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  #1  
Old 08-27-2015, 06:20 PM
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Replace 300DT antenna with Hirschmann Universal Antenna

My antenna mast will no longer extend. I have a brand new Hirschmann Universal Antenna sitting on the shelf. Question: Is it easier to replace the mast on the original antenna or would it be easier to replace the entire unit with the Hirschmann Universal antenna?

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Old 08-27-2015, 06:28 PM
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Mast is very easy to replace. Look on the forum because it has been a long time since I have done it. But generally extend it all the way up, remove the chrome fitting on the outside of the fender. Pull the mast and the plastic cable out. Feed the new cable in. Turn the radio on and off and it will retract grabbing the plastic cable and the mast will retract. Make sure you feed the new cable all the way in so it can grab it. Only problem you might have is if the cable is broken and remains in the Hirschman; if so, it is easy to remove it from inside the fender, remove the side plate, and remove the old piece of cable.
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Old 08-27-2015, 06:33 PM
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Replacing the mast is fairly easy and retains the originality of the car. Loosen the retaining nut on the mast. With someone sitting in the car with the key on have another person pull up on the mast while the other person turns the radio on. The entire mast will pull out. Examine the teeth on the plastic rod that attaches to the end of the mast and order the same type. If you are sure that all of the plastic rod has pulled out, reinstall the mast with the person turning on the radio and then turning the radio off as you feed in the new mast with a slight push as you feed in the mast. The mast should pull all the way in so that the mast goes down all the way. Tighten the mast nut. If you are unsure if the plastic rod has been completely pulled out, pull off the side cover of the antenna motor and pull out the remainder of the plastic rod with a pair of needle nose pliers. A new mast with the matching plastic rod are commonly seen on Ebay.

Last edited by BWhitmore; 08-28-2015 at 09:14 AM.
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Old 08-27-2015, 07:36 PM
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Best of luck. I've never had luck with just being able to replace the antenna mast. I've always ended up removing the power antenna and fitting a manual telescopic antenna.
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Old 08-28-2015, 09:23 AM
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I have replaced mine two or three times over the years. Never a problem. As I remember it works with the smooth or toothed plastic cable. If it turns out that the cable just broke at the other end near where it is grabbed in the Hirschman gears (happened to me), you can even just remove the short broken piece of cable and feed in the old and somewhat shorter cable. Will work fine just will not extend your antenna all the way. Used one like that for years.
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Old 08-28-2015, 09:35 AM
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I have same situation. Hirschmann generic replacement on shelf, original mast doesn't extend.

I just leave the original in up position and avoid car washes that would scrunch mast.

From what I recall, the generic Hirschmann has slightly different wiring. And, I have replacement radio so activation of antenna would need to be figured out.

Will only change if fixed mast gets bent.
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Old 08-28-2015, 10:53 AM
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I had a universal in my 126 when I bought it. Hated it. Goes all the way up everytime you turn the key on, and it was noisy. I don't remember being able to control the height either. Found a used original Hirschman and installed it with a new mast. Far better.

Last edited by resto108; 08-28-2015 at 10:54 AM. Reason: added to
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Old 08-30-2015, 04:19 PM
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The adjustable-height mast was a really clever hack to make up for the poor selectivity and AGC in the stock radio. Too many loud stations the radio can't separate? Shorten the mast to cut down on the signal strength! Out in the country? Extend it!

Most car companies just would have fitted a radio with a local/dx switch, but Germans will never solve a problem with one part if they can find a way to use three.

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