mdzu

Hello all,

I had been able to find very little information about why my antenna was leaning sideways. Most forums just said to tighten the top of the antenna down to the fender which would never work. When off-roading or going on any length of trip the antenna would inevitably droop back down and lean almost parallel to the road.

What ended up being the case is that the antenna assembly itself (Toyota OEM P/N 86300-89124 replacing 86300-04010) was cracked where the plastic/ABS was meeting the metal of the top portion which goes through the fender. See picture below.



In this case, I looked at finding some sort of way to re-attach the two pieces. I was able to identify this rod at Ace Hardware which fit snug and I utilized 2-part epoxy to ensure that they would not separate. It fit through the entire rod.







Once the rod is in place and the epoxy is set I just re-attached the antenna assembly to the fender and then behind the fender where it mounts at the bottom. From here, it doesn't bend anymore and is much stronger than it was from the factory. I'll probably look to get one that is flexible so that I don't snap the entire thing out of the fender as I've now made the strong point where it can damage the fender if there was enough leverage.




Hope this was helpful to someone.

Cheers!

mdzu

2ToyGuy

I went to Radio Shack, and got an <ahem> inexpensive <ahem>, generic antenna. Mount, actual antenna, wire, the whole nine. Sadly, it was made to stick straight up off of whatever it mounts to. IE: A horizontal surface. The roof, the hood, etc. Thin, straight, chunk of metal, as the actual antenna part. I just bent the antenna until it was straight up, with the bend about 1/2 inch from where it goes into the mount, once I had screwed it down tight to the base..

I know, a quick/dirty/cheap trick, but it's worked for me since about 1991 or 1992. Not bad for a Radio Shack cheapie, huh?
Very rarely, I have to tighten/re-verticalize (is that even a word???) the antenna, usually on a very windy day, when a big-rig goes past me, when we're both at highway speed. The sudden, strong gust of air from the flat front of the rig will blow it down horizontal. I let it sit that way until I get stopped somewhere, then grab it with my hand and put it back up vertical again. No problem.

Just my experience. Maybe not super professional, OEM job, but hey, it's worked for me for a LONG time, now.
Good luck!
Pat☺