Electric Aerial Broken - Stubby?

[Prawo Jazdy]

A while ago my electric aerial stopped extending when I turn on the stereo, and instead makes a horrible grinding noise. I've yet to take it out to see if I can mend it, but in any case i'd really like to replace it with an S2000-style stubby aerial. The ones on MX5parts all say "for manual aerials only".

What's the big difference and can I, maybe with the addition of some other (manual) parts, make one of those fit in place of the electric?

Cheers.

(P.S. is some special tool required to remove the aerial?)

[VladD]

Ive got a stubby instead of an electric and it works fine.

[LukeBird]

Prawo Jazdy said:

The ones on MX5parts all say "for manual aerials only".

What's the big difference and can I, maybe with the addition of some other (manual) parts, make one of those fit in place of the electric?

I've thought the same.
I'd love to replace the electric one on my car (Mk2.5) with a stubby one.
Can it be done?!

[gd49]

Prawo Jazdy said:

A while ago my electric aerial stopped extending when I turn on the stereo, and instead makes a horrible grinding noise. I've yet to take it out to see if I can mend it, but in any case i'd really like to replace it with an S2000-style stubby aerial. The ones on MX5parts all say "for manual aerials only".

My 5 started making the same grinding noise last week, will be interested to see how you get on with fixing/replacing it. If you don't have any luck I was going to get mine sorted at service/MOT time in July...

[Shaw Tarse]

Have you tried cleaning your aerials? WD40 & a rag/ kitchen roll?

[Prawo Jazdy]

Shaw Tarse said:

Have you tried cleaning your aerials? WD40 & a rag/ kitchen roll?

Yeah, I sprayed mine periodically before it broke.

VladD said:

Ive got a stubby instead of an electric and it works fine.

Could you tell me what bits you had to purchase to fit it? Mine's a Mk2.5 by the way, I don't know if that makes any difference to what will fit and what won't.

Edited by Prawo Jazdy on Saturday 21st May 23:53

[crizzy]

My electric aerial gave up the ghost a while back, I replaced it with a stubby one from MX5Parts. You need to change the electric aerial mounting to a standard one then the stubby aerial fixes into it.

Give MX5parts a ring and explain what you are after and they will arrange for the parts to be sent out. I think it looks much better than the electric aerial, much more modern.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Using WD40 isn't the best idea. It will clean it up but it will also remove any oil/grease that is there. Something like 3-in-1 or a thin grease would be much better.

[VladD]

Prawo Jazdy said:

Shaw Tarse said:

Have you tried cleaning your aerials? WD40 & a rag/ kitchen roll?

Yeah, I sprayed mine periodically before it broke.

VladD said:

Ive got a stubby instead of an electric and it works fine.

Could you tell me what bits you had to purchase to fit it? Mine's a Mk2.5 by the way, I don't know if that makes any difference to what will fit and what won't.

Edited by Prawo Jazdy on Saturday 21st May 23:53

It was already fitted when I bought the car, but the guy I bought it off told me he had replaced it. As far as I'm aware it's a straight swap. The connector for the electric aerial (the one that supplies the power) is just lying loose in the boot now.

Proably worth giving MX5parts a call in case there are any hidden complications, but I can't see why there should be.

Edited by VladD on Monday 23 May 13:02

[eunos ross]

This is a really easy fix, it takes minutes!

check this out.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvqJRR7iBLE

[garrykiller]

eunos ross said:

This is a really easy fix, it takes minutes!

check this out.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvqJRR7iBLE

really useful thanks dude

[eunos ross]

No problems

youre welcome......

[Prawo Jazdy]

Thanks for all the advice. I gave MX5parts a call to double check, and yes you can just swap the electric aerial for a manual aerial base and add the stubby. I shall be giving it a go this week.

That video is excellent as well.

Cheers!

[m555]

I bought a stubby to replace the mast i had before and i find that it is not as efficient, but one would expect that. most of the time, works fine!

[Richyvrlimited]

m555 said:

I bought a stubby to replace the mast i had before and i find that it is not as efficient, but one would expect that. most of the time, works fine!

ditto, the reception is no-where near as good in poor reception areas (ever driven through Wigan? I can barely hear the radio for static driving through there).

[garrykiller]

just ordered mine, will be fitting it soon! (when mx5 parts deliver it that is)

[tonym911]

I got one of these from MX5 Parts to replace the solid one-piece aerial on my Mk 2 and tried it for the first time today. I'll be returning it tomorrow for a refund as it doesn't work as well as the old one. Plus it's bloody dear. Double whammy.