Antenna syndrome

Ironwarrior · 07-29-2007, 06:36 PM

I noticed people make fun of others with the large antennas.
I too fall into the large antenna group.

I was wondering if it was advisable just to cut it off?
I've read people buying 6 inch antennas. Can I just cut it off so there is
about 6 inches remaining? Or will this ruin it and make it non functional?

MattJ · 07-29-2007, 06:46 PM

You can buy em shorter. I have an 8 inch one but I lost some reception. Go with the 14" one. they are pretty cheap too.

WaterDR · 07-29-2007, 06:55 PM

Sure, you can cut it. It is just a peice of metal, but the shorter it goes, so does your reception. I have an 8" and yes, the reception suffers. But, I use XM anyway.

redfire04 · 07-29-2007, 07:28 PM

Someone else just asked about this in general tech. I've got an 8 inch and have not noticed any reception loss. AM told me that if you live close to a major city you'll be fine otherwise get the 14 inch.

You can cut your stock to see if it works if it doesn't spend the $20 and get one from AM.

v6'stang · 07-29-2007, 09:12 PM

i actually got better reception w/mine compared to the stock one. i think i've got the 8" one. idk what was up w/the stock one but the reception was crappy. and ditto on the xm thing.

Ironwarrior · 07-29-2007, 10:22 PM

Thanks for your suggestions... I think I will cut it down to 8 inches.
It does look dorky being like 6 feet tall

03DSG · 07-30-2007, 06:32 PM

see how it looks with the height at the roof line, thats what i did and it came out great.

Ironwarrior · 07-30-2007, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03DSG

see how it looks with the height at the roof line, thats what i did and it came out great.

It's funny you said that cause I was thinking the same thing the other day when I was looking at it. I will try that, cause that way I can hopefully have better looks without having to compromise the reception.

How is your reception after doing that? Could you tell any difference?

03DSG · 07-30-2007, 07:14 PM

well thats hard to say, i live in metro Detroit so the signal is always strong. But i've never had a problem with reception.

Ironwarrior · 07-31-2007, 02:00 AM

Yeah I live in the California Bay Area, so I doubt I would have a problem.
Besides I typically listen to CDs anyway.

I noticed you have the sequential tailight mod... Did you do that yourself?
I would like to add that to my list of mods, as I think they look awsome.

StormsGT · 07-31-2007, 03:09 AM

Short ones look good,but don't pick up for shit.

03DSG · 07-31-2007, 04:53 AM

[quote=I noticed you have the sequential tailight mod... Did you do that yourself?
I would like to add that to my list of mods, as I think they look awsome.[/QUOTE]

actually my GF got me those for x-mas last year. They are from web electric products. I recommend this brand because they are put together very well and looked like they paid attention to detail when they built them.

Ironwarrior · 07-31-2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03DSG

actually my GF got me those for x-mas last year. They are from web electric products. I recommend this brand because they are put together very well and looked like they paid attention to detail when they built them.

So you wired them up yourself? How long did it take?

03DSG · 07-31-2007, 05:53 PM

i didn't "wire" them up. they come as an assembled unit, you only have to install them. unplug the old harness, plug in the new harness. It took about 1 hour mostly because getting the tail light housing off is a PITA.

Ironwarrior · 07-31-2007, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03DSG

i didn't "wire" them up. they come as an assembled unit, you only have to install them. unplug the old harness, plug in the new harness. It took about 1 hour mostly because getting the tail light housing off is a PITA.

That sounds like a great setup. The ones I seen online were a kit with like some relays that you had to cut your existing wires and splice into them to make it work. I seen a video of someone that did. When they were done it converted the brakes turn signals and hazzards all to sequencial.

rebelyell · 07-31-2007, 11:06 PM

I got a shorty antennae from MT when it was MT.. LOL. Picks up good for local stations but that aint saying much. Stations here suck for the most part. Music is ok but long winded ads and junk. I got just about every song I want on CD so that 6 changer comes in handy. I may listen to a Nascar race when I have to work weekends. Mostly I just listen to my Flowmasters, on my 4 mile trip to work and back home.. LOL. Married Man...

IceMan · 08-03-2007, 08:42 AM

I just took mine off and my reception didn't change a bit lol.

But then again I listen to cd's... That might be the culprit

-B

LOOT · 08-03-2007, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rebelyell

I got a shorty antennae from MT when it was MT.. LOL. Picks up good for local stations but that aint saying much. Stations here suck for the most part. Music is ok but long winded ads and junk. I got just about every song I want on CD so that 6 changer comes in handy. I may listen to a Nascar race when I have to work weekends. Mostly I just listen to my Flowmasters, on my 4 mile trip to work and back home.. LOL. Married Man...

LOL... since I got my new macs on I never listen to the radio. hehe... When I do I use my mp3 player through an iRiver fm transmitter.

