Replacing SD antenna for shorter unit
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Durand, IL
Replacing SD antenna for shorter unit
Where can I get a shorter antenna for my new SD? When I drive into the garage, the antenna scraps and bends back on the garage door the whole way into my garage. I only have a couple inches between my cab and garage door.
How does one remove the antenna if I find a shorter one? Thanks, Kurt:-(
How does one remove the antenna if I find a shorter one? Thanks, Kurt:-(
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,039
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Replacing SD antenna for shorter unit
If the replacement antenna is just the whip, it should simply
screw onto the post that is under the factory antenna. At least that
is how my 2001 is set up. I remove/replace my antenna all the time
when going thru the local car wash.
If you are talking about a replacement unit that replaces the whole
mount base and wiring, then that is another story. You will prob. have
to go under the hood somehow to remove the whole unit. Let us know
what you find and how it works reception-wise compared to stock.
-- Bob
2001 F250 SD CC Lariat, V-10, 4.30, 6' Bed, 4x4, Auto, K&N FIPK-2, SCMT-tuned, BFG 295/75/16 AT's
screw onto the post that is under the factory antenna. At least that
is how my 2001 is set up. I remove/replace my antenna all the time
when going thru the local car wash.
If you are talking about a replacement unit that replaces the whole
mount base and wiring, then that is another story. You will prob. have
to go under the hood somehow to remove the whole unit. Let us know
what you find and how it works reception-wise compared to stock.
-- Bob
2001 F250 SD CC Lariat, V-10, 4.30, 6' Bed, 4x4, Auto, K&N FIPK-2, SCMT-tuned, BFG 295/75/16 AT's
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 252
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From: Chicago area
Replacing SD antenna for shorter unit
I have a shorty antenna on my truck. It's a horse head..I get alot of compliments on it. Check out Frogworks International, Inc. on the Internet. I think it's Frogworks.com.
Very easy to install.
Lisa
Very easy to install.
Lisa
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 63
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From: Arcata USA
Replacing SD antenna for shorter unit
You could always just clip off the length of the stock antenna that scraps, (IE: custom height to your garage). Raid the kid's toy box for a small plastic sphere to finish it off if you like, or just file it smooth and touch-up with black paint to avoid rust.
I'd leave it a little higher then the roof of your truck, as a "warning you are about to hit the roof and do lots of damage" indicator.
Mark Peterson '02 F250 CC, SB, V10, 4x4
I'd leave it a little higher then the roof of your truck, as a "warning you are about to hit the roof and do lots of damage" indicator.
Mark Peterson '02 F250 CC, SB, V10, 4x4
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Joined: Nov 2002
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Replacing SD antenna for shorter unit
In order for your FM reciever to work at optimum levels the antenna must be 31" TOTAL LENGTH, (ever wonder why all replacements are the same length?) this means you would be better off to bend it in such a way as to lower the overall hieght (the "zig-zag" shape seems to be popular) than to cut it, or try to find a shorter replacement. Or you can follow the HAM radio OP's example and use a coil or "loaded" mast ant. the overall hieght would be lower, but the TOTAL LENGTH of wire would remain 31".
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
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Replacing SD antenna for shorter unit
I had the same problem with the garage when I brought my new truck home. Removing the antenna was my first 'mod'. I found a little plastic Caplug to cover the stub and keep stuff out of the threaded hole. Since I am in a large metro area, I get by most times without having the antenna on the truck.
I was at Fleet Farm today and they have a nice selection of replacement antennas. Started at about $6.00, I think.
2003 F350 Regular Cab XLT 4WD V10 6-Spd 3.73LS - Ordered 06-Sep; Received 14-Nov
I was at Fleet Farm today and they have a nice selection of replacement antennas. Started at about $6.00, I think.
2003 F350 Regular Cab XLT 4WD V10 6-Spd 3.73LS - Ordered 06-Sep; Received 14-Nov
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Replacing SD antenna for shorter unit
I got a short little flexible (rubbery looking thing) ant at AutoZone for $4.99 seems to work just fine for me. It does bend in the wind. Even the lower power FM station that I often listen to, about 70 miles north, seems to come in just as well. Makes getting the truck in the garage a little easier, also it does not hit the camper
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 103
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From: Durand, IL
Replacing SD antenna for shorter unit
Thanks for the replies, I will check the stores which were mentioned for something shorter. Radio Shack might also have a good selection. Thanks!
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mzimmers
Audio & Video Systems, Navigation, Satellite Radio & Mobile Electronics
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Aug 11, 2003 08:08 AM
