Car Stereos: Static in car radio, antenna wire, antenna connection

Question
For the past few months my car radio has had a lot of static.  The car is a Mazda 121 from 1993.  I've checked the antenna connection but this seems OK.  How do I know if I need a new radio/tuner?  What will fit?

Answer
Margaret,  Unfortunately, your problem is probably your antenna wire.  The antenna wire is similar to a coax wire.  It has a very thin inner wire surrounded by insulation then a woven outer wire and more insulation.  Often times that thin inside wire is very brittle and it will break somewhere between the antenna and the radio at a stress point.  You cannot see the break because it is hidden under the insulation and woven wire.  The best way to check if it is the antenna wire is to buy a new antenna wire and hook it up.  Drive around with it hooked up and see if the radio is working clearer.  If so, then you can take the time to route the new antenna wire through the maze it goes through to the antenna.  If it doesnt help, there is an off chance that the radio circuitry is wearing out and causing the radio to not hold frequencies as well.  If so, I recommend going to www.crutchfield.com and searching for a radio that will fit your car.  Hope this helps, Scott