no such thing as best on this because all antenna are tuned to a frequency band, then the ground determines strength. So provided you ground it properly the end result on what you use will determine what you want it to look like. In terms of mounting it’s just sheetmetal so if you have to unibit for a different base it’s pretty easy, though most are common size universal.

 

What one looks the best? Correct angle? Have several uni bits. Thanks.

 

A replacement mast runs $20-30 for these units. The challenge is taking it apart and swapping out the broken mast with the new one. But, if you have those skills you do end up with a fully restored mast. I have done this twice - once on an '84 Cressida and then the '92 SC (which used nearly identical units) so the second time it went a lot faster.....

Others have jumped to the "stubby" style with mixed results. The FAQ thread should reference several of the various models that were implemented but you won't find a "best".... (too many opinions and no clear choice).

Since I was successful twice in replacing the mast I am biased in that being the best approach....

 

Problem is, the mast if fine............Would replace if it was just the mast.

 

One thing to also consider is that the stubby antennas get worse reception compared to the mast, from what I recall reading. But if you primarily listen to stations nearby it should not be an issue. Are you sure the issue isn't the mast?

The motor seems to still be working from what you mentioned earlier; just that it is stuck constantly on. Might have to do with the broken nylon feed maybe being stuck?

 

Am thinking as it makes a loud constant grinding sound with the ignition on. Radio on or off, its probably not the mast.
But am no expert..........

 

The mast has a long flexible plastic linear "gear" attached like a tail, which coils up inside the antenna assembly. These can become brittle and break, and the teeth can strip. In either case, the result is a motor system than can't detect the end of travel properly and will usually continue to run. It's been a couple of decades since I've taken a Toyota antenna apart, it seems like they have a relay box attached to the antenna assembly. I expect a bad relay/driver could also cause the problem, but I in my years as an installer in the 80's-90's the only power antenna failures I ever encountered were lots of broken masts and a couple of bad motors.
Because of the mounting location, it's easy to remove the whole thing and open it up to have a look. If the mast is stuck in the up position, you'd have to be very gentle feeding the mast down through the hole in the fender.

-Tim

 

I shaved my quarter panel and intalled a window antenna at the upper portion of my rear windshield. Im guessing you can also leave the dead antenna there if you are not shaving the hole.

 

I don’t think there are any aftermarket or other antennas off other cars that look better than original. Mdx one is too bulky and square looking. I’d leave the stock one in place and approach it from another angle like aftermarket stereo with a Bluetooth or WiFi hookup where you can use your apps for music even local radio stations!!!
i hardly ever use a radio, I use my phone apps for everything smart

 

I agree... Shave it

I shaved mine and still have good radio reception, but I'm also using an aftermarket head unit and I did connect the antenna wire... Thought about adding an glass sticker antenna, but I actually hate listening to the radio anyway.

 

One more option. Leave in the manual mode. Raise it up with my hand when I want to listen to the radio. Ha!