Stupid Branch - Is there a quick and cheap way to fix this antenna cover? Was quoted 900 to replace (without paint)

[srvman]

My deductible is $1000, so at this stage, its a wash - I can't believe its going to essentially cost me a grand to repair this - is there any way to either just stick a cover over the top, or is the install super complicated?

Appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks,

 

[mtrosclair]

Looks like you need a windshield too, but I don't see covers available just the antenna as a whole unit which seem to range from $65-100. I'm guessing the cost is in the labor. I wonder if you could reach the fasteners through the hole that the ceiling console mounts in?

 

[srvman]

Looks like you need a windshield too, but I don't see covers available just the antenna as a whole unit which seem to range from $65-100. I'm guessing the cost is in the labor. I wonder if you could reach the fasteners through the hole that the ceiling console mounts in?

Yeah - window got smashed but that has already been fixed. They quoted 100 for the part, but best part of a grand for everything else - just fail to see how it is that much labor - that being said - I still get shivers on the last time I replaced a moonroof in my f150

 

[Alwaysthinkin]

Yeah - window got smashed but that has already been fixed. They quoted 100 for the part, but best part of a grand for everything else - just fail to see how it is that much labor - that being said - I still get shivers on the last time I replaced a moonroof in my f150

My antenna was damaged in transit and the dealership said they had to drop the headliner to repair.

 

[Deep8174]

“damaged in transit”? Who was transporting the vehicle? Sounds like some liability issues for the transporting company if you ask me.

 

[GixxerJasen]

just fail to see how it is that much labor

Have you seen dealership labor rates these days? It's insane.

 

[Alwaysthinkin]

“damaged in transit”? Who was transporting the vehicle? Sounds like some liability issues for the transporting company if you ask me.

My understanding was the vehicle was transported by rail but I have no idea where or when the antenna was damaged. Dealership repaired and I have had no issues with the antenna since then.

 

[Gary Waugh]

Just had the brake booster replaced on my daughters 2014 ford edge, the booster was $400 and there was just over $900 for labor and tax (3 hours labor!), so something close to $300 an hour for labor (that’s in Dallas). I was horrified.. in 10 years this car has needed a new ABS control unit ($1600 for parts and labor) and now the booster ($1400 parts and labor), that’s $3000 just on brakes in the 2 years she has owned it, I have never had a car that has had so many issues with brakes in just 10 years and 100k miles!! I think Ford reliability/quality has really dropped in the last 10 years. Was going to purchase a new Lincoln Navigator in the next 2 years, but am having real doubts!

 

[2018ExpyPlatinum]

Was going to purchase a new Lincoln Navigator in the next 2 years, but am having real doubts!

Preaching to the choir! I planned on getting a Aviator or a Navi by now, but the quality issues! Love the Navi, but getting to be too much money. Thought about a 23 or 24 Expy based on the deals, but then I thought why? Same thing I have now, with not as nice looking grill and taillights (sorry to offend), as some quality issues. Then I thought about a new 2025 Expy. The whole Ford quality has me rethinking everything Ford. I'm at such a loss as to what to do. There's really nothing I like as much as my old 2018 Expy.

 

[Hellwig]

Preaching to the choir! I planned on getting a Aviator or a Navi by now, but the quality issues! Love the Navi, but getting to be too much money. Thought about a 23 or 24 Expy based on the deals, but then I thought why? Same thing I have now, with not as nice looking grill and taillights (sorry to offend), as some quality issues. Then I thought about a new 2025 Expy. The whole Ford quality has me rethinking everything Ford. I'm at such a loss as to what to do. There's really nothing I like as much as my old 2018 Expy.

if I were you, I would seriously consider a 2025 model year Suburban/Yukon XL

 

[2018ExpyPlatinum]

@Hellwig .....You know, I have. I almost bought a '24 Yukon AT4, but dragged my feet and it was sold. I very much like the redesign of the Tahoe. I hope the new Tahoe handles better than the '24. It's very sloppy the way it leans in turns, which I found the Yukon did not do that. So, I may wait for both versions to show up and see.

 

[Shakeandbake]

if I were you, I would seriously consider a 2025 model year Suburban/Yukon XL

I'm not one to defend Ford's craftsmanship.. but I was originally cross-shoping with Yukon/Escalade.. and on their forums they have users who have complete engine loss.

 

[Shakeandbake]

OP, depending on how handy you are.. you could sand the edges of the paint loss and then use spray paint or vinyl wrap. Assuming it still functions.

 

[Hellwig]

@Hellwig .....You know, I have. I almost bought a '24 Yukon AT4, but dragged my feet and it was sold. I very much like the redesign of the Tahoe. I hope the new Tahoe handles better than the '24. It's very sloppy the way it leans in turns, which I found the Yukon did not do that. So, I may wait for both versions to show up and see.

You may correct the sloppy feeling by upgrading the front and rear antisway bars on Tahoe. That's what I did for my expedition, and it is a success.

 

[Hellwig]

I'm not one to defend Ford's craftsmanship.. but I was originally cross-shoping with Yukon/Escalade.. and on their forums they have users who have complete engine loss.

Yes. 6.2 V8 must have serious design problem, as what I saw on Youtube. And this engine requires premium fuel.

 

[RacerBX1]

As far as the OP’s original question yes, it is a lot of labor to replace that antenna. The A, B, C & D pillars trim all has to be removed and the headliner taken out of the vehicle. I can see this being a several hour job. If you do it and break something you might end up paying more. If the deal ship breaks something and you can find it they pay. Is your insurance not covering that?

 

[5280tunage]

i was absolutely thinking about some kind of vinyl wrap. just make sure the paint is done peeling. that is if the antenna is working. its plastic so you don't have to worry about rust or anything like that. Someone should bust out a 3d printer and make a cover that just uses double sided tape.