Auto body repair & detailing: Antenna removal, antenna mast, antenna base

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I know this may seem like a really stupid, foolish question, but I honestly don't know the answer.

I need to unscrew the antenna on my car (I know how to do that part) LOL!  My question is, is there anything I can put on the antenna to try to loosen it up, so I can safely unscrew it, without risking splintering the surrounding fiberlass?  I am afraid to simply take a wrench and just unscrew it.  I know the antenna has never been removed and this car is a '77 model.  (Corvette).

I need to put a cover on my car, hence removing the antenna.

Thank you so much for any help or suggestions!  I really appreciate your time.

Beth Wilson
Raleigh, NC

ANSWER: Hi Beth!   If the antenna mast is tight, and not loosening very easily, you can apply a penetrating oil. You can purchase this at any local auto parts store. Let it soak in for a while. Even overnight. Be sure, when you try and remove the antenna mast, that you do not let the base of the antenna twist, as this might crack the fibreglass. There is a tool for this as well, which can also be picked up at a local parts/autobody supplier...If cost is an issue, as far as the base of the antenna to secure it is concerned, take a regular set of pliers, wrap masking tape around the 2 jaws of the pliers individually. That way, you should be able to hold the antenna base without damaging it, or the fibreglass, and then removing the mast......Hope this helps! If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Thanks..Dave  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dave,

Thakns so much for your fast and informative response!  I happened to think, after I wrote my initial e-mail aboout wires.  Would you happen to know if the antenna just screws off, or if I will encounter wires.

Thanks again and I promise, I won't ask any more quesitons!  You've been a huge help!

Beth

Answer
Hi again Beth!! Please do not worry about asking more questions. As I said, do not hesitate to ask......As for the antenna, if it is a "fixed" antenna, which is one that is stationary, and does not retract, then you should have no problem. There will be no electrical connection. If you have an electrical antenna, one that goes up when the radio is turned on, and down when the radio is turned off, and is stuck in the "ON" position, hence, being vertical, and would like to remove that, please let me know...It will require a different procedure...Thanks again.....Dave