Antenna delete blanking

[California98Civic]

Minor mod completion:

I decided that two-and-a-half years with black duct tape over the whole where the antenna used to emerge from the A Pillar is enough. I had thought I wanted to bondo and paint, but I want a more reversible solution, since I want to consider this as a way to wire in roof-mounted solar panels one day (if I ever do it).

So, I cleaned the old tape gunk off with "Goof-Off", took apart the OEM plastic fitting and cut some sheet aluminum to fit the hard rubber bottom grommet piece, drilled holes in the aluminum sheet for the OEM screws in the original spots, and plasti-dipped the whole unit with three layers to help seal it up. Lastly, clear silicone indoor/outdoor caulk around the out edge. Here it is, process and result. I'm confident it'll be water tight for years. There is also a layer of aluminum tape under the rubber grommet (can't see it, of course). PICS:













james

[redpoint5]

Looks great!

I wonder why more manufactures don't choose to use glass-integrated antennas? My TSX has a glass-integrated antenna, but I noticed the Prius does not. Strange that a car striving for the best fuel economy and most streamlined shape would put one of those ugly stubbies on the roof. Perhaps the rear glass is too sloped on the Prius to get decent reception from an integrated antenna?

[California98Civic]

Thanks redpoint5! Happy holiday!

[jeff88]

It definitely looks good! Is there anyway to make it more flush with the body?

[oldtamiyaphile]

Personally, I'd bondo the hole in the OEM plate, spray it black and it would look original. You could also sand it down a bit to reduce it's profile.