I had not repaired a power antenna previously.  See here for my adventure:

http://forums.cadillaclasalleclub.org/index.php?topic=133691.20

Scroll/page down to reply 29.  In my article, there is a link to someone who repaired the power antenna for their 1960 Cadillac.  Between the two articles, you should have a good idea of what is involved in a repair of your '62.

When I did my repair, a replacement cable was available, but it may have been a universal replacement.  I haven't checked to see what is available now.

Respectfully submitted,

Christopher Winter