Broken antenna

[LX89]

Noticed last week that the factory antenna on my 89 was loose at the base.
Pulled it up and it came out with no effort.
There's 5/8" long left at the base of the antenna so that's probably why it never flew off while driving I guess.No idea how long it's been like that.

Looks like the antenna rod screws into the base and the broken threaded part is still in the base.
What's the best way to try and remove the broken part still in the base?
The antenna rod is magnetic,but the part that goes in the base is non magnetic,so I guess it's aluminum,but not sure.

Replacing the antenna rod is easier than replacing the whole thing if that broken part comes out.

[svorob]

left hand drills

start with a smaller size and get it started then go with a bigger size .... it will bite in and then it will unscrew itself

[LX89]

Read about left hand drills vs easy out/screw extractor.
Good reviews about left hand drill bits.

I don't have any left hand drill bits and my reverse drill died years ago.
I just have a non reverse drill and screw extractors to work with.

Maybe that will get it out.
Already put penetrating oil down the hole.
This is a no rush job.Radio still works with no antenna,but reception isn't as good for distant stations.

[LX89]

Wow,looks like I have a reversible drill after all.
Found an old reversible hand drill downstairs tonight.

This thing is very high quality from roughly the 1940's as a guess.
The wood handles alone are incredible.
Just says Made In USA.

Any hand drill experts here?LOL
Will this work OK and turn fast enough with a left handed drill bit?
I would put a small nut down the hole to keep the bit close to center.

[LX89]

Smallest drill bit the hand drill will hold is 5/32,so that's out.

[Old Fart]

Do you have a pic of the antenna base?

[LX89]

No pic,no camera.

[LX89]

After having penetrating oil soaking down the hole for over a month I tried a screw extractor.
No freaking way.
Got a good bite with the extractor until that gave way and wouldn't bite anymore.
Have to replace the whole thing now.

I'm wondering if the extractor was a waste of time in the first place after reading a thread on a newer Cougar forum with a similar antenna.
Apparently drilling/extractor doesn't work.
Not sure if the foxbody antenna base is the same design.
https://www.newcougar.org/threads/my-antenna-broke-how-do-i-get-the-post-out.44192/

To anyone who has replaced the antenna cable/base on a foxbody,did you have to remove the front wheel/splash shield for easy access?
Shop manual doesn't mention that but access looks tight with the door open.