What goes up doesn't necessarily come down
 

Last week the antenna on the '96 limo broke. I was expecting that since my 1980 antenna broke about 6 times in it's life.The first antenna cost $200 then I found out the mast was replaceable and it cost only $80 each time.

I took the unit apart and as usual it broke at the anchor point of the takeup gear.

I bought some hobby metal at Ace hardware 3/16 inch size, cut about 2' or so
and carefully slipped it over the nylon line and made a 3/16 bend at the end and gave it a gentle sweep like the original.

This antenna was an improvement over the 1980 style,it has a gear that counts up too many revolutions and stops motor, the 1980 ran endlessly until fuse pulled.
I assembled unit with antenna at full extension and trip gear set at almost trip point for full up. It has been working so far 2 weeks will keep posted.

New antenna has yet again been redesigned, you have to modify mount and
replacement aerial not available like the '80 style.
Aftermarket company makes a replacement for unit also, may have to go that route if mine doesn't hold up

FYI antenna being in the trunk is so easy to work on...1980 was behind a panel under passenger fender...a real pain to get to!