Trying To Make Lemonade

05silvycrew · May 31, 2009

I posted this on the tail end of another thread last night and maybe nobody looked all the way through to find it. my antenna was snapped off at the base sometime between Friday night and Saturday I don't have any threads showing on the antenna base (the part still attached to the truck) and the antenna's nowhere to be found. I've read about how to replace the antenna base and it doesn't sound like much fun taking dash pieces off, scraping nuckles on places you can't even see, and squezing wires through tight spots.

now for my thought, could the original base be drilled and tapped for a small bolt to be screwed in? I like the antenna delete mod, and I could maybe rig a connection like this and run to a new antenna tucked away on the fender lip. instead of it being a nut on the existing threads (that aren't there anymore), I would run a bolt into the now snapped off base.

thoughts and opinions please, seems a whole lot easier than going into the dash chasing wires????

thanks guys

takevin · May 31, 2009

yes you could do that, or you could get a pac amplified antenna and have antenna at all. Its basically a mini amp with the antenna to plug in the back of the radio and just need power to turn it on. Works great and no outside antenna, just have to find where i put mine so i could put it on.

rjirvine · May 31, 2009

I agree that drilling it out and using an extractor (easy out) would be the best way to go. Also spray some PB blaster on it first (accept no substitutes).

05silvycrew · May 31, 2009

to the last couple posts, I'm pretty sure the base is solid and had the male end, which screwed into the antenna. those are snapped off and long gone.

If the antenna had the male end and screwed into the base then yes, an extractor would do the trick. I think it's the other way around though.

anybody know which way it is for sure and if the extractor idea might work?

I'm getting anxious, listening to static or silence is a tough choice!

jjrobo · May 31, 2009

The base has the male end. I just went through this on my work truck. It is a major pain. You have to take most of your dash apart to get to the antenna cable connections. I found a lot of good info about it by searching. If I was to do it again, I would take it to the dealer.

05silvycrew · May 31, 2009

Lemonade complete

although it was a huge pain in my posterior, it's done. for anyone curious, there's nothing to extract out of the base so that shoots down that idea.

I went ahead and drilled a hole then proceeded to tap it, test fit a bolt....like butter! couple loop end electrical connections, little piece of wire, and a $10 antenna from Autozone and my reception is back up. tucked the antenna along the inner fender lip under the hood. Looks crappy when you open the hood, but for now it serves it's purpose. When I find time this summer, I'll make it look more professional. signal strength is a little less in comparison to the upright antenna. I can live with it though, the main station I listen to comes in clear as ever. Don't know what I'd do without "Bob and Tom" in the morning.

Now isn't there supposed to be an escalade part that you can replace the little cowl piece you have to pop off to get to the antenna. I believe the escalade part doesn't have the antenna hole in it. If anyone could locate a part number (if this even exists) I'd be very greatful. I'll try searching some tonight.

Thanks to all those who chimed in, your help is appreciated

*Edit, think I've found it. Can Someone confirm part number 15287179 for me???

LawmanSS · May 31, 2009

Lemonade complete

although it was a huge pain in my posterior, it's done. for anyone curious, there's nothing to extract out of the base so that shoots down that idea.

I went ahead and drilled a hole then proceeded to tap it, test fit a bolt....like butter! couple loop end electrical connections, little piece of wire, and a $10 antenna from Autozone and my reception is back up. tucked the antenna along the inner fender lip under the hood. Looks crappy when you open the hood, but for now it serves it's purpose. When I find time this summer, I'll make it look more professional. signal strength is a little less in comparison to the upright antenna. I can live with it though, the main station I listen to comes in clear as ever. Don't know what I'd do without "Bob and Tom" in the morning.

Now isn't there supposed to be an escalade part that you can replace the little cowl piece you have to pop off to get to the antenna. I believe the escalade part doesn't have the antenna hole in it. If anyone could locate a part number (if this even exists) I'd be very greatful. I'll try searching some tonight.

Thanks to all those who chimed in, your help is appreciated

*Edit, think I've found it. Can Someone confirm part number 15287179 for me???