Mk2.5 electric aerial problems.

[gforceg]

I spent yesterday evening removing and trying to repair the aerial on our 5, without success. It appears the geared drive will only deploy it but not pull it back in. I cleaned the worm gear and drive cogs but it still isn't working.

I had a look on MX5 parts for a replacement and was considering a fixed stubby aerial until I noticed the warning that the stubby can't be used with ex-electric aerials. I've been thinking about this and trying to visualise what is different with the electric aerial motor (once it is electrically disconnected) that prevents using a fixed aerial on the existing bracket.

As things stand I'll either go for a manual aerial or "convert" the failed mast to manual in my own special way.

I don't fancy spending £183 on a new motored mast so can anyone confirm if a stubby can be fitted to the existing bracket with any mild modifications?

Thanks.

[MX5Rob]

I think a replacement is much cheaper than the price you've been quoted. About £25 from mx5parts.

[gforceg]

Thanks, this is what I was looking at.

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/aerial-electric-mk2-25-p...

It seems to be the motor gears that are knacked but if these can be had cheaper I might go for it.

[MX5Rob]

Sorry - I thought it was just the mast you were after.

2nd hand one on eBay? http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/222009406500

[gforceg]

Thanks again, that's worth knowing about. Hadn't considered secondhand, derrr...