Antenna mast broke for the last time! Recommendations?
 

Found my antenna mast broken again. . . not long after recently repairing it :icon_no2:

If it's not one thing, it's another. Either the mast doesn't go all the way down, all the time or its broke. I dealt with the mast not completely retracting for many years and finally fixed that issue not long ago by trying different assemblies I had laying around, only to find it broken yesterday.

I'm done with power antennas and would like a tasteful OEM look that is fixed, like this:
http://www.good-win-racing.com/miata...00/Antenna.jpg

What have you done?

I'm definitely saving myself from the frustration of even considering repairing this again by going with a fixed piece because the last time, I recall myself ripping the POS from the car and throwing it the entire length of my driveway all while yelling obscenities like a mad man. . I don't want to do that again, not with the new neighbors.

iPhone and aux cable has the best radio reception.

Ditto! Ipod with homemade aux cable to stock 80 head unit on my SA. Rocks
Rammstein!

Sometimes its just the internal plastic mast that needs replaced, as they
break at the point of max externsion and then refuse to retract unless you
push it down. Also, having it automatically go up and down with the radio
power on/off wears them out a lot quicker.

Sounds easy enough but even if I wanted to deal with this again the mast is no longer available.

Been there, done that :banghead:

Is this on an FC? If it is, your options are rather limited if you have the factory wrap around spoiler.... Can't mount a rubber ducky antenna and keep the spoiler, so that narrows choices down to:

1. Fix the stock power antenna. The plastic "chain" in there is the part that breaks. I got the replacement mast kit for mine a few years ago from Ray Crowe. Mazdatrix and Atkins stocked them too, but as usual brother Ray had the best deal.

2. If the mast kit is now NLA, you might try a generic power antenna. Look for a quality unit and expect to pay for it. Try Crutchfield.com and call them for recommendations on a suitable replacement. They do exist, I just don't remember what brands/models.

3. This is a long shot, as it didn't work for me, but some FCs (S5's at least) have a 2nd dipole antenna element embedded in the stock windshield. If you have that, you can plug that antenna in and see if you get decent reception. I didn't - reception sucked. To see if you have it, look for 2 thin wires running vertical along the center of the windshield)

4. Another option is an aftermarket roof-mount patch element or rubber ducky antenna. Or you can source one of those antennas from a late-model wreck in a pick & pull yard. I didn't seriously consider this because I didn't want to have to drill holes in my roof.

Zach has the S4 duckbill spoiler. Maybe look into something like you have pictured Zach, and recontour the base so it fits the body?

Remove Mast Plug Hole Wire in...


http://www.rvpartsnation.com/rv-elec...FUOewAod9C8L4g

Yep, I have the duckbill.

Checked, not in stock

Honestly, I'm over a power antenna. . I've had nothing but trouble with one in this car.

This was an option and what I had to do I my Celica but unfortunately can't be done in the RX7

Yep, same here. . I don't want to drill into the body especially when there is already a hole for that. .

I do like these but I'm not fond of plugging the hole.

I stopped by a local audio store and picked up an inexpensive universal antenna kit with intentions of using the base only. . where I'll eventually add a short stubby antenna. That's the idea so far.

https://c3.staticflickr.com/1/383/31...88af66a2_c.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/465/31...3a79f5fd_c.jpg

This is the style shorty I have in mind. . what do y'all think?

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB15tdkK...Matt-Black.jpg

Sirius

All I'm saying

It looks good, and it will work. The real question is will it get you the kind of radio reception quality you're used to as compared to the old mast antenna? Only way to find out for sure is to try it.

This as well as a phone and an aux cable are good ideas. . I use the aux port often so it's not too important that reception is 100%

However it is important that I fill the hole with something other than a plug, even if the short antenna isn't completely functional it should still work some. We will see. I'll order one of these Mazdaspeed pieces soon.

http://www.cravenspeed.com/the-stubb...nna-for-mazda/

Had one of these on my miata... nice quality and has nice powdercoat finish...

Nice, if the eBay piece falls apart I'll try this one.