Project 16 - 2000 MK4 Golf TDI Antenna Mounting Gasket

Antenna Gasket Repair

Evidence of water that has stained the headliner (in back) is usually caused by a defective antenna base mounting gasket. The gasket is made from a soft material that will crack and deteriorate. This usually happens within three (3) to five (5) years of the vehicles life.

VW's fix for the problem is a new replacement antenna installed by a dealer for roughly $185.00. The antenna mounting gasket is not available from VW as a separate piece part.

It is not necessary to replace the antenna to fix this problem. There are two (2) ways to handle this repair without removal of the antenna. One (1) work-a-round is to use 3M Strip-Calk. This is a product of the 3M corporation that is sold by body shop supply retailers. We ordered the 3M product from English Color of Dallas. It is used by that industry to seal seams when parts and panels have been repaired or replaced. It is available in tan and black and is packaged in twelve (12)-inch strips. This is a lasting repair as the calk stays moist and does not dry out from the heat. Strip-Calk can be ordered online at the  Auto Body Tool Mart  Web Site. Ask for Part Number 4142. It retails for $9.99. Figure 16-1 shows Darell's Golf TDI's antenna repaired using this material. It was applied to the base of the antenna and formed in less than ten (10) minutes for a lasting waterproof seal.

Figure 16-1 Forming Antenna Mounting Gasket with 3M Strip-Calk

A replacement antenna mounting gasket can be ordered from the Antenna World Web Site. When ordering online ask for Part Number 1728. The gasket is more difficult to install than to apply Strip-Calk. It has to be heated using hot water, heat gun, or outdoors in order for the gasket to stretch over the mounting base. It is then adhered to the painted surface with 3M adhesive, or equivalent.

Tools and Materials

• 3M Strip-Calk

• Hot Water

• P/N 1728 Gasket

• 3M Adhesive