In a rush one morning, I clipped the garage door with the antenna. It ripped off the 2" black extension arm. It looks like it is threaded into the base, but the threads are still in the base.

Has anyone had this happen? Can you buy just the extension, and thread it back into the base? Do I have to replace the entire antenna?

 

The antenna does not do anything, so you don't necessarily need to replace it. It was used for Lexus Link.

 

I'd extract out the remaining antenna threaded portion that stuck in the base. Then glue the top stub of the antenna back into the base mount and leave it at that (especially since its a non functional decorative element at this point because of defunct Lexus Link).

 

I might not glue the thing back into place. When I got my LS, I was afraid to take it into a soft-touch car wash, because I've heard that these can be easily snapped off. So, I used touchless washes for a while, but got tired of paying $10 to NOT get my car clean. I called the local Lexus dealer, and they said you can run the LS through a soft-touch wash IF you unscrew the antenna from the base FIRST, and then screw it back in after the wash (you don't need to cover the hole on the base while it's in the wash). So, if you glue it into place, you won't be able to get it out again, if you ever want/need to do so. Just my 2 cents worth...

 

That sounds like a better idea actually. If it is weather tight and the open mount is not an issue, take out the base threads stump and forget about it. Nobody is ever gonna even know its missing except maybe (and I mean maybe) a couple of seriously OCD LS430 weenies.

 

I prefer the term aficionado.

 

We'll be pointing at your car and giggling.

 

There have been several past threads about using a machine screw and even a door stopper to plug the hold left by the missing antenna shaft. Here is one: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...placement.html
If you want an OEM replacement shaft, you can get one at http://lexus.sewellparts.com/ for $80.59 with your ClubLexus discount. Part number is 86761-50031.

 

If it were me, I'd just shell out the $80 for the piece of mind. I want to feel "good" every time I enter my car, not be reminded that some little piece of something is wrong. Just my opinion and my not be for everybody. Depends on how much your car means to you and what it does for you.