Antenna delete plug - $.30 solution

[LBC28730]

For reference sake, I just went to the local ACE and all they had was 7/8 Nylon plugs (PN: Fasteners C/G 56)
Very tight (13/16 would likely be a closer fit) and overall pretty useless unless you were to also use silicone.

Since I am already doing other bodywork, I think I am just going to completely eliminate the hole altogether.

**EDIT**
I tried using the 7/8 plug temporarily and even with heat, it did not fit very well.
I eventually got it in there but it is bulged up.
13/16 would be MUCH better, IMO

[Zesty Bonanza]

so, what about reception I can barely get any stations now., well, have no antenna at all. Solutions ?

Buy a third-party hidden antenna and connect it to your radio.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=car+radio+hidden+antenna

I have this one and it works OK but not great. The radio reception range isn't as good as newer cars that have the antenna within the rear window.

[fporro]

so, what about reception I can barely get any stations now., well, have no antenna at all. Solutions ?

[BMWManiac]

From post #16 it looks like it doesn't cover the same area, so I'd still be screwed.....I'll see if my local ACE has it. Not like if it doesn't work I'm out a lot of money

[Zesty Bonanza]

I found a 7/8" nylon plug from Lowe's which fit.

The Hillman Group 2-Pack Plastic Hole Plugs
• Item #: 139481
• Model #: 881289
• Hole Plugs - Black 7/8
• 2pc/bag
• Black
$1.39

The Hillman Group 1-Pack Hole Plug
• Item #: 139406
• Model #: 881268
• Hole Plugs - Chrome 7/8
• 1pc/bag
• Chrome

The plug still had a tiny bit of play so I bought a 7/8" internal diameter o-ring from Lowes and put that on the plug and then plugged the hole and it fit snugly.
BrassCraft 1-in x 0.06-in Rubber Faucet O-Ring
Item #: 200838 | Model #: SC0578

[straight6pwr]

Does anyone have a solution for this problem:

I had my car resprayed and I didn't realize that they didn't remove my antenna grommet. When I switched to Z3 antenna and grommet (which is smaller), I now have a very thin ring where the new paint ends! Now sure what I can do?

buy the ace hardware plug
remove your z3 antenna
drill a hole in the ace hardware plug that the antenna will fit through
install the plug, then the antenna.
profit?

[BMWManiac]

Does anyone have a solution for this problem:

I had my car resprayed and I didn't realize that they didn't remove my antenna grommet. When I switched to Z3 antenna and grommet (which is smaller), I now have a very thin ring where the new paint ends! Now sure what I can do?

[rcsoundn1]

^cool but looks like your trunk lid is open or missing. Lol! I have a nappa option since I never found the ace option. Chrysler makes a rear end plug that fits great. It's $3 and since my plastic plug blew out that's sold on the forum by another member on the way to Fl. I was in a bind. pn# 704-1949. It's larger on the face but got me home in the rain!

[Zesty Bonanza]

grabbed this at ACE today. thanks for the write up.. very helpful, especially since it started raining today.

fits great.


Untitled by cgk325i, on Flickr

What was the part number from ACE? Is it plastic or rubber?

[DesertBMW]

I am using BMW brand plug 07147140850

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES16926/

[cgk_iii]

grabbed this at ACE today. thanks for the write up.. very helpful, especially since it started raining today.

fits great.


Untitled by cgk325i, on Flickr

[Zesty Bonanza]

Went down to my local Ace Hardware and found these nifty rubbery plugs in their hardware section. For all of 30 cents, you can grab the 7/8" ID plug which fits PERFECTLY in the empty antenna hole. I popped it in while still in the parking lot with a very satisfying snap. This is weather tight as is, doesn't need sealant.

Also way better than paying 25x the price for what is currently offered to only have to use a sealant to make it work. If I were a shrewd business man I'd stock up on these suckers and sell them for $5 each and make tens of dollars a week...instead I figured I'd share the information.

Ace's website is terrible, but I found the exact same thing on McMaster so you know what to look for in the store.


http://www.mcmaster.com/#9750k25/=pfua15

Are they rubber or plastic? The product on the McMaster link says plastic but you mentioned rubber.

[Zesty Bonanza]

Ace Hardware on Ventura didn't have anything like that.

[Zesty Bonanza]

Thanks, I'll check out Ace soon.

[rcsoundn1]

Ace in walking distance, off I go!