So, im not sure how to remove this. The base has a plastic cover that pulls off. Then there is a screw there. There is a se and screw that is at the top where it telescopes, but the antenna is in the way of the screw that holds it there. Not sure how to remove the screw without damaging the antenna. Any suggestions?

If your antenna is on the outside of the HiLo I would leave it alone. You get better reception from an outside antenna. If it is on the inside why would you want to remove it?

I considered this every year for the ten years I had mine but thought about creating any leaks. You may want to leave it alone.