Celica Hobby - Antenna, Power Antenna Installation

Installing a power antenna on a 2K Celica GT
By FourGig

Some dumb ass bean-counter at Toyota decided that our 2000 Celica's didn't need a power antenna. What were they thinking? If I wanted an un-retractable one piece antenna, I would have bought a Mustang.

This page shows how I installed a power antenna in my Celica. Follow this process at your own risk!! I am not responsible if you zap yourself, fry your amp, scratch up your interior, or screw up your car in any way!

The first thing you need to do is to go buy a power antenna. I bought mine at Kragen Auto Parts for about US$60. I'm sure you can get one just about anywhere (and probably for cheaper).

You will also need a Phillips screwdriver, a socket wrench with a 10mm socket, a voltmeter, a knife and electrical tape.

OK, the first step is to remove the panel that covers the trunk area, the trunk carpet, and the cardboard panel that covers the spare tire. The next step is to remove that useless plastic thingies in the middle of your car.

Pull out the two plastic pins. Then gently pull up on the entire piece.

The center piece is just clipped in by a few plastic pins, so it is pretty easy to remove.

Pop out the trunk light lens, pull out the light assembly and unclip the lead.

Unscrew the two plastic pins by the rear passenger seatbelt. You only need to turn the "screw" about half a turn.

Don't forget to unscrew the hook at the back of the trunk.

Unbolt the right side tie down "D" ring on the back trim panel. Pop out the plastic pin above it and unscrew the plastic pin in the middle of the back trim panel. Pull the back trim panel away from the sheet metal and the right-rear trim panel will start to come off too.

To totally remove the right-rear trim panel, you'll need to wiggle out the front lip that is under the passenger seat. Then just pull on the whole thing. It will pop right off.

To remove the original one-piece antenna assembly, unscrew the antenna. Then unscrew the silver base. I was able to do this with just my fingers. Unscrew the bolt that holds the antenna support (where the arrow is pointing) .

After you remove the old antenna, follow the instructions for installing the power antenna. The antenna I bought came with a metal support strip. I bent it quite a bit so that I could use the original support screw hole.

I grounded the antenna to one of the bolts that holds on the brake light assembly.

Pull off the floor trim beside the passenger seat. Just pull up gently.

Time to yank out the glove box. Open it up and unscrew the two tabs inside the compartment. They only need a half turn but it does take some force.

Unscrew a butt load (well, 5 actually) of screws/bolts. I pointed out 4 for you. There is one more at the bottom right that I couldn't fit into the picture.

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