Antenna replacement. Compatibility?
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New User
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Antenna replacement. Compatibility?
The stock 31" or whatever finally broke off after years of going under the car cover. All the shorter aftermarket replacements are 14" or shorter. I would also prefer a OEM antenna. I would like to get one that is about 2-3" taller than the cab so about 24" but 31" is just too much.
Are most Ford masts compatible with our trucks? This is a '03 F350.
Are most Ford masts compatible with our trucks? This is a '03 F350.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 3
Having just replaced mine, I can tell you that while the MAST may be the same, the MOUNT may not be.
My 2007 has the male threads on the antenna, with a threaded socket on the truck. Some will be the reverse.
Some will have different depths for the threads.
When I broke mine last year, I thought antennas were a "parts bin" part and would be universal. They are NOT.
However, the factory replacement was less than $30, as of two days ago.
(Replacement was never a priority, since I listen to the radio less than once per year.)
-blaine
My 2007 has the male threads on the antenna, with a threaded socket on the truck. Some will be the reverse.
Some will have different depths for the threads.
When I broke mine last year, I thought antennas were a "parts bin" part and would be universal. They are NOT.
However, the factory replacement was less than $30, as of two days ago.
(Replacement was never a priority, since I listen to the radio less than once per year.)
-blaine
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Having just replaced mine, I can tell you that while the MAST may be the same, the MOUNT may not be.
My 2007 has the male threads on the antenna, with a threaded socket on the truck. Some will be the reverse.
Some will have different depths for the threads.
When I broke mine last year, I thought antennas were a "parts bin" part and would be universal. They are NOT.
However, the factory replacement was less than $30, as of two days ago.
(Replacement was never a priority, since I listen to the radio less than once per year.)
-blaine
My 2007 has the male threads on the antenna, with a threaded socket on the truck. Some will be the reverse.
Some will have different depths for the threads.
When I broke mine last year, I thought antennas were a "parts bin" part and would be universal. They are NOT.
However, the factory replacement was less than $30, as of two days ago.
(Replacement was never a priority, since I listen to the radio less than once per year.)
-blaine
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
The radio antenna length is based on the wavelength of the signal
that you are trying to receive. If you pick one that is not tuned for
the band you want you will get less signal strength. Even if you
get the same one that you had before you may still need to tune
the trimer on the radio to get the best reception.
If you want to do some reading on this topic try this link
FM Half Wave Antenna
OR this
ANTENNA THEORY SIMPLIFIED:
Sean
that you are trying to receive. If you pick one that is not tuned for
the band you want you will get less signal strength. Even if you
get the same one that you had before you may still need to tune
the trimer on the radio to get the best reception.
If you want to do some reading on this topic try this link
FM Half Wave Antenna
OR this
ANTENNA THEORY SIMPLIFIED:
Sean
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 3
Just measured mine. It's 32 inches from the tip to the socket.But I have to say you're braver than I am... There's less than 6 inches from the tip of my antenna to the rooftop. I'd be VERY nervous about parking under something that short.
Sean, it's not like we're talking low-power shortwave here, where antenna length is mission-critical.
A length of coat hanger (ANY length) will work in this application... It will LOOK like crap, but it will WORK.
-blaine
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 9
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The radio antenna length is based on the wavelength of the signal
that you are trying to receive. If you pick one that is not tuned for
the band you want you will get less signal strength. Even if you
get the same one that you had before you may still need to tune
the trimer on the radio to get the best reception.
If you want to do some reading on this topic try this link
FM Half Wave Antenna
OR this
ANTENNA THEORY SIMPLIFIED:
Sean
that you are trying to receive. If you pick one that is not tuned for
the band you want you will get less signal strength. Even if you
get the same one that you had before you may still need to tune
the trimer on the radio to get the best reception.
If you want to do some reading on this topic try this link
FM Half Wave Antenna
OR this
ANTENNA THEORY SIMPLIFIED:
Sean
They are much better than nothing though, which is my current setup.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 35
From: South Carolina
With the power of the radio stations, even a crappy antenna will work where the signal is strong. On the backroads, not so much. If you live in the middle of nowhere, this could be an issue.
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Brett Foote
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
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From: Spanaway
But I have been where a good antenna was the difference
between hearing and not hearing the station. But for most
any aftermarket will do. But when your up in the hills
and you don't want to miss Art bell ......... The green men are coming.
Sean
between hearing and not hearing the station. But for most
any aftermarket will do. But when your up in the hills
and you don't want to miss Art bell ......... The green men are coming.
Sean
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 3
LOL! That brought back memories of installing a CB radio and borrowing a SWR meter to tune the antenna properly!
With the power of the radio stations, even a crappy antenna will work where the signal is strong. On the backroads, not so much. If you live in the middle of nowhere, this could be an issue.
With the power of the radio stations, even a crappy antenna will work where the signal is strong. On the backroads, not so much. If you live in the middle of nowhere, this could be an issue.
Most FM stations are of sufficient broadcast power, that you only need a piece of metal to be able to hear the programming. Talk radio doesn't need stereo, and most "music" stations are overrun by commercials.
AM is a different story; if the bands aren't being blown out by solar interference, you can get some long-distance clear-channel programming from halfway across the continent.
And I have to ask: someone is still listening to terrestrial radio???
-blaine
-blaine
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
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From: Stephensville WI
Just get something that fits. Antenna length is not super critical. When I was young, poor and drove beaters, someone snapped off my truck antenna. I duct-taped a teaspoon to the antenna stub. It worked fine.
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New User
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Well I found these that I like and since they come in a variety of thicknesses and lengths, which one is ideal? I was just planning on getting the 21" but possibly some weird antenna science dictates a shorter mast?
The have 6", 9", 12", 15" and 21". In either 1/4 or 7/16" thickness.
AMI Part 6221K - Stubbie Antenna
So if an antenna genius could let me know I would appreciate it. It isn't like I want to skimp 5 bucks and compromise reception.
THANKS!
The have 6", 9", 12", 15" and 21". In either 1/4 or 7/16" thickness.
AMI Part 6221K - Stubbie Antenna
So if an antenna genius could let me know I would appreciate it. It isn't like I want to skimp 5 bucks and compromise reception.
THANKS!
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