Toyota Repair: 87 Celica GT convertible, celica gt, radio problem

Question
Paul,
I recently bought an 87 Cleica GT conv. I love the car it seems to run well.I do notice the engine is a little noisy though and maybe this is typical of this king of car? It has only 72k miles (showing). The electric antenae does not go up and down and the radio makes a constant clicking sound whether powered on or not. Since the antennae does not move stations come in ut very staticly (if that a word) Could it be a radio problem or strcklty an antenae problem? reason I ask is the clicking occurs even when it is not powered on, but that could be the antennae trying to return down as fully seated which it is not. Also the top needs to be taken down manually. I assume either the switch is bad (unlikely since I hear a click to the trunk when I push it) or it the relay or the actual cylinder that appears to be hydraulic in nature in the trunk. Is this a hard job to replace this device assuming that is what is bad? Would I require any tools and am I limited to the exact part that is in the car or can I substitute other units from different year Celica's ? I really want ot keep it as orignal as possible since I think the car should have a good value on the premis there is probably not that many of this year on the road still especially with this low of miles. Thanks in advance to any assistance you can lend to these questions. Also if you know of any good web sites for replacement parts or specs I would appreciate it very much. I do not seem to be getting anywhere on my generic web searches . Thanks in advance!!  

Answer
i can help u with the radio problem. but the convertible problem is a problem(no pun intended). the power ant. is the source of the problem, replace that and go from there. it is feedback voltage into the radio. as u said it sounds like it wants to fully seated position. the convertable top can be a major hassle. there is a number of things that can wrong. such as linkage, hydrolic cylinders and numerous electrical problems. i wound first strat by eliminating one at a time. start with the switch and work toward the back of the vehicle.using jump wires to bypass the switch and go the hydrolic cylinders. using this process of elimation u should be able to pin point the cause of the problem. as for parts i would go with the original factory parts if available. i really do not know if certain years inter connect. the vehicle is 16 years old and parts cross-referance is not available going back that far. but any good toyota parts man should be able to help u locate the parts u need. good luck and let me know how u make out. paul p.