Chevy & GMC Vans

I'm new here, but I have searched high and low and I'm still not sure what I need to do to replace my antenna mast. I know replacement of the entire antenna including the cable requires the dash to be removed and therefore the preferred solution is to replace the broken antenna mast. So exactly what part of the mast must be removed? I assume it is threaded (right hand thread) and I need to find a way to "grasp" the mast to twist it out.

Is the exact part that is to be removed on the very top button as highlighted in red in my first photo?

If so, I can attempt to grasp it with lockjaws, cut a slot and remove with a screwdriver (or impact driver), or drill and attempt an easyout?

Any better suggestions?

That button is what's left of the stub screw that holds the mast; it does NOT come out. The best solution, obviously, is to replace the base unit and the new mast. But, I came up with a solution that does NOT require major surgery on the dash.

You'll need:

1 - 5mm drill bit
1 - 6mm bottom tap and handle
1 - 6mm set screw approx 1" in length
1 - drill
1 - new mast
1 - bastard file (only if stub is not broken off flush)
Sufficient quantity of Barley Pop

Start by filing the stub down flush with the top of the base.

Install the set screw into the bottom of the new mast. The part that protrudes should be about the same distance as that part inside the mast.

Mark off the distance on the drill bit just a bit longer than the exposed section of the set screw.

Comes the tricky part. Drill as close to vertical as you can until deep enough, cleaning out the detritus as you go.

Tap the hole.

Screw the new mast into place.

The set screw is stronger than the original and the signal isn't degraded.

Consume barley pop and congratulate yourself on a job well done.
(I originally posted this on the OTHER site.)

I think I finally understand. You're telling me the replacement mast has female threads and the base unit should have a threaded male stub (ouch, it hurts to type "male stub") somewhat similar to what I tried to depict in the photo below (please excuse my poor photo editing abilities). If that is the case, I now understand. (And better yet, I believe I can fix it as you suggested.)

DING! DING! DING! DING! DING! Give the man a cement bicycle! We have a winner!

Your photo editing skills are excused; they're much better than mine.

Yes, the mast is female and the stub screw is male.

Thank you CaptSquid

Followed your directions and I now have AM/FM radio. I will be able to listen to baseball and football again.

My antenna arrived today and I already had the old base drilled and tapped.




My only problem was that I had no barley pop, so I drank a few beers instead.

The good news was that I already owned a 6mm tap and a 5mm drill bit, so the repair was really cheap (except for the replacement mast). I did buy the OEM AC-Delco and I get fantastic reception.

Again, thank you so much for explaining how the mast was connected to the base.

Vanagon40

Another satisfied customer! Glad to hear that the simplest fix is often the best.

Did you congratulate yourself on a job well done?

Oh, the reason I came up with this fix was because MY antenna mast broke off, too. Even though the mast base is relatively inexpensive, the set screw has a bit more strength. That, and I didn't want to discombobulate the dash.