Ok, I just read that thread about the power antenna and you guys kinda had a fit about the whole aftermarket antenna thing. WC Bill said something about drilling the rivets and basically rebuilding it?

Is there an article about this somewhere? Or can one of you post pics on this?

I think the one on my car is finished because you can move the lowest portion up and down about 4 inches.

What exactly is so bad about the Metra antennas and what makes rebuilding a GM one such a good thing?

You caught me just in time, when I get some more money this month, I was gonna go get a metra...good timing.

Thanks.

You can remove and install a GM antenna from the trunk without removing the OEM trim ring or splicing wires.

I did the same thing for both my antennas. Go to the yard, and get one from a 99. That'* the newest best condition you'll find. Simply drill the rivet heads off of one side of the black gear housing, clean all the old gunk out with q-tips, and re-grease it. Drip oil down the mast, and wipe off the excess. It'll out-last your car. I have one of my old antennas around here that I could do a quick techinfo on, but not until this weekend at the earliest. It'* pretty straightforward. You'll need some screws and nuts to put it back together afterwards.

any certain grease to use?

The thing with aftermarket replacements is usually it'* the cheapest option available.

The one I bought lasted 5 entire minutes and wasted $35. While my experience may not be the norm (my middle name is Murphy), there is a clear difference between an antenna that cost $200 and one that cost $35.

It'* quality, performance etc.

White Lithium grease. If that'* not available, use Mobilith (the green stuff).