There I did it: Antenna mast off, screw body still in the fender...

[Padawan]

My Challenger came with a broken antenna, so I figured that that's one of the easiest things to fix and ordered a new mast. Wanted to install the new one today, the old stump didn't want to move, used WD-40, waited, tried, waited, tried, waited and succeeded in breaking it off. See the pics, so I guess this means get the special tool needed to disassemble the whole thing and... how might I get the screw out?

[74challenger03]

i think your going to have to get a new one.

[Jamiez]

Mine was the same way.  I tried to use an extractor but only ended up breaking that as well.  I ended up buying a new unit.  There is a tool to remove that nut.  I got mine from an eBay seller customachinecomponents. I believe they are a member here and they make a number of similar useful tools (remove the mirror nut, the rear speaker control, etc).

After removing the nut the rest of the unit will fall into the fender.  I fished it out by opening the passenger door and reaching into the fender.  Maybe someone knows a better way.

[Padawan]

I think I saw these complete sets and thought "cool, I only need the mast". Oh well, so be it then.

@Jamiez: That nut just unscrews like any other screws or does it have some special mechanism? I did look into the fender yesterday and found that some Alien-like mother creature is already breeding there. Hopefully she will render the antenna parts once they fall into her domain.

[72cudamaan]

First thing I would do is frill a hole in the center of the remaining stud.
If you succeed at that, get some real penetrating oil (wd40 is a lubricant)
like JB80, or PB blaster. Then try the ez out. If you don't succeed, you only wasted a little time.
OR, you might even remove the whole assembly and work on it on a bench
to resist the temptation to scratch the paint.  Good Luck

[Jamiez]

The nut is just a regular nut.  You just need a special too to remove it because it doesn't have a hex head or anything normal.  You could use a flathead and a hammer...but you'll mar the chrome and really risk damaging the paint.  For my money, the $20-30 tool that John's Cuda Shop sells was well worth it.

Be aware that the part of the antenna below the fender consists of 2 pieces, which will separate the moment you take the nut off.  Both of these will fall into the fender and need to be fished out.  Alternatively you can reach in there and grab the body as you back the nut off and pull it all out as one piece.  Here is what the whole thing looks like disassembled:


For mine, I attempted to back the nut off while it was on the fender.  I was hoping to save some money and extract the broken mast without having to buy the tool to remove it from the fender. In the end, I snapped the extractor and had to pull the whole thing any ways.  If I had to do it all over again, I would have soaked the broken mast a lot longer, tried some heat, and removed it before trying to use the extractor.  But really extractors are hit/miss for me.

[jimynick]

Plastic pliers or a small brass drift and judicious hammering will also take it off, usually. Good luck

[Super Blue 72]

As far as the nut goes, some advise as I work with a few nuts. 

Watch out for the WD-40 or any spray as it can get under the paint and lift the paint dependending on the paint job.  Had a friend who sprayed some WD-40 on his '68 Charger and it actually discolored his paint.  Had a 2 tone gold Charger.

As far as removal, the safest bet is to get the correct tool.  I wonder if current Dodge dealerships have this tool? 

As far as removal without the special tool, when I was at Acura, I used to removel the antenna nuts with a pair of needle nose pliers opened just enough so that the tips fit into the recesses on the nut.  If you have needle nose Vice-Grips, you might be able to adjust it to open just enpugh to get in the recesses.  This might be a wee bit safer.

***** Special caution has to be used with this meathod or any tool removal method to cover the surrounding area with card board/cloth incase the tool slips as it may damage the paint around the nut.

Don't ask me how I know this....   

[Jamiez]

$15
http://www.ebay.com/itm/antenna-tool-cuda-mopar-charger-challenger-hemi-dodge-/200466681219?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item2eacbecd83

Money well spent for my  .  Considering what the potential paint damage would cost

[Padawan]

The nut is already on its way but I hoped I won't need it: Picked up a screw extractor today and went to work with Jamiez "broke the extractor" in mind went to work. Well, I broke the extractor. I almost thought this would happen as it is really difficult to only apply torque in one axis with a wrench, even when turning really slowly. At one point I thought I could just use the extractor as a mini-antenna.

Thanks Phil, I was careful with the WD-40 (didn't find something better today so I hoped it would be enough...), towels around the area, so far no two-tone Challenger.

Well, when the nut arrives the thing goes on a bench and the story continues.

[Super Blue 72]

Man, sorry to hear about the screw extractor...    Bummer.

In the mean time, that alien like creature looks really interesting....

Keep us posted on the antenna!