(suggestions wanted) Pro Tip: don't let the radio antenna get pulled out of your roof - pictures included!

[BlackRanger01]

TL;DR: Garage door had a loose cable hanging from it. Antenna got caught up and ripped the entire antenna assembly from the roof.

Body shops now quoting me anywhere from 1-2k to fix the dent, repaint, and install a new antenna assembly.

If anybody can recommend a body shop in the greater Denver, Colorado area that won't charge an arm and a leg to fix this; please reach out. Insurance wants to code this as an at-fault collision and I'd prefer to avoid this because I have not registered/insured my truck in Colorado yet.

Any suggestions or ideas are welcome. Half of the quoted costs of the repair stem just from labor getting the headliner down due to the amount of trim panels that hold it together.

Here's the cable hanging there mocking me. I just moved into this apartment 1 week ago and they stated this is a new garage door opener. I guess the tech who did the install doesn't care about the finer points of cable management.

Current state of my antenna:

Below you can see the bottom bracket of the antenna assembly, this is attached from inside the roof and somehow was pulled through (likely caused much of the damage above)

Eeek!!! When I brought the truck home (been parking Accord in garage) first thing I did is remove that cable, I'll just jump in bed to open the garage if the opener breaks.

Just reread your post, that cable is so if that opener fails to open, you can pull down the cable to open the garage door manually. In fact should be glad it didn't open it as you leave or the door would probably hit on top of your truck. Just untie the cable from the bracket above and put it aside.

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[EJH]

I got a stubby too. It made it so I didn't have to cut a small clearance hole in my rack flooring.

Stubby is awesome. Works just as well, and looks way better. The OEM Ford antenna is a throw back to the 90s...lol.

 

[samsd]

Did the release rope catch or was it the stray metal cable in the middle? I don't even know what that meatal cable would be for but it looks like you have plenty of clearance and the sloppy install of the metal cable is at fault. Maybe you could talk to whoever did the garage door install.
By the way, I have the Craven Stubby and outside of loss of range which does not seem to big of deal, everything still works as normal.

 

[wanted33]

Well for goodness sake. Here all along I thought I was the only one with that kind of luck. Welcome to the club Jon.

I hope it's an easy fix.

 

[BlackRanger01]

Did the release rope catch or was it the stray metal cable in the middle? I don't even know what that meatal cable would be for but it looks like you have plenty of clearance and the sloppy install of the metal cable is at fault. Maybe you could talk to whoever did the garage door install.

Oh damn I didn't see that stray metal cable. Good catch.

 

[bfastr]

(as terrestrial radio blows anymore) I'm just gonna do it.

I agree completely, since I never use FM and stream my apple music only I left the stubby in place.
but it still sucks for reception. no way you can lop off the electrical length of an antenna and expect similar function.

 

[UnregistredHypercam2]

Did the release rope catch or was it the stray metal cable in the middle? I don't even know what that meatal cable would be for but it looks like you have plenty of clearance and the sloppy install of the metal cable is at fault. Maybe you could talk to whoever did the garage door install.
By the way, I have the Craven Stubby and outside of loss of range which does not seem to big of deal, everything still works as normal.

Oh damn I didn't see that stray metal cable. Good catch.

Yep it was the metal cable which caused the damage. I am renting this garage at my apartment complex, I plan to talk to the property manager but don't expect to get very far.

 

[UnregistredHypercam2]

Update: Met with the property manager and they didn't immediately say no to discussing possible remedies to this situation. I made it clear that this damage was caused by a incomplete/negligent garage door opener install (on my first day, I was informed the garage door motor was brand new).

I should hear back from the property manager tomorrow after they have an opportunity to meet with their internal risk management team, here's hoping they're able to make a reasonable offer. I like this property and hope that something unfortunate like this doesn't ruin my time living here.

edit: spelling

 

[WingShot]

My shop for any non-warranty work for 30 years. Even after I earned a brother-in-law with his own shop. Mine, family, and friends, I’ve taken many vehicles to them.

Astro Automotive
65 Cherokee St.
303-722-2808

 

[Alpinist]

Not sure which Ford shop you're working with, but you might want to talk to Ted at Sill-TerHar Ford's body shop. I've dealt with him in the past, seems like a good guy.

 

[BlackRanger01]

Yep it was the metal cable which caused the damage. I am renting this garage at my apartment complex, I plan to talk to the property manager but don't expect to get very far.

Definitely their fault. Shouldn't have that metal cable in first place - no idea what it's for either but I have LiftMaster and do not have that metal cable anywhere.

 

[19Bluecrew]

Definitely would get an estimate from paintless dent removal (Dent Pro). The right guy can do magic. Good luck!

 

[19Bluecrew]

Definitely their fault. Shouldn't have that metal cable in first place - no idea what it's for either but I have LiftMaster and do not have that metal cable anywhere.

the cable is released using a key from the outside of the garage door. You unlock the cable, then pull it to release the garage door opener from the door. It is necessary if there is no other way into the garage. Meaning, no other door. It’s an apartment thing

 

[f1loco]

Thanks for the affirmation - just pulled the trigger on a stubby.

 

[D Fresh]

I've done a bit of business with B & E Autobody in Brighton. They've always treated me very well.

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