Antenna or not?

[neod192]

Got mine yesterday and NOW after 5 months of discussion, there's a report of loss of function!?

Visual Garage always said there will be about a slight loss of signal on their website. I live just outside the metro area, and HD signal was already scarce to begin with. This just makes it slightly worse.

 

See here: http://www.visualgarage.com/Product_How_It_Works.html

Though the stock antenna will usually still provide better reception, through testing, we found that the VG Shark Fin Antenna performed consistently better than any stubby antenna fitted on the same car.

[neod192]

HD Radio is a funny thing anyway. I really have not had any problems I can detect.

I doubt he did anything wrong.

 

Do make sure when you install it that the S/F does not touch any part of the base.

Use a screwdriver to tighten the washer attached to the S/F antenna wire firmly,

but not too tight. Test your radio function before securing it while the car

is stationary.

Yup, I used a screwdriver to tighten the screw and didn't over tighten. I also made sure the wide starts doing down, just like the instructions said. The only thing I didn't do was to test it before I glued it down :)

 

Really sorry to hear about your HD radio reception. Have you contacted the antenna vendor to get any help?

Nope, and I don't think there's anything they can do to help ...

[Riggo]

So in the event those of you who installed the Shark Fin want to take it off, what do you do? Is the paint basicalliy ruined where it was stuck down?

[terryb]

GPS, A.M.,F.M. and Sat. Radio seem to be fine. Since I couldn't get HD Radio in my lowly loaded SE, the shark fin doesn't seem to be a problem.

 

Edit: I have noticed a slight but noticable increase in the amount of time the sat. Rad. drops out from overpass shadows.Let's say up from 1 s to 1.5s on a square crossing east to west. So just a slight deecrease in signal level avail.

Edited June 5, 2013 by terryb

[gkinla]

So in the event those of you who installed the Shark Fin want to take it off, what do you do? Is the paint basicalliy ruined where it was stuck down?

I would run Goo Gone around the base and let it it sit for awhile. It'll probably just slide off. You'll need to get another gasket if you intend to use the antenna again.

 

I just finished my installation, it looks great. Reception hasn't changed.

 

BTW, the color match was perfect.

 

Just a little worried about using a car wash. The one I use doesn't have rotary brushes just long soft tendrils. It's called "Auto Hand" Wash. I've used this car wash for over 20 years and haven't noticed any scratches or other damage. My Sterling Gray 2010 FFH looked great after 3 years. I was just wondering if the antenna was secure enough to withstand this type of washing?

 

 

Edited July 22, 2013 by gkinla

[acdii]

If it uses the same 3M tape that is used for the trim, it can be hit with a Nuke and stay put. That tape is some strong stuff.

[clummus]

Do I need to clean the area with dawn to strip the polish (not wax) before putting the shark fin on?

[gkinla]

I would, just to be sure that the area is clean of road oils and such.

[hermans]

Do I need to clean the area with dawn to strip the polish (not wax) before putting the shark fin.

That's what the directions I got with mine said to do.

[clummus]

it says if the car has been.waxed.wasn't sure about the polish.

[gkinla]

it says if the car has been.waxed.wasn't sure about the polish.

Follow the VG directions, you can't go wrong with cleaning the car thoroughly.

[jeff_h]

Follow the VG directions, you can't go wrong with cleaning the car thoroughly.

 

I've been on the fence, but now seeing one on your RR I would also like to get one... if their web site would ever come back up!

[gkinla]

 

I've been on the fence, but now seeing one on your RR I would also like to get one... if their web site would ever come back up!

 

I just spoke to Arthur at VG via email, asking if they were still taking orders, they will take orders if you email to: sales@visualgarage.com, with the car details, make, model color info and shipping address, they will send you a PayPal invoice for ordering.

 

 

When I first emailed this afternoon, I got back instantly an automatic upgrading the site and not taking any orders email. Then shortly after, another email directly from Arthur saying he would take orders by email. So give the email a try. The Shark Fin really changes the look to something more Euro.

[GrySql]

The Shark Fin really changes the look to something more Euro.

I've seen gkinla's FFH while visiting our favorite Dealer, the SF smooths out the roof line view and looks very Euro and modern.

The paint match is perfect.

He has also done some other nice looking details and subtle changes making his FFH appear much more expensive and sleek.

[neod192]

Did I mention I love my SharkFin? :)

[acdii]

Your car looks almost like a painting! Wow, what a shine, I forget how electric that blue looks.

[neod192]

Your car looks almost like a painting! Wow, what a shine, I forget how electric that blue looks.

You know you miss it :yahoo:

[acdii]

Um....

 

 

nope

 

:)

[Howie411]

Anyone get one of these for a Darkside color fusion yet? Interested on how it looks. Also does it mess with the HD radio reception at all?

[hybridbear]

GPS, A.M.,F.M. and Sat. Radio seem to be fine. Since I couldn't get HD Radio in my lowly loaded SE, the shark fin doesn't seem to be a problem.

 

Edit: I have noticed a slight but noticable increase in the amount of time the sat. Rad. drops out from overpass shadows.Let's say up from 1 s to 1.5s on a square crossing east to west. So just a slight deecrease in signal level avail.

Has this issue been addressed? Does installing a shark fin still make you lose HD radio? Any other signal concerns?

[hybridbear]

 

I've been on the fence, but now seeing one on your RR I would also like to get one... if their web site would ever come back up!

http://fordfusionhybridforum.com/topic/9547-black-friday-cyber-monday-holiday-specials/

 

The Shark Fin can now be ordered from C3.

[Da0ne]

Has this issue been addressed? Does installing a shark fin still make you lose HD radio? Any other signal concerns?

 

this is my concern also and why i havent ordered one yet

[murphy]

I have a shark fin and HD radio works fine. Unlike analog radio, witth digital radio you either have good reception or you have nothing.

[Da0ne]

I have a shark fin and HD radio works fine. Unlike analog radio, witth digital radio you either have good reception or you have nothing.

 

thanks placing my order now

[thrasher086]

Just got my Shark Fin for my birthday. Someone asked earlier if they have one for Darkside, which they do. The color is dead on.