I have just acquired a 1992 Carlton Diplomat. Everything is in very good condition. I have noticed however that the aerial does not retract fully. It gets stuck at the last segment (bottom widest part).
Any idea how I could fix this ?
Roadrunner
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Electric aerial I assume? If any part of the mast is kinked or bent, then it's best to replace it. Easily done. New telescopic masts are available from Vauxhall (£15 last time I bought one 18 months ago). Unscrew the chromed nut at the base of the aerial and switch on the stereo. You should now be able to extract the old mast. Dropping in the new one can be a bit trickier though. Bit like fishing really. You'll need someone to help you with this part. Get them to switch on the stereo and wait until the elecy aerial mechanism stops making funny noises. Lower the nylon wire into the hole and get your assistant to switch off the stereo. The trick is to hook the nylon wire onto the spinning mechanism. Either you'll get it first time, or you'll be there ages. Once it's caught on the mechanism, feed the rest of the aerial into the hole and replace the chromed nut. Job done, as Tommy Walsh would say.
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Assuming that there is no obvious bend and/or damage.
When it is fully extended, clean it thoroughly - until its shiny again.
When you switch off the radio and the aerial goes down, place a slight presure on it when it comes to the place it normally stops and it should continue on down.
Then its a case of up, clean, down until the problem goes away.
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Thanks for the advice.
Trying Mark(RLBS) suggestion first. Sprayed a little WD40 on the lower stem and leaving it overnight. Tomorrow , as I switch off the radio I'll make a dash for it and assist the aerial to retract. If that fails then I will replace it.
Roadrunner
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