HOW TO: Antenna Mod
 

Okay, i know a lot of people have cut the stock antenna to make a "shorty". but i just hate the antenna all together. i hate the "rc car" look. so i decided to remove the entire antenna. But be warned, i lost all but one of the stations i listen to. but i've moved to cds lately anyway so i don't really care.

Difficulty 1-10 with 10 being the hardest: 0.5
Elapsed Time: 15-20 minutes depending on the location of your nearest parts store
Result: Amazing

Tools need:
adjustable pliers
1/4" vaccum caps(autozone)
old rag
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...altSSSC038.jpg

Step 1:
put the pliers on the first setting. then fold the rag in half, and then in half again, so you have a four layer square that is 1/4 the size of it unfolded.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...altSSSC040.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...altSSSC041.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...altSSSC042.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...altSSSC043.jpg

Step 2:
Open the pliers and insert the rag, then close the pliers around it, still on the first setting.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...altSSSC044.jpg

Step3:
put rag/plier assembly around the top of the base of the antenna(where it isn't a full circle)
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...altSSSC045.jpg

Step 4:
squeeze tight and turn untill it is able to be loosened with your fingers. when off it should look like this.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...altSSSC046.jpg

Step 5: twist on 1/4" vacuum cap

And finally, admire your work.

Before:
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...altSSSC039.jpg

After:
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...altSSSC047.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/k...altSSSC048.jpg

I'm gunna assume that this mod == no FM radio? :D

Looks good BTW ;)

yes thank you for reminding me.

fixed

:lol: No prob... Just to throw it out there, I have seen hidden antenna kits before. It basically consists of a flexible wire that can be mounted around the edges of the windshield, so that may be a really nice option. Esp for those who go all the way and shave the stock antenna completely.

But other than that, you can always stick to satellite radio. Or I just got a Pioneer DEHP5000UB and a 4gb flash drive. It works sooo good. :D

yeah i have the xm option, i just haven't activated it with the subscription with our other cars yet.

I have had mine like this w/ a different cover and my FM still comes in just as clear

well i'm also about 45-60 miles from the nearest tower hahaha. but oh well, like i said i don't use my radio

Simple enough. Approved.

Next, step it up, who needs an antenna? Or taillights? Or anything?


lol

http://www.erod.com/temp/css7.jpg

looks like he has tails in the bumper. but still rediculous

Thanks, its sitting in my garage.

awkward silence.....

:lol::lol:

Thanks for taking the time to write out a how-to!
Just a NOTE (my .02 on the matter) -- there have been more than a few owners who's antenna did not come off with a simple twist. If the antenna does not loosen with a simple twist do not keep turning until the entire antenna assembly begins to turn! I've seen it where the antenna assembly gets turned and breaks the pinch welds off of the antenna body mount/bracket in the trunk. It is either from corrosion or cross threading when the antenna was installed -- if that happens you need to hold the antenna body in the trunk while trying to twist off the antenna.

So No Fm Reception???

looks good

or coarse its not gonna come off with a simple twist haha. its screwed on about 3/4" of an inch. and if your turning to where "I've seen it where the antenna assembly gets turned and breaks the pinch welds off of the antenna body mount/bracket in the trunk." that happens, you're trying to unscrew the wrong part.

thankyou

I'm not referring to "difficult" antennas....at one of the CED Cobalt shows we tried helping a CSS.net member remove a stubborn antenna. 3 people working at it could not remove the antenna!!!!!no joke:lol: He left the show with a broken antenna mount, the antenna still on, and tie-straps holding the antenna to the base bracket!!!! Up to that point I laughed at posters that were cursing at their antennas and claiming they couldn't get their antenna off:lol::lol::lol:

Thanks for the write up. I might go out and do that now to replace my crappy rubber shorty. I took off the OEM antenna with my hands without much of a problem.

Would AM radio still work at least? I listen to a lot of my sports teams while driving home from work.

i have no idea about AM, i don't listen to it at all

if you guys wanted to keep ur radio u could easily buy an aftermarket antenna and hide it

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-rNVVLGd...px?I=12044UA20

In that case...

Off to go out side and see for myself!

Edit: It also kills AM.

yeah but then what do you do with the hole near your trunk where the old one was. this was just supposed to be a quick, cheap mod that looks pretty cool at the same time. yeah if you want to go and spend more time and money be my guest.

its not that much to keep ur radio.

i was talking about if u want to do what u said and for better reception just plug this in.

this will even plug directly to the bak of the stock reciever if u choose. its the same plug

which means: ordering this badboy, waiting for it to come in, take the stock radio out, run the wiring, put the radio back in, and hope it works.

it works. I have seen a few of them in some trade ins. Or something similar that is. I even found one truck with TWO full antennas. One was stuffed under the whindsheild and dash. Did not know untill we had to replace the window. Funny thing is both were hooked up and worked???