Roof aerial M4 screw

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MetBlue
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Roof aerial M4 screw

Post by MetBlue »

I'd like to remove the aerial, so I can get a good ground connection to new roof foil.
But M4 screw from top securing the aerial is a slot head, very rusty and just ain't coming out.
If I drill the head off from outside, am I likely to regret it? I'm sure once the aerial cable block with the M4 tapped hole through is free from the roof I'll manage to get the remainder of the bolt out, but just nervous on this one. Nothing technically is broken at this point and I don't want to end up without a radio at all!!!!

Tony
What goes together.... Must come apart.

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Hawaiis0
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Re: Roof aerial M4 screw

Post by Hawaiis0 »

The aerial should drop away on removal of the head, if i remember correctly from my roof repaint.

You have the option to not utilise the OEM aerial and go for a modern internal aerial - with or without booster.
Nothing is fool proof. Fools are clever!

HC180
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Re: Roof aerial M4 screw

Post by HC180 »

Hi Tony,
I think there is a nut underneath.

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MetBlue
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Re: Roof aerial M4 screw

Post by MetBlue »

Sorted without resorting to the drill.
After sleeping on it, I concluded the screw was more likely to be tight in the aerial casting than the M4 thread. Sure enough, found by holding the fitting inside the car, I could wind the aerial around outside the car and remove the aerial, complete with screw (took a few moments to break the seals attachment to the roof, but not too difficult).
Once off the car, not too hard to clean the rust off the screw, apply penetrating oil, then persuade it to come out.
I have a hez head cap screw I will use on rebuild.
Tony
What goes together.... Must come apart.

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rbgosling
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Re: Roof aerial M4 screw

Post by rbgosling »

It is frustrating how many rust-prone screws there are on the outside of the car, exposed to elements. My latest is the number plate lights - I just want to clean them up and clean the contacts, as their operation is sporadic. But I just can't remove the screws; if I drill them I'll probably have to replace the lamps. Had the exact same problem before with the side indicators. Seat runner bolts have the same issue too.

How few more pence would it have been to use stainless for all these fixings??
"Farmer" Richard

1990 Lotus Excel SE (Lilith)
2022 MG MG5 EV (not due to be a classic for quite a few years...)
2011 Nissan Leaf (Ragly - EV pioneer, must be due to be a classic one day)

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