[rhudeboye]

Time to replace my weather beaten antenna as its crumbling at the mast. From day one it could never really tune into a station well. I can tune in and get reception but while driving its in and out. I suspect the antenna itself is the problem.

Has anyone replaced there factory unit with a different antenna and found that reception has greatly improved? Technology has gotten so much better with antennas that I would hate to remount a copy of the 92 antenna if there's a better option.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[968 GUY]

I have been wondering how those fancy new odd looking antennas on the newer cars would work or even fit.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Kim]

I think that those fancy ones have both FM and satellite antennas together in one housing.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[rhudeboye]

yeah, kinda a box with a small rudder sticking up. 2" max. Our Camry doesn't have anything! I dont know where that antenna is but the reception is incredible. Press seek and you will be able to tune into stations from neighboring states.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Darryl]

While it's possible that a replacement antennae may have slightly higher gain than the OEM antennae, the main thing to check for is that the built in booster/amplifier is connected at the head unit. Failure to do so will result in horrible reception. My coupe has both the deteriorating rubber bits AND crappy reception. My bet is that the aftermarket head unit installer neglected to connect the wire, ie, not knowing what is was for. Many folks do not know there is an inline powered amp for the antennae located behind the headliner. Fuba makes a very close replica that seems to have better gain and for 20 bucks, it's certainly worth a try. I've replaced a couple for people on coupes and it seems to be the way to go.

- Darryl

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[stewhatch]

To repair the cracked material on the lower end of the mast I used heat shrink rubber and it worked great. Kinda like Viagra for your antenna I guess... stiffened right up.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

lol - yup - works great - i did that to a local guys antenna here a few months ago - cheapest fix i think i've done yet

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[sstman]

Have replaced mine with an identical looking whip unit cost $10.50 including P/P in the UK. got it from www.caraudiodirect.co.uk. looks OEM, but reception is still pretty dire, where is the booster located on the coupe?

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

on a hardtop, i think the booster itself is up by the antenna, though the power feed for it is down by the deck, and should be connected to the power antenna wire of an aftermarket deck

on a cab the booster is in the right side footwell

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[rhudeboye]

I believe the wire is blue behind the deck and I did connect it when I installed the Avic.
Is this the Fuba your talking about Darryl?

http://www.stubbyantenna.com/detail4.asp?k..._Antenna_RA_8.5

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

yup - that is typically the correct color wire from a deck - i didn't want to say that though, just in case there was an oddball deck that had something else, and i didn't want anybody frying anything

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[rhudeboye]

I had it disconnected and the reception was barely there.
Connected the blue wire and WOW! what a difference. Station tuned right in. Take the car out of the garage and any speed over 25 the station goes in and out. Again. Must be my antenna and perhaps a short in the wire from the antenna to the unit.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Darryl]

Rhude, yes, the link above is similar to the one I've used in the past. The place I found had an eBay store and I located them via that link. The pop up from time to time. I just checked last evening and they do not currently have them. Next time they do, I'm getting two!

- Darryl

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[flash]

i may have either a dead booster or a bad antenna in the white car - i don't seem to get the reception i think i should, and what i remember from that deck when i had it in the blue car

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[EEZATOY]

I replaced mine with a Acura MDX (see pic) I don't have a picture of it on my car here at work but will post one tonight when I get home.

side note when you go to pull the old antenna - use your lug nut socket from your tool kit - its hollow so you can tread the wires through and fits the antenna nut....

Sam

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[rhudeboye]

Thanx for the tip Sam. I like the acuras antenna. Did the quality improve?

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Darryl]

I like that too Sam...got a recommendation on where to buy?

- Darryl

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[RS Barn]

I'm glad some of you can work on reception.
I work on POWER

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[EEZATOY]

Thanks - I like it, its a more modern look than the bee sting (my humble opinion). Reception is as good as the original and its fairly plug and play - I got an adapter from crutchfield for the antenna plug (different than the screw together thats stock - it will make more sense once you look at the two different connections) and spliced the old power connector from the bee sting to the new one... here are a couple of quick shots I took out in the garage (give me a brake it rain yesterday so it pretty dirty right now...)

as for where to buy - I got mine on ebay a few years back...currently this used one is listed
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-ACURA-...=item518e6d9f7f

Pete I like to think of it a a style enhansement...

Sam

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[rhudeboye]

Thanks for the pics.

The plastic is so much thicker. Should hold up well for a very long time.
A quick search shows that Acuras are now using the shark fin antennas. That must be from an early model.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.