Axing the Antenna

Editor's Note:  This is the 200th post on Pekema Projects, and it is just about the 2 year anniversary of starting the blog.  If my math is correct, that means we are averaging 100 posts per year, which I think is pretty impressive.  Enjoy number 200:

The Miata came with a lovely, non-functioning, retractable antenna.  After seeing the size of its the motor assembly, it became clear it needed to be removed.
Here's what it looked like in the trunk.

The first step was to unscrew the bezel.

After that all the components came right off.

The motor only had one bolt in the trunk holding it in.  Weight savings:  2 lbs.

To plug the hole, I installed an OEM antenna hole plug.  Yes, that is a thing.