Aftermarket antenna?
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 172
Aftermarket antenna?
So I'm not really sure how it happened, but I bent my antenna pretty bad, and it doesn't go down any more. I've realized though, that this whole power antenna thing looks REALLY old fashioned, what with all new cars coming with those 'shark fin' type antennas. Instead of replacing it, is it possible to fit one of those or otherwise replace the antenna with something sleeker?
Cheers,
Ian
Cheers,
Ian
Originally Posted by crappopotamus
So I'm not really sure how it happened, but I bent my antenna pretty bad, and it doesn't go down any more. I've realized though, that this whole power antenna thing looks REALLY old fashioned, what with all new cars coming with those 'shark fin' type antennas. Instead of replacing it, is it possible to fit one of those or otherwise replace the antenna with something sleeker?
Cheers,
Ian
Cheers,
Ian
they do make newer, cooler looking antenna's (sharkfin) but i do belive if u want a shark fin u might have to drill a hole through ur roof, run wires or tap into a secondary antenna that is sumwheres in ur roof. id check ebay they have everything and anything antenna wise.
as for my antenna i disconnected it bc i wasnt getting $hit for reception from my poineer headunit and one day i decided to use it a few months back and it came in crystal clear!!!!
idk wut to say about that?
I agree our antennas are old fashioned. I cant stand the look of a long chrome thing sticking out the back of my car. My dads 5th gen dosnt have an external antenna, anyone know what kind of antenna the 5th gens have? and can it be used on our cars?
They use the same antennas that the 4th gens use. 4th gens equipped with BOSE sound systems actually have two antennas. They have the ****ty looking manual one, and the FM antenna in the rear windshield. 5th gen and up use the antenna in the rear window as an FM/AM. That is why if your antenna breaks off on your 4th gen, you are still able to use the radio.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 112
damn thanks for that. i knew my antenna wasnt doing ****. i had bose but i've bypassed it and used the stock antenna wire. i've had the crappiest reception forever, and i checked my antenna connction front to back twice. i knew that POS didnt work.
From someone who knows- while you will get reception with the window antenna, it will only obviously work best with strong stations. If you want to pull in all the stations you're used to, you'll need to replace the antenna. I thought once about one of the small rubber "whips" but just didn't like how they would have looked. I listen more to CD's now...
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,389
Originally Posted by 99BlackMaxMS
Yeah and you will not transmit AM radio stations with the rear window antenna. The cassette adapter for my iPod is great tho...its def the way to go. 
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 172
Thanks for the responses guys. I didnt know that, I do occasionally listen to AM for a news/traffic station. maybe i'll drop by radio shack and see what theyve got.
For those of you who've taken the antenna out, what have you replaced it with? Does the whole thing come out, and theres just a little hole? Maybe I can leave the black stub... is it possible to just get rid of the mast?
For those of you who've taken the antenna out, what have you replaced it with? Does the whole thing come out, and theres just a little hole? Maybe I can leave the black stub... is it possible to just get rid of the mast?
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 172
just for reference: http://www.jatan.net/tsbs/044565.pdf
also:
also:
Since my antenna wouldn't extend this is what I needed to do.
1. Need to remove the outer silver ring that surronds the actual antenna. That locks the top of the antenna to the plastic piece.
2. Inside the trunk need to remove the tire jack and the tire jack holder (3-10mm bolts)
3. Need to remove two bolts that hold the bottom of the antenna motor. Then jog the motor to release clip.
4. Drop the antenna and then bring it through the opening where the tire jack wuz.
5. Two other components are connected to motor - power and radio connection.
6. Drain tube - sits on bottom of motor housing - just heat (lighter) and then pull off.
7. Housing has 5 or 6 screws. Remove then pry open case lid (it's the one that isn't as deep or thick.
8. At the bottom of the housing you will see a spool. turn that c-clockwise and that will extend your antenna.
9. Pull the antenna all the way out.
10. To remove antenna mast you'll need to pull the spool off. Then a plastic plate. Then the cog.
11. Antenna shaft sits inside the housing - once you release the antenna at the base cog - it should just pull apart. Takes a bit of persuation - but it comes out.
If you just want to remove a busted antenna (due to car wash - LOL) then you need to do the following.
1. Remove ring on antenna
2. Extend antenna
3. Pull antenna out with vice grips - need to remove the piece that is in the housing.
4. Don't need to remove the whole unit.
5. Take replacement antenna and thread plastic piece in with teeth facing back of car.
6. Get a buddy to power off the unit - it should grab the plastic and suck the antenna in. Just guide it carefully. When you get to actual shaft - just line it up. Ever notice the motor runs for a bit longer after the antenna is retaracted - well this is why.
How do I know this: Had my buddy - NISTEC guy show me how to do a replacement.
1. Need to remove the outer silver ring that surronds the actual antenna. That locks the top of the antenna to the plastic piece.
2. Inside the trunk need to remove the tire jack and the tire jack holder (3-10mm bolts)
3. Need to remove two bolts that hold the bottom of the antenna motor. Then jog the motor to release clip.
4. Drop the antenna and then bring it through the opening where the tire jack wuz.
5. Two other components are connected to motor - power and radio connection.
6. Drain tube - sits on bottom of motor housing - just heat (lighter) and then pull off.
7. Housing has 5 or 6 screws. Remove then pry open case lid (it's the one that isn't as deep or thick.
8. At the bottom of the housing you will see a spool. turn that c-clockwise and that will extend your antenna.
9. Pull the antenna all the way out.
10. To remove antenna mast you'll need to pull the spool off. Then a plastic plate. Then the cog.
11. Antenna shaft sits inside the housing - once you release the antenna at the base cog - it should just pull apart. Takes a bit of persuation - but it comes out.
If you just want to remove a busted antenna (due to car wash - LOL) then you need to do the following.
1. Remove ring on antenna
2. Extend antenna
3. Pull antenna out with vice grips - need to remove the piece that is in the housing.
4. Don't need to remove the whole unit.
5. Take replacement antenna and thread plastic piece in with teeth facing back of car.
6. Get a buddy to power off the unit - it should grab the plastic and suck the antenna in. Just guide it carefully. When you get to actual shaft - just line it up. Ever notice the motor runs for a bit longer after the antenna is retaracted - well this is why.
How do I know this: Had my buddy - NISTEC guy show me how to do a replacement.
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