1960s 1962 Power antenna won't go up - usual suspect?

[dixoncj]

Hey guys
Coupella DeVille's antenna was working perfectly one day then the next when I push to raise or lower it, I only hear clicking from the motor. (It's currently lowered fully) I dropped some 3in1 oil down the tube hoping that might free it up but no go. It sounds like a Cadillac Tim rebuild, but any wisdom on how I might get something in there to manually help the motor raise it to just see if it's not seized up a bit instead?
THX

[Michael Petti]

Which antenna do you have? I had mine apart, and I think if you hear clicking either your mast is bent or the nylon cord is no longer engaging the disc. To access the mast you have to remove the whole unit from the car. Cadillac Tim is a good option. Quick, good work, and fairly priced.

[dixoncj]

Which antenna do you have? I had mine apart, and I think if you hear clicking either your mast is bent or the nylon cord is no longer engaging the disc. To access the mast you have to remove the whole unit from the car. Cadillac Tim is a good option. Quick, good work, and fairly priced.

It's the stock, original antenna. Could be the cord on the disc I reckon. Will reach out to CaddyTim.

[Julien Abrahams]

I believe the clicking is the clutch mechanism. If the mast is binding somewhere, the clutch prevents the motor from burning up. I would just take it apart and see what you find. If the mast is bend, it can be straightened if you are careful. At least straight enough that it will go up and down again.

[dixoncj]

I believe the clicking is the clutch mechanism. If the mast is binding somewhere, the clutch prevents the motor from burning up. I would just take it apart and see what you find. If the mast is bend, it can be straightened if you are careful. At least straight enough that it will go up and down again.

I hooked a wire under the cap of the antenna and was able to pull it right up to full extension. Still clicks when you actuate the button, but no go up or down electrically. Works perfectly though - on manual that is. Looks like a disassembly is in the future.

[Clewisiii]

Antenna Internals.
You have to unsolder one connection to remove the mast.
I did not take a picture of it but a rotating bar on ball bearings pushes and pulls the cable up and down. if it is sticking the ball bearing just roll over a detent causing the clicking your hearing. That plate and bar are in the lower left of the fourth picture.

[Clewisiii]

I had to replace the wires. If you are just cleaning old grease you do not need to go as far as I did. I recommend you dont. Those brushes are hard to get back in.

[Clewisiii]

Mine back together. Works smooth now.

[ZGJim]

I had the same problem with the antenna on my '61 DeVille.  The plastic line that drives the mast was broken.  Rebuild is not too difficult if you have soldering skills.  Removal/installation of the antenna was the hardest part.  Good luck.