What to do about antenna threads rusting?

Last summer I took off my antenna and put a screw in the hole to keep debris out. The idea is to keep the antenna in the back seat storage until I need it so it doesn't get snapped off...

I looked today and noticed the screw I used is starting to rust. I have another screw I can replace it with but I'd like to prevent this in the future.

Can I use some anti seize or maybe some dielectric grease to prevent this rust?

 

I would use a little dielectric and put a rubber washer on it to seal it.

 

I’d get a stubby antenna instead
Dielectric on those threads isn’t a bad idea

 

You keep the antenna in the back seat until you need it???? Never heard that one before. When exactly do you need it?
The only time I remove the antenna is if I’m going thru a car wash or maybe off roading where a tree branch may wack the antenna. In 50 years of driving I’ve never had an antenna snap off. Actually it did happen one time when I didn’t remove it in a car wash. I think 99.9% of drivers do not remove their antennas ever and have no problem with their antennas snapping off.
My suggestion is to use either a little dielectric grease or a little spray of silicone or lithium grease and reinstall the antenna. The bolt/screw rusted because you used a bolt that was not rust resistant. If you must keep the antenna in the back seat then use a stainless steel screw.

 

I put a little dab of Red N Tacky on mine when I reinstall it. I take it out when I go through an automatic car wash, which isn't very often. Any grease will do. You're not worried about electrical conductivity here.

 

I just don't the listen to commercial radio. I do take the truck thru the automatic carwash and didn't want to remove it every time. I just happened to have a couple screws that fit.

Should I be worried about electrical conductivity here?

 

Strictly speaking, yes, if the antenna does not make electrical contact with the socket, as far as the car radio is concerned it isn't there. This is a relatively common failure for field equipment exposed to harsh conditions with antenna elements and antenna path connections susceptible to corrosion. Any failure of conductivity along the antenna path (the antenna to the socket to the cable that goes to the radio to the socket in the radio) can affect reception. For something like a car radio antenna, it can still work relatively well with an antenna path in a condition that would cause malfunction in more sensitive equipment, as you and many others have seen with the rust in the antenna socket that occurs frequently with these trucks.

 

Get a stainless screw; put a little dum-dum just under the head.

 

you could clean it. Then maybe some anti sieze and or fluid film. Something that’s rust preventative. Doesn’t even need to be anti sieze because that doesn’t necessarily prevent rust. It just helps prevent siezing by having a metal film solid layer in between that can gunk things up and isn’t gonna protect anything it doesn’t touch.

not a big deal to happen once in 10 years.

don’t know if there’s a way to keep water out like rubber washer.

they make thread restorer bits that clean without cutting.
That or spin a wire brush rod on a drill. Run a bolt through it. Or make your own restorer by grinding grooves into a bolt. That’s basically what a restorer bit is.

 

I still say just put the damn antenna on. It takes less than 20 seconds to remove or reinstall . I keep a tiny antenna wrench in one of my cup holders. Less than 20 seconds on or off and no rust. Easy peasy

 

This ^^ or nylon bolt but really just put some di-electric grease on it. Not really something to worry so much about

 

dielectric would definately be a good bet. But make sure to pair it with a quality bolt. Not sure exactly what youre running, but a good design can suffer from a cheap part. i.e. most all hardware that comes with installation kits.

 

Nylon bolt. Maybe add an o-ring under the head.

 

I put anti seize on my antenna when I reinstalled, still not sure why you won’t just keep it installed. Could also use a ss screw, nylon, o ring under head, etc

 

Antenna delete

$15 Custom Antenna Delete Cap for Toyota Tundra (1999-2024), Tacoma (1996-2016), FJ Cruiser (2007-2014), 4Runner (2002-2015), Sienna (2003-2014), Highlander / RAV4 (2000-2007), Stylish, Car Wash Safe

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC9HZS22

 

Some of us still use the radio

 

Good for you.

 

This entire thread has been about his antenna delete and rust. My post wasn't directed towards anyone who uses the radio if that wasn't obvious.