Power Antenna Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the power antenna motor assembly on a 1972 Ford F-100, including disconnecting the electrical connection and removing the mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power antenna motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Antenna mast (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery post.
3. Turn radio off if not already off.
4. Allow engine to cool if recently operated to avoid contact with hot components.
5. Determine antenna motor location (typically passenger side inner fender well).

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the antenna motor assembly
   From inside the engine compartment on the passenger side, locate the power antenna motor assembly mounted to the inner fender well. The motor assembly will have an electrical connector and the antenna mast extending upward through the fender. The motor assembly will have an electrical connector and the antenna mast extending upward through the fender. Verified detail (A 1972 F-100 does not have a plastic wheel well liner; those are a later-era component. Only a metal inner fender/splash shield may be present, if anything.): If necessary, remove the metal inner fender splash shield by removing the retaining bolts or screws for better access.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the antenna motor. Press the release tab or locking mechanism and pull the connector straight off the motor housing. If the connector is corroded or difficult to remove, use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the locking tab while pulling the connector.
3. 3

   Remove the antenna mast nut
   From the exterior of the vehicle, locate the decorative chrome nut at the base of the antenna mast on top of the fender. Unscrew this nut by hand or with pliers and remove it along with any washers or rubber gaskets. Set these aside for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect the antenna lead cable
   If still connected, trace the antenna lead cable (coaxial cable) from the motor assembly to the radio. Unscrew the coaxial connector from the back of the radio or at any inline connection point. This allows the entire antenna assembly to be removed as a unit.
5. 5

   Remove the antenna motor mounting fasteners
   Locate the mounting bolts or nuts securing the antenna motor bracket to the inner fender (verify exact count against the specific installed unit). Using the appropriate socket or wrench, remove these fasteners completely. Support the antenna motor assembly with one hand while removing the final fastener to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Extract the antenna assembly
   Carefully lower the antenna motor assembly down and away from the fender mounting hole. Guide the antenna mast down through the fender opening while maneuvering the motor housing out of the fender well area. The mast may need to be partially collapsed or the assembly rotated to clear surrounding components.
7. 7

   Inspect the antenna mast and cable
   Examine the antenna mast for bending, stripping, or damage. Check the internal nylon drive cable by gently pulling on the mast sections. If the cable is broken or the mast is damaged, the entire assembly should be replaced. Clean the mounting area on the fender of any rust or debris.
8. 8

   Install the new antenna motor assembly
   Position the new antenna motor assembly into the fender well area, guiding the antenna mast up through the fender hole. Align the mounting bracket with the 3 mounting holes on the inner fender. Install the mounting bolts or nuts and tighten securely by hand initially.
9. 9

   Tighten mounting fasteners
   Using the socket or wrench, tighten the mounting fasteners evenly to ensure proper seating of the motor bracket (verify exact count against the specific installed unit). Tighten firmly but do not overtighten, as the bracket is typically stamped steel or the fender may distort.
10. 10

    Install the antenna mast hardware
    From the exterior, place the rubber gasket over the antenna mast base where it passes through the fender. Thread the decorative chrome nut onto the mast base and tighten by hand until snug. Do not use pliers unless necessary, and avoid overtightening which can crack the chrome finish or compress the gasket excessively.
11. 11

    Reconnect the electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the antenna motor until it clicks or locks into place. Ensure the connection is secure and the locking tab is fully engaged.
12. 12

    Reconnect the antenna lead cable
    Push the Motorola-style antenna plug firmly into the antenna jack on the back of the radio until fully seated. Ensure the center pin is aligned properly and the connection is secure. Ensure the center pin is aligned properly and the connection is secure.

Reassembly

1. If the inner fender splash shield or wheel well liner was removed, reinstall it with all original screws and clips.
2. Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten the terminal clamp.
3. Route all wiring away from hot or moving components in the engine bay.

Verification

• Turn the ignition to the accessory position without starting the engine.
• Turn the radio on and verify the antenna extends fully upward. Listen for smooth motor operation without grinding or hesitation.
• Turn the radio off and verify the antenna retracts fully into the fender. The mast should lower completely without binding.
• Check for proper radio reception on AM and FM bands.
• Inspect the antenna mast mounting point on the fender for any gaps in the gasket or looseness in the chrome nut.
• Verify no electrical connectors or wires were left disconnected in the engine compartment.

More procedures for this vehicle