Cutting Antenna

[hardk0re]

Has anybody cut the antenna down to make a short antenna. Was the reception loss noticable?

I was thinking to cut it down, I did this on my other car and didn't notice much reception loss, suprisingly I think they use almost the same antenna....

[gclark8]

The antenna is already cut for a specific frequency (FM band or Digital) de-tuning it will adversely effect reception.

[hardk0re]

Actually after closer inspection the antenna that is on my car is already rotten, It sat for quite some time in direct sunlight and looks as tho it took a toll on the plastic.

I've ordered a replacement one that is shorter from a VW with the same thread/adapter. I need it shorter not for style but physically while backing out it will get caught easily on overhead storage and I'd rather not snap the antenna when its -30 outside and the metal is brittle....


I think wavelength calculations and antenna length really only matter when your at the end of the station power range....here in toronto I had a snapped antenna on my Focus and didn't notice much station loss on my factory deck, but the same situation happened with aftermarket radio and I lost reception bigtime. Sensitivity of the deck itself plays a big factor here too... Its just too bad the Focus antenna wasn't the same adapter I have a few of them kicking around

[petrified.rabbit]

i was going to suggest the vw antenna, but it seems like you figured it out.

[rodo]

Has anybody cut the antenna down to make a short antenna. Was the reception loss noticable?

I bought a shorter 16" replacement on ebay for about $7 delivered. Works fine in town, though have not tried it on the periphery of our broadcast area yet. Had the same problem with the coating failing on the 2004 OEM antenna.

The ebay outfit (GreaTag) also sells a 9" version for the same price. International shipping is a bit slow, but not bad. Seems well built, though don't think the base weather cap looks as nice as the original when it was new. Still, a big improvement over the flaking and missing rubber.... and the shorter size is nice.

[YnotVW]

i was going to suggest the vw antenna, but it seems like you figured it out.

LOL, same here! They also make several different "stubbies" for VW also.

[daug1502]

wich VW antenna is best?

Also does the mast of our antenna's unscrew or do you have to remove them from behind the dome light?

[petrified.rabbit]

there are dozens of vw stubbies.. look and find one you like?

a friend of mine makes these:



$12 shipped.

[daug1502]

Oh wow, that would go over so well if I drove on to a military base with one lmao...

[DOSALOGA]

Looks better short...i prefer the shark antenna. I installed one on my aveo sedan. Here show you my car.