Tips for Antenna Removal?

[AZHellaYellaGirl]

My 2021 has beautiful black details....except for my antenna, which is that lovely shiny chrome. However, it's not my color of choice.

I did purchase a stubby antenna, however I think I want to keep my original and plasti-dip it black.

Either way, my antenna despite the amount of tools, body strength and greasers I have used, simply does not want to let go. Any tips on how to get it to release?

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[jc1003]

Use some locking pliers and turn counter clockwise.

 

[AZHellaYellaGirl]

I did, and it still doesn't want to let go. It feels like the darn thing is cemented in there lol

 

[Mifsuud]

Should turn easily and come off. I know that doesn't help. And a penetrating oil hasn't helped? Park with the antenna in the sunshine, let the AZ heat help?

I removed mine almost immediately due to it whipping around. Figured it would crack a windshield one day. Put the shortest replacement I could find on. I never use terrestrial radio, no idea if it even works in mine. Still have the oe antenna in case I need to poke someone's eye out.

 

[AZHellaYellaGirl]

Nope...BUT this is the first summer I will have with her. She was completely garaged by the previous owner, and my girl now sits outside. So maybe that will help? I can certainly try again, but so far no luck at all.

I don't mind the OEM antenna at all, which is why I want to plasti-dip it. I just don't really have enough faith in the stubby, also, I like to be a bit different and in a world of stubby antennas, it's nice to have an original haha

 

[CWRUYOTE]

You could also try a Bronco (I know) antenna:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/best-radio-antenna.114663/#post-2382276

 

[AFD]

Still haven't swapped mine out for a black one, but just noticed the base of my OEM antenna looks a little corroded already. Maybe spray some PB B'laster or a similar penetrating lubricant around the bottom silver base of the antenna and let it sit for a day before trying again?

Just be sure to wipe off any excess oil before trying it again. Don't want your wrench/pliers slipping loose and putting a ding in your quarter panel.

If that still doesn't work, the only other thing I can think of would be to use a few coats of the liquid brush-on Plasti-dip instead of trying to remove the antenna and spray it.

 

[Terrymo]

Try some PB Blaster Penetrant. You can get it at any auto parts store, Home Depot, Lowe’s etc. Then use a small adjustable wrench, turn counter clockwise. Hopefully it’s not cross threaded.

 

[AZHellaYellaGirl]

You could also try a Bronco (I know) antenna:
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/best-radio-antenna.114663/#post-2382276

I mean, I hate to say it, but it looks so good. LOL

That's exactly the appearance I'm going for.......

 

[AZHellaYellaGirl]

Try some PB Blaster Penetrant. You can get it at any auto parts store, Home Depot, Lowe’s etc. Then use a small adjustable wrench, turn counter clockwise. Hopefully it’s not cross threaded.

And that's what I'm wondering if it is and then maybe got glued in or something.

Ugh...the fights we have with the things to make them better haha

 

[Jeffy56]

I just had mine off to replace the rubber tip. Vacuum port plug. Mine uses a 3/8" open end wrench. It's a little tight and yes, it is secured with a thread locker on the threads. I like the looks of the Bronco black one.

This thread is a good read. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/best-radio-antenna.114663/page-4#post-2383733

 

[Reinen]

Plasti-dip holds up well and looks good.
An easy way to do it is to get a 1/2" PVC pipe, cap one end and fill it with plasti-dip. Then dunk the antenna in it. You can dunk, dry, dunk, dry until you like the thickness.

 

[GRAK]

An aside, getting new tires & tire fellow asked if I wanted to switch the tpms sensors over and I said I don't care, they stopped working the first year I got the jeep. He asked if I had an aftermarket antenna (yes)... he said Put the original back on and they'll work again. Uhm ok? Blah blah blah so I took the stubby off and it was real chalky and corroded down in the mount. Not surprised it's stuck. Everyone should maybe go give theirs a peek in there.

 

[tk1700]

I've done one in plastic dip and sprayed one with bed liner. Both came out fine and held up the same. Try putting some heat on the base with a hair dryer or heat gun.

 

[Eyeball]

An aside, getting new tires & tire fellow asked if I wanted to switch the tpms sensors over and I said I don't care, they stopped working the first year I got the jeep. He asked if I had an aftermarket antenna (yes)... he said Put the original back on and they'll work again. Uhm ok? Blah blah blah so I took the stubby off and it was real chalky and corroded down in the mount. Not surprised it's stuck. Everyone should maybe go give theirs a peek in there.

If it is like mine; that chalky look is the remnants of the blue locktite (or Jeep version) used during assembly.

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