[MR2] MR2 MkII Classic Antenna Motor Problem--Solved!

[alkirab at earthlink.net]

Re: MR2 MkII Classic Antenna Motor Problems --Solved!

A big thanks to all those digest members who contacted me both on and off the list regarding corrective action suggestions related to electric antenna mast replacement problems on my 1993 MkII.

Specific suggestions from Steve B., Aaron W., Ralph H., Dennis McF., all had merit.  In particular Aaron W. from Lithia Toyota came through with outstanding and speed-of-light parts support, getting repair parts that were unavailable to me locally, to my residence in 2.5 days!!!
The problem occurred with the aftermarket mast and cable gear purchased from eBay and advertised as compliant with the MR2 MkII NA & Turbo spoiler.  After two complete R and R's, including total dismantling the antenna gear box and verifying worm gear-to-motor shaft was tight; the new Toyota rod ordered from Lithia Toyota arrived.  Side by side the Toyota toothed drive cable was both 6 inches shorter, and both the tooth height and distance between teeth was different than the aftermarket drive cable!!  This in part explains the inability of the antenna tip to fully seat, as well as the horrendous grinding and run-on that the module demonstrated. 

I did learn a trick that prevented the P/S side wings' retaining tip from tearing out of the wing:   By first removing the two 10mm nuts from the underside of the side wing (inside the trunk, gently tapping the wing with your hand to free it up from the rubber gasket, and then introducing two very thin, (masking tape covered) 1-inch putty knives into the side of the gap formed by the slightly-lifted-wing-assembly...you can tease the retaining tip out of the press-in retainer located in the PS fender...without any tear-out damage to the wing or witness mark scratches to the exposed fender!  

Again, a big thanks to the Digest contributors mentioned above, and in particular my appreciation goes to Aaron W. at Lithia Toyota in Oregon for providing both outstanding service and a much-appreciated MR2 Owners' Club discount.   

Keeping it Stock...makes it rock

Colin

1993 MkII NA
Steel Mist Gray w/48,000 original
S. Cal
(& once again...ALL Toyota Parts!)