Nissan Repair: 93 300ZX NA Coupe Radio Antenna, radio antenna, power antenna

Question
The power antenna on this car failed, apparently a common problem. I read elsewhere that the rear window defroster can be used as an antenna with some type of adapater. Are you familiar with this/would you advise this? I've not disassembled the antenna yet so cannot report the root cause of failure, but am debating rebuild/replace and this alternate solution.

Answer
David,

The defroster could be used but the antenna in the windshield are poor for reception.  I would recommend against it.  You could take the connections you already have toing to your antenna and splice them into the conductors for the defroster.  It is much easier to remove the inner panel and just replace the antenna, motor and all.  These are a pain in the butt to take apart just to replace the cable that runs the antenna up and down.  Basically, you need a mast replacement or just replace the antenna as an assembly.  Oh, be sure that the drain tube is connected when you are done or water will get inside the inner fenderwell and rot your car out.