Dude · 08-06-2007, 04:28 PM

Haha mine is bigger than yours!

Dude

nyheyman · 08-07-2007, 03:50 PM

Just wanted you guys to know after reading this last week. I cut my antenna down to 20in, even with top of my mustang and painted it black. It looks great! This is a great forum to share ideas to improve our rides!!! Thanks again!!

LOOT · 08-08-2007, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyheyman

Just wanted you guys to know after reading this last week. I cut my antenna down to 20in, even with top of my mustang and painted it black. It looks great! This is a great forum to share ideas to improve our rides!!! Thanks again!!

awesome! I did the same thing to mine a while back. I think I cut mine down to 14 inches. Using nothing but a hacksaw and a dremel tool and about 10 minutes I saved 20 bucks.

wade95 · 08-08-2007, 07:18 AM

I have full one on my 87. No reception whatsoever except strong channels.

Little off topic kinda but I was told that the reason for bad reception is a bad ground. How is an antenna grounded????

Ironwarrior · 08-13-2007, 12:35 PM

After careful and precise cutting, I am now the proud owner of an 18 inch
custom made antenna.

07-29-2007, 06:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ironwarrior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 77	Antenna syndrome I noticed people make fun of others with the large antennas. I too fall into the large antenna group. I was wondering if it was advisable just to cut it off? I've read people buying 6 inch antennas. Can I just cut it off so there is about 6 inches remaining? Or will this ruin it and make it non functional?

07-29-2007, 06:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
MattJ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 10,243	You can buy em shorter. I have an 8 inch one but I lost some reception. Go with the 14" one. they are pretty cheap too. __________________ 2001 Mustang GT Premium - Mineral Grey

07-29-2007, 06:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
WaterDR Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 6,374	Sure, you can cut it. It is just a peice of metal, but the shorter it goes, so does your reception. I have an 8" and yes, the reception suffers. But, I use XM anyway. __________________ Black 2000 GT Vert: Novi-2000 with Intercooler (375rwhp @ 9 psi); Tune by Kauffmans; Roush 380R Body kit; Steeda Subframes; Steeda Strut Tower Support; Deep Dish Bullets; FRPP 4:10's; SCT 4 Position Chip with four custom tunes; Steeda CAI; C&L Pleum; BBK 75 TB; SLP Loudmouth; SLP Catted X-Pipe; Bullitt Suspension; UPR Conrol Arms; Focus Fuel Pump My Car My Email

07-29-2007, 07:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
redfire04 Redfire GT Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: St. Louis Posts: 431	Someone else just asked about this in general tech. I've got an 8 inch and have not noticed any reception loss. AM told me that if you live close to a major city you'll be fine otherwise get the 14 inch. You can cut your stock to see if it works if it doesn't spend the $20 and get one from AM. __________________ 2004 Redfire GT BBK Longtubes BBK O/R X-Pipe Magnaflow cat back Steeda Sport Springs Tokico HPs Black Bullitts Mach 1 Grill Delete Mach 1 Chin Spoiler Mach 1 Rear Wing Honeycomb Trim Panel Blackout Tails Simco Silver Series Gauge Cluster Awaiting Install: FRPP 4.10s - Trick Flow Diff Cover

07-29-2007, 09:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
v6'stang Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: FL Posts: 936	i actually got better reception w/mine compared to the stock one. i think i've got the 8" one. idk what was up w/the stock one but the reception was crappy. and ditto on the xm thing. __________________ Mods: 17x9 black cobra wheels, BBK CAI, tru dual flowmasters, sct 4bank elim. chip, motive 3.73's, frpp t-lok. ...and the list grows.

07-29-2007, 10:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
Ironwarrior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 77	Thanks for your suggestions... I think I will cut it down to 8 inches. It does look dorky being like 6 feet tall

07-30-2007, 06:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
03DSG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 560	see how it looks with the height at the roof line, thats what i did and it came out great. __________________ 03 DSG 2V 5-Speed Mods: Flows, drop in airhog, SCT tune, Motive 4.10 gears (no whine) Dyno(pre-tune): 236 wrhp, not sae corrected Exterior: Mach 1 chin spoiler, Black Bullets (self done), full tint, red calipers(self done), sequential tailights, shorty antenna(self-made) Interior: auto-meter gauges(lunar series), silver center stack and door pieces (self-done, soon to be DSG).

07-30-2007, 07:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
03DSG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 560	well thats hard to say, i live in metro Detroit so the signal is always strong. But i've never had a problem with reception. __________________ 03 DSG 2V 5-Speed Mods: Flows, drop in airhog, SCT tune, Motive 4.10 gears (no whine) Dyno(pre-tune): 236 wrhp, not sae corrected Exterior: Mach 1 chin spoiler, Black Bullets (self done), full tint, red calipers(self done), sequential tailights, shorty antenna(self-made) Interior: auto-meter gauges(lunar series), silver center stack and door pieces (self-done, soon to be DSG).

