Roof Antenna solution

[DesertSpiritSteve]

I have been looking everywhere for a stubby antenna for the roof. I did buy one for twelve bucks from the Northwest U.S./Canada area. The thread adapter wouldn't screw down tight to the hockey puck thing and the company had no desire to help resolve the problem. I tossed it in the trash. I bought a second screw on antenna from the Ford dealer for $9. I cut the original short (like the whole skinny mast part) with a pair of plier/cutters. It works fine for navigation, Sirius and AM/FM. Looks better and I don't have to take it off anymore to cover the car. I tossed the new one in the trunk in case I need better reception on a trip. I can't tell any difference with any reception in the metro Phoenix area.

Edited January 23, 2011 by DesertSpiritSteve

[raisin]

There are stubby ant. on E-bay. One seller has several different styles. His E-bay ID is "shortantenna" price is $9.99 and $3 for shipping.

[Buster1]

There are some antennas that screw in as the 1st poster stated...and they don't fit. Be careful. The threaded portion is too long, so when you screw it in, the plastic/rubber part doesn't come down all the way to meet the base.

 

Does anyone know the name of this antenna? We should have that to help future dudes avoid buying this junk.

[xmech2k]

If it's just that the threads are too long, it's easy to cut it to the right length with the right tools.

[Sigmaman]

I have been looking everywhere for a stubby antenna for the roof. I did buy one for twelve bucks from the Northwest U.S./Canada area. The thread adapter wouldn't screw down tight to the hockey puck thing and the company had no desire to help resolve the problem. I tossed it in the trash. I bought a second screw on antenna from the Ford dealer for $9. I cut the original short (like the whole skinny mast part) with a pair of plier/cutters. It works fine for navigation, Sirius and AM/FM. Looks better and I don't have to take it off anymore to cover the car. I tossed the new one in the trunk in case I need better reception on a trip. I can't tell any difference with any reception in the metro Phoenix area.

 

VG Sharkfin antenna

http://www.visualgarage.com/Product_VG_SFA_MKII.html

 

Installed this on my car and works perfectly. No change in radio reception. They matched my color perfectly and install was simple. It's pricier than the ones you bought but you get what you pay for.

[dogo88]

Since the Lincoln MKZ hybrid is pretty much the same as the FFH why couldn't you order the fin off it instead of an aftermarket unit?

 

Dan

[raisin]

If someone has ant with screw too long run a nut up the thread. Then cut off some of the thread but not too much. Turn nut off the thread then smooth with small file. Or buy the better one.

[DesertSpiritSteve]

When I looked up complaints for that company with that issue, there were complaints back to 2005. They knew about the issue for years. With me, they'd never heard of such an issue. Who's going to fight with them over $12. I threw it in the trash. I knew that the threaded adapter could be cut shorter on each end. I didn't have the tools. That company could make a lot of money with customers who didn't think it was worth fighting over. From what I read on the internet, when people called to tell them about the problem they would tell them they didn't offer telephone support. Etc,etc. I wonder why they didn't buy some shorter adapters to send to people having the problem?

Edited January 26, 2011 by DesertSpiritSteve

[irishapple21]

This might be a stupid question, but I haven't had a car with an exterior antenna in quite some time.

 

Can you take a Fusion through an automated car wash or will that damage the antenna?

[Sigmaman]

This might be a stupid question, but I haven't had a car with an exterior antenna in quite some time.

 

Can you take a Fusion through an automated car wash or will that damage the antenna?

 

Before I replaced mine it did fine in the carwash. Never got damaged. It's quite flexible and rubbery so it seems like it would take alot to damage it.