Antennas

[Cletonius]

So I'm getting ready to put a radio in my car and figure I should replce the old broken stock antenna. I've been keeping a watchful eye and think I found a couple antennas I really like.

The antenna on the new mustang is small and has a slight rearward rake to it, thought it might look good. It's 4 pieces and about $80 new from ford. I could likely get one from a junkyard for considerably less though, there are a few yards near me that have wrecked new mustangs in them. I think it will look alright but I'm concerned the base might be too wide for the space on the quarter panel.

Here's a pic for reference:

http://www.automotix.net/images/products/bodyparts_new/rb502201.jpg

The other alternative would be to just delete it alltogether and get a windshield mount antenna. I've been eyeballing the Metra UA-205, a steal at less than $20. It looks like it would easily hide behind the rearview and also not be visible through my sun stripe.

http://www.metraonline.com/part/Aftermarket_Antenna_44-UA205

I'm leaning towards the windshield mounted one but I don't want something that will perform poorly. Has anyone used a windshield mounted antenna like this before? I listen to a lot of radio so reception quality is important to me.

What says r3v?

[Cletonius]

Nobody? Anyone used a windshield mount before?

[Gooch]

Retrofit an antenna from a 318ti or e36 vert (same thing). They are powered bases and you can screw almost any aftermarket antenna onto it. I have a stock e36 vert antenna for long drives and then a 1.5" aluminum stubby for when I don't want a 10" antenna on my car.

Not sure if there's a writeup on here, but there definitely is on e30tech.

[Cletonius]

Retrofit an antenna from a 318ti or e36 vert (same thing). They are powered bases and you can screw almost any aftermarket antenna onto it. I have a stock e36 vert antenna for long drives and then a 1.5" aluminum stubby for when I don't want a 10" antenna on my car.

Not sure if there's a writeup on here, but there definitely is on e30tech.

Awesome, thanks. I will look into that for sure. Does it look unobtrusive?

[Gooch]

I think it looks great. You can even angle it a little bit depending on how you mount the antenna base. I'll snap a quick cell phone picture later today for you.

[Cletonius]

That's great, thanks! How's reception with the short mast?

[Gooch]

Absolutely terrible, but I don't really listen to the radio that often so I only put the large antenna on if I'm going on a longer drive or something. Here's a close up comparison:





Cool thing is you can put almost any antenna on it. I have a stock e36 vert antenna my friend gave me because he's running an s2000 antenna which is a little shorter. I'm pretty sure the VW ones are the same thread pitch also.

[Cletonius]

That looks awesome! Going to be hitting up the yard this weekend I think. Tired of staring at the hole in my dash.

[Gooch]

Good luck! You're also going to need the grommet for the antenna base. It's like $3 from the dealer.

[TurboJake]

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23843