Hints for removing antenna nut '00 Dakota...

Need to get a nut & bezel from the pullapart for the Dakota but every Dakota or Durango I tried, I could not budge the nut using needle nose pliers. Probably get one off with channel locks but tight as they seem to be I'll probably scar it up pretty bad. What the heck did they put these things on with? I'm thinking special socket and impact.
Any tips or tricks? Or do I need to order one of the little universal spanner wrenches for antenna nuts?



Tim

Did you take the mast off to give you a straight shot at the nut with your needle nose?

Tried it both ways. Removing the mast I could turn the whole base. Leaving mast in and holding with wrench prevented base turning but no go. And it's not truly a straight shot as it has 3 slots. I really think if it had 4 where you could get in slots directly opposite each other it would be much easier.



Tim

Did you try harsh language?

Channel locks and a rag.

A lot of it.


Tim

My thought at this point. If I scar it too bad, I'll buff it down and paint it.


Tim

Failing all else there is a punch and hammer, air chisel or even the special wrench. Kind of a waste of money though as you'll probably never use it again. Have you tried to buy a new one?

Haven't contacted a dealership about a new bezel & nut (not holding my breath on that one) but used ones are available on ebag for, oh. around $17-18 each piece. Headed back to pullapart and just going to use channel locks and a rag on it.



Tim

I've seen the multiple fit wrenches on ebay for about $14. You could get one of them and then charge $10 to remove the nuts for other people. You might even get most of your money back.

Tim

i am a auto body tech.
those special wrenches only work sometimes. a lot of the times the part of the wrench that matches the antenna won't work because the wrench hits the fender. they also make special sockets that work just like the wrenches.
the antenna and nut are probably both seized to the antenna mast threads, bi metallic corrosion. the antenna stud is steel and the antenna and the nut are usually alloy.

i usually heat up the parts with a induction heater and everything works fine.
my suggestion is stop by a dealer body shop and bribe a tech to remove the antenna.

chances are if you live in the rust belt you will need a new antenna because you try to remove it snaps the stud off in the antenna mast.


good luck

Thanks but I just need the nut and bezel as I bought the truck stripped for paint. Nut and bezel were MIA when I started putting it back together.



Tim