07-31-2007, 02:00 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ironwarrior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 77	Yeah I live in the California Bay Area, so I doubt I would have a problem. Besides I typically listen to CDs anyway. I noticed you have the sequential tailight mod... Did you do that yourself? I would like to add that to my list of mods, as I think they look awsome.

07-31-2007, 03:09 AM	#11 (permalink)
StormsGT 1320 Number of the beast Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Hope IN Posts: 1,161	Short ones look good,but don't pick up for shit. __________________ [IMG]StormsGT, Should be stormscobra now. #3216 BBK Cold air kit, BBK underdrives, Steeda sub frame connectors,BBK progressive springs,Hurst billet plus shifter,Auto meter shift light,Steeda UCA'sand Lakewood LCA's BBK 62mm T.B.17X9 With 255/40sumitomo HTR Z's,17X10.5 with 315/35 sumitomo HTR Z's or 315/35 BFG G-Force DR's depends on the time of year.Dr. Gas O/R X-pipe and 2 1/2" Flow's with Flowmaster 40's and dumps.FRPP 4.10's.The other toy is a 72' Nova. Small block,4-speed & 10 bolt

07-31-2007, 04:53 AM	#12 (permalink)
03DSG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 560	[quote=I noticed you have the sequential tailight mod... Did you do that yourself? I would like to add that to my list of mods, as I think they look awsome.[/QUOTE] actually my GF got me those for x-mas last year. They are from web electric products. I recommend this brand because they are put together very well and looked like they paid attention to detail when they built them. __________________ 03 DSG 2V 5-Speed Mods: Flows, drop in airhog, SCT tune, Motive 4.10 gears (no whine) Dyno(pre-tune): 236 wrhp, not sae corrected Exterior: Mach 1 chin spoiler, Black Bullets (self done), full tint, red calipers(self done), sequential tailights, shorty antenna(self-made) Interior: auto-meter gauges(lunar series), silver center stack and door pieces (self-done, soon to be DSG).

07-31-2007, 05:53 PM	#14 (permalink)
03DSG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 560	i didn't "wire" them up. they come as an assembled unit, you only have to install them. unplug the old harness, plug in the new harness. It took about 1 hour mostly because getting the tail light housing off is a PITA. __________________ 03 DSG 2V 5-Speed Mods: Flows, drop in airhog, SCT tune, Motive 4.10 gears (no whine) Dyno(pre-tune): 236 wrhp, not sae corrected Exterior: Mach 1 chin spoiler, Black Bullets (self done), full tint, red calipers(self done), sequential tailights, shorty antenna(self-made) Interior: auto-meter gauges(lunar series), silver center stack and door pieces (self-done, soon to be DSG).

07-31-2007, 11:06 PM	#16 (permalink)
rebelyell unofficial philosopher Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 1,850	I got a shorty antennae from MT when it was MT.. LOL. Picks up good for local stations but that aint saying much. Stations here suck for the most part. Music is ok but long winded ads and junk. I got just about every song I want on CD so that 6 changer comes in handy. I may listen to a Nascar race when I have to work weekends. Mostly I just listen to my Flowmasters, on my 4 mile trip to work and back home.. LOL. Married Man... __________________ 2004 Torch Red GT Mach 1 Chin Spoiler "4.6 L V8" Side Stripes Mach 1 Hood stripe Black shorty antenna Flowmaster catbacks

08-03-2007, 08:42 AM	#17 (permalink)
IceMan Yellow C5 Z06 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ocoee, FL Posts: 306	I just took mine off and my reception didn't change a bit lol. But then again I listen to cd's... That might be the culprit -B __________________ C5 Yellow Corvette Z06 - 402rwhp 392rwt 2003 Red Fire SVT Cobra - Sold 2003 Torch Red Mach 1 - Sold 2003 Black Mach 1 - Sold

08-06-2007, 04:28 PM	#19 (permalink)
Dude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 266	Haha mine is bigger than yours! Dude

08-07-2007, 03:50 PM	#20 (permalink)
nyheyman Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: South Carolina Posts: 115	Just wanted you guys to know after reading this last week. I cut my antenna down to 20in, even with top of my mustang and painted it black. It looks great! This is a great forum to share ideas to improve our rides!!! Thanks again!!

08-08-2007, 07:18 AM	#22 (permalink)
wade95 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tarpon Springs, FL Posts: 503	I have full one on my 87. No reception whatsoever except strong channels. Little off topic kinda but I was told that the reason for bad reception is a bad ground. How is an antenna grounded???? __________________

08-13-2007, 12:35 PM	#23 (permalink)
Ironwarrior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 77	After careful and precise cutting, I am now the proud owner of an 18 inch custom made antenna.

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