Hope everyone had a nice Easter given the "stay at home" orders we're living under.
I have an original pair of dual rear antennas for my '58 Plymouth that will need the bases re-chromed. I don't want to damage them during disassembly so just seeing if anyone can offer some insight from their experiences working on these.
I removed the two screws that hold the lead to the base and see the small wire coming out that is soldered to the mast. There is also a screw in the end of the mast that is very tight. Do I need to un-solder the lead or does removing the screw in the end enable you to pull out the mast and then remove the lead.
One of the masts is the original, stepped-down mast as shown in the third photo and the other is a straight replacement. I have another stepped-down mast in the front fender antenna I'll be removing. From what I've read, it sounds like I should be able to use that mast to make a matched pair. Does this sound correct?
Also, does anyone have a recommended shop to refinish the pot-metal bases? Working with pot metal always makes me nervous. Should the studs be removed prior to plating or do you risk having the threads come with the studs when removing them?
Posted 2020-04-14 4:56 PM (#596838 - in reply to #596822) Subject: RE: 1957-1958 Plymouth/Dodge Dual Rear Antennas
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Skelly1958 - 2020-04-14 6:05 PM Thank you for the link to your drawings Serge. They're very nice. I'm still trying to figure out how to disassemble these. I was able to turn the screw but it doesn't seem to be coming out.
These are the parts to remove from rear. - SERGE -
Posted 2020-04-15 6:31 AM (#596864 - in reply to #596858) Subject: RE: 1957-1958 Plymouth/Dodge Dual Rear Antennas
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Skelly1958 - 2020-04-15 3:47 AM Thanks Serge. Another fine drawing. I can turn the screw but it doesn't seem to want to back out. I'll have to try it again.
The antenna bar with the screw and plastic item should come rear out without removing the screw when pushing in the antenna, or all is corroded.
When the screw is turning, must fix the antenna bar for not turn - or the nut in the antenna bar is turning. Anyway the antenna bar has to come out with
or with out removed screw.
Bigblockmopar will correctly remark: The thread on the screw is lefthand thread! ...
Yes, I took this screw from the mirrored antenna. it should be righthand!
Posted 2020-04-16 3:54 PM (#596947 - in reply to #596864) Subject: RE: 1957-1958 Plymouth/Dodge Dual Rear Antennas
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Thank you for the additional information Serge. Even with keeping the mast from turning, the screw would turn but would not back out. I'm assuming the threaded part is turning inside the tube of the antenna. I just unsoldered the wire and pulled it out as a unit.