Hi, all.

Well, I knew this would happen eventually and now it did. My power antenna kicked the bucket. Almost since new the mast would quit coming out after a few weeks of being clean and then I installed a down switch to keep the mast down when I don't need it, so I sort of hid the problem. Now it seems the motor won't move at all. I had the car at the dealer's for unrelated issues and when I got the car back the antenna motor didn't budge. Naturally, I told them about it and they said they checked and there's power at the motor, but the motor is toast because the mast was in bad shape and wore it out over time. Now, I am not sure if I buy this, but it is plausible. For lately I have not been driving the car much (too much fun riding the motorcycle) and the antenna mast was down and had no exercise for a while. Anyway, the dealer quoted something like $360 parts and labor, which I naturally did not agree to. Regardless of whether it is dealer's doing or just time came for the motor to die on its own, I do not want to replace this silly vulnerable system with the same kind only new. I mean these power antennas are a pain. I really don't feel like having a maintenance item every week to clean and lube the mast - I have a life. So, I am wondering if anyone in my frame of mind and situation has replaced the stock antenna with a non-retractable unit that looks fairly natural on the car. I really like those flexible stubbies that VWs have. I know you can probably buy this kind of a flex antenna somewhere. I am wondering if anyone has a particularly good unit in mind. Again, I want it to be simple and functional and look as if it was designed for that rear fender spot. If anyone knows of such a product, please let me know as I am really sick of this so called "convenience feature".

Many thanks in advance!
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Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 - hers,