Antenna

Remove and replace the radio antenna mast and base assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including disconnecting the antenna cable from the radio.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Antenna mast assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Antenna base gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure the radio is turned off
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake
3. Gather all tools and the replacement antenna assembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the antenna cable inside the cabin
   Open the passenger door and locate the radio head unit in the center console. The antenna cable connects to the rear of the radio unit. You may need to carefully pull the radio forward from its mounting location to access the antenna connection point. Most 1992 Vipers have radio units that can be accessed by removing the trim bezel around the radio (check for fasteners at the perimeter of the bezel).
2. 2

   Disconnect the antenna cable from the radio
   Locate the coaxial antenna cable connector at the rear of the radio head unit. Grasp the connector firmly and pull straight back to disconnect it from the radio. Do not twist or bend the cable excessively during removal.
3. 3

   Access the exterior antenna mounting area
   Move to the exterior of the vehicle at the right rear quarter panel, just behind the passenger door. The antenna mast protrudes through the body panel at this location.
4. 4

   Remove the antenna mast
   Grasp the antenna mast firmly near its base and rotate counterclockwise to unthread it from the antenna base. The mast should unscrew by hand. If resistance is encountered due to corrosion, apply light penetrating oil and allow to soak before attempting removal again.
5. 5

   Remove the antenna base mounting hardware
   From underneath the vehicle or from inside the quarter panel access area, locate the antenna base mounting hardware. The base is typically secured by a mounting nut on the underside of the body panel. Use a 10mm socket to remove the mounting nut, retaining any washers or spacers in their original order.
6. 6

   Remove the antenna base and cable assembly
   Carefully pull the antenna base assembly through the body panel hole from the exterior side. Guide the attached coaxial cable through the body cavity as you remove the base. Note the routing of the cable for reinstallation. Remove and discard the old base gasket.
7. 7

   Prepare the new antenna assembly
   Install the new base gasket onto the new antenna base assembly. Ensure the gasket is properly seated in the base groove to prevent water intrusion.
8. 8

   Route the new antenna cable
   From the exterior, feed the coaxial cable end of the new antenna assembly through the body panel hole. Route the cable through the body cavity following the original path toward the radio location. Ensure the cable is not kinked, pinched, or routed near sharp edges.
9. 9

   Install the antenna base to the body panel
   Position the antenna base with gasket against the exterior body panel, aligning the mounting stud with the hole. From underneath or inside the quarter panel area, install the mounting nut and any washers onto the stud. Hand-tighten the nut first, ensuring the base gasket is properly compressed and the base sits flush against the body panel. Tighten the mounting nut snugly to secure the base against the body panel without deforming the panel or gasket; a torque spec is not published for this fastener.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect the antenna cable to the radio
    Inside the cabin, route the antenna cable to the rear of the radio head unit. Push the coaxial connector firmly onto the radio's antenna input port until it clicks or seats fully.
11. 11

    Install the antenna mast
    Thread the antenna mast clockwise into the antenna base by hand. Tighten firmly by hand only—do not use tools, as this may damage the threads or over-torque the connection.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any radio trim bezels or panels removed during access, ensuring all fasteners are secure
2. Verify the antenna mast is vertical and secure

Verification

• Turn on the radio and tune to a known strong FM station to verify antenna reception
• Test reception across multiple FM frequencies to confirm proper cable connection
• Inspect the antenna base for proper seating and check that no gaps exist around the base gasket
• Verify the antenna mast is secure and does not rotate freely
• Check for water leaks around the antenna base during the next car wash or rain event

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