DIY - Removing Your Radio Antenna

[SVOboy]

Have you ever hated the look of your radio antenna? Or maybe been bothered by all the aerodynamic drag? I have. Solution: It's gone!

Purpose: To cut down on aerodynamic drag and improve the look of the car.

Time: 15 minutes

Tools:
- Flathead Screwdriver

Supplies:
- Block Off Plate
- Gasket
- Reused Screws

You can get this stuff at the local dealership or online (cheaper) at one of these places.


Here's the antenna. Undo the two screws and yank it out. Make sure to unplug the other end from the stereo.

Awful picture of the antenna on the ground:

The left over hole:

The two parts, I spent about 10 bucks on both:

Put them on with the old screws:

Admire your work:


The CRX no longer looks like an RC car! Quick and easy but it was certainly worth it to me.

[AmpEater]

anyone have any idea on the .cd difference for a typical car? Or any car....I don't use it ever so a suppose any improvement is worthwhile.

[LUVMY02CREW]

This caught my attention....cause my antenna sticks straight up out of the passenger front fender. I know it won't get me any real noticible gains, but I agree with the comment about not looking like an rc toy. I think from what I can picture in my head, I would like the antenna-less look.

Anywhoooooo....I use my radio bunches so I need to keep the antenna's purpose of picking up stations.

So, I was wondering: Is there a way to delete/hide/?shave? the antenna and still get stations????




PS: Did I use the word "shave" correctly? In my mostly bald world that term usually implies a shave cream topped skull with sharp metal being scrapped across it

[bhazard]

Ive also got the big old fashioned antenna sticking out of the front fender, on both cars. Sometimes in the shadow when you're at highway speeds the antenna whips around real fast, kinda like its vibrating in the air, so you know its catching a bit of air.

I just wonder how much mpg improvement you would get from deleting it, or if one of those stubby antennas would help.

[Doofus McFancypants]

My Nissan Altima came with the radio antenna built into the rear defroster.
the "wires" that coil across the class are also serve as the antenna.
Not sure if there is an aftermarket application to reconnect it this way - but might be looking into.

Steve

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by LUVMY02CREW

So, I was wondering: Is there a way to delete/hide/?shave? the antenna and still get stations????

Simple. Hook up the antenna wire to your rear window defogger. It worked great on my bmw.

[bhazard]

What happens when you turn on the rear defrost?

[Doofus McFancypants]

I will have to take a look - I actually think there is a second "loop" back there for my antenna - It may not be same loop in Altima. I have never had any issue with radio in operation and the defroster on. Lived in Upstate NY for 4 years with car before comming down to Atlanta. - never had an issue with it.

[tjts1]

I just disconected the rear defogger all together. I need my radio more than the defogger but if its important to you, its possible to make both work.

[cfg83]

tjts1 -

Originally Posted by tjts1

I just disconected the rear defogger all together. I need my radio more than the defogger but if its important to you, its possible to make both work.

I think that is what I will try to do. I will disconnect the fuse to the rear defogger and connect the antenna to the "ground side" of the fuse connection on the assumption that "ground side" is going to the rear defogger. That way, I will not risk frying my radio or some other part of the electrical system.

I will then "recover" the hot side of the fuse connection for a different master plan to rule the world (insert diabolical laughter here).

CarloSW2