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Other/Misc: HOW TO: Antenna Mod

Old Oct 28, 2008 | 03:30 PM
  #1  
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From: The 405
Exclamation 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


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.





Step 2:
Open the pliers and insert the rag, then close the pliers around it, still on the first setting.


Step3:
put rag/plier assembly around the top of the base of the antenna(where it isn't a full circle)


Step 4:
squeeze tight and turn untill it is able to be loosened with your fingers. when off it should look like this.


Step 5: twist on 1/4" vacuum cap

And finally, admire your work.

Before:


After:

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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 03:32 PM
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I'm gunna assume that this mod == no FM radio?

Looks good BTW
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 03:33 PM
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yes thank you for reminding me.

fixed
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by EXsoccer1921
yes thank you for reminding me.

fixed
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.
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 03:39 PM
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From: The 405
yeah i have the xm option, i just haven't activated it with the subscription with our other cars yet.
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 03:56 PM
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I have had mine like this w/ a different cover and my FM still comes in just as clear
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 03:57 PM
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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
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 04:59 PM
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Simple enough. Approved.

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


lol

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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 07:50 PM
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looks like he has tails in the bumper. but still rediculous
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 09:15 PM
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Thanks, its sitting in my garage.
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 11:07 PM
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awkward silence.....
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 11:08 PM
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From: The 405
Originally Posted by Erod
Thanks, its sitting in my garage.
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 11:29 PM
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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.
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 11:34 PM
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So No Fm Reception???
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 11:41 PM
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looks good
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Old Oct 28, 2008 | 11:43 PM
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From: The 405
Originally Posted by Red07SSNA
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.
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.

Originally Posted by ReyAsesino
looks good
thankyou

Last edited by EXsoccer1921; Oct 28, 2008 at 11:43 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
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Old Oct 29, 2008 | 10:25 AM
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Originally Posted by EXsoccer1921
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.

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 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
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 02:27 PM
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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.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 02:30 PM
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i have no idea about AM, i don't listen to it at all
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 02:31 PM
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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
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 02:31 PM
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From: Howell, NJ
Originally Posted by EXsoccer1921
i have no idea about AM, i don't listen to it at all
In that case...

Off to go out side and see for myself!

Edit: It also kills AM.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 02:42 PM
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From: The 405
Originally Posted by originaladrian
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
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.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by EXsoccer1921
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
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 02:47 PM
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From: The 405
Originally Posted by originaladrian
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.
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Old Oct 30, 2008 | 03:34 PM
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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???
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