Replacing radio antenna seal.

[FRANKIE]

When starting to replace the rubber seal or grommet, I had to remove the material covering it. It was held in place by two plastic pieces that look like a shaft with a large flat head. Naturally, these broke in half. Can they be purchased at an auto store? I also had to remove the rear light holder as it was on top of the cover. I was a bit surprised at the engineering of it. I've seen much better systems on other cars. Frankie

 

[jonco]

Hi Frankie,

Maybe US versions are different but on the UK versions there are 2 black screw/plugs which hold the carpet in position - you unclip these and pull carpet back - no need to remove light holder.
Which parts have broken are they shown on this?
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=CH72&mospid=48079&hg=65&fg=30

 

[vintage42]

When starting to replace the rubber seal or grommet, I had to remove the material covering it. It was held in place by two plastic pieces that look like a shaft with a large flat head. Naturally, these broke in half. Can they be purchased at an auto store? I also had to remove the rear light holder as it was on top of the cover...

I think the plastic fastener is Blind Plug 51718137323. They are used to hold the carpet in the trunk and in the boot behind the seats. If the proper forked prying tool is used to remove them, they are reusable.
Which light holder do you mean? I did not have to remove any light holder in replacing my antenna grommet.

 

[FRANKIE]

Hi Frankie,

Maybe US versions are different but on the UK versions there are 2 black screw/plugs which hold the carpet in position - you unclip these and pull carpet back - no need to remove light holder.
Which parts have broken are they shown on this?
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=CH72&mospid=48079&hg=65&fg=30

The two black plugs that hold the carpet in place broke. I went to the auto store and got some plugs that were too small. I'll get larger ones later. I did get the grommet in place. Thanks, Frankie

 

[FRANKIE]

I think the plastic fastener is Blind Plug 51718137323. They are used to hold the carpet in the trunk and in the boot behind the seats. If the proper forked prying tool is used to remove them, they are reusable.
Which light holder do you mean? I did not have to remove any light holder in replacing my antenna grommet.

It was the plastic piece that holds all the light bulbs. It holds the carpet down in my car. I might have been able to take the antenna out without moving it, but it would have been very difficult for me. Frankie

 

[vintage42]

It was the plastic piece that holds all the light bulbs. It holds the carpet down in my car. I might have been able to take the antenna out without moving it, but it would have been very difficult for me....

I still can't place the light bulbs vs the antenna. The antenna base is on the side of the trunk at the wheel well, forward of the plastic tail light assembly if that's what you mean. I just pulled my carpet away from around the antenna base, without disturbing the tail light. This photo shows all the carpet removed, but that's not necessary.

 

[t-tony]

Hi Frankie, I found plastic plugs like the ones for holding the carpets in place at a LOWES store while I was searching for something else entirely. So might be worth a visit if you have a local Lowes store.

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

It was the plastic piece that holds all the light bulbs. It holds the carpet down in my car. I might have been able to take the antenna out without moving it, but it would have been very difficult for me. Frankie

Hey Frankie, after watching you replace your top I find it hard to believe anything is too difficult for you buddy!! JIM

 

[FRANKIE]

I still can't place the light bulbs vs the antenna. The antenna base is on the side of the trunk at the wheel well, forward of the plastic tail light assembly if that's what you mean. I just pulled my carpet away from around the antenna base, without disturbing the tail light. This photo shows all the carpet removed, but that's not necessary.

I'll take a picture of it. The piece of carpet that covers the antenna in my car is also tucked UNDER the plastic light bulb holder. I couldn't pull the carpet away enough from the antenna without unscrewing the plastic bulb holder. I think now that if I had just half way loosened the plastic plate, I could have pulled the carpet from underneath it. Frankie.

 

[FRANKIE]

Hey Frankie, after watching you replace your top I find it hard to believe anything is too difficult for you buddy!! JIM

No,No, No............You didn't WATCH ME replace that top. You only saw pictures of me replacing the top. Had you actually WATCHED ME. I think you would have recommended I never work on my car again. Frankie

 

[FRANKIE]

Hi Frankie, I found plastic plugs like the ones for holding the carpets in place at a LOWES store while I was searching for something else entirely. So might be worth a visit if you have a local Lowes store.

Tony.

I found some at the local auto store but they were too small. I'll look at Lowes. I should have looked on e-bay as I was on there for about an hour placing a post selling my Yamaha...............
http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAHAMA-CLAR...460?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3399d673ac

 

[t-tony]

I found them in the specialty fixings section, loads of small drawers with many compartments.

Tony.