Antenna mast broke for the last time! Recommendations?

[vex]

Originally Posted by chibikougan

Remove Mast Plug Hole Wire in...


http://www.rvpartsnation.com/rv-elec...FUOewAod9C8L4g

I've always liked this idea, but it looks like you can't actually hide the antenna as it would need to be mounted in the window.

[speedjunkie]

I have that same Jensen antenna and it works quite well. I have it mounted at the very top of my windshield, above the rearview mirror. You can't see it from the outside of the car and it's not very noticeable inside either.

I used to have a hidden antenna in the very back of the car behind the plastics and it wasn't near as good as this one. Being powered makes a difference.

[vex]

Originally Posted by speedjunkie

I have that same Jensen antenna and it works quite well. I have it mounted at the very top of my windshield, above the rearview mirror. You can't see it from the outside of the car and it's not very noticeable inside either.

I used to have a hidden antenna in the very back of the car behind the plastics and it wasn't near as good as this one. Being powered makes a difference.

Sorry didn't quite explain the last sentence: I was referring to the in-windshield dipole antenna. I'm sure the powered antenna functions fantastically, and would be really interested in it if I could mount it in such a way as to be invisible once the car is together. Unfortunately, given how physics work, I don't think that's going to be in the cards.

[infernosg]

This is why, in six months of ownership, I've never once turned on the radio in my SA. I know it goes up and down from the previous owner but I also know it sticks.

[t_g_farrell]

Originally Posted by infernosg

This is why, in six months of ownership, I've never once turned on the radio in my SA. I know it goes up and down from the previous owner but I also know it sticks.

You know the radio doesn't control the antenna right? You have to raise/lower
it by using the switch in the console. I leave mine up most of the time so I can
listen to the radio (stock Clarion). It does get stuck up but I just have to give
it a slight push down and it catches and retracts. I just make sure to not fully
extend it by a a couple of inches. Also, mine is a replacement I sourced in the
80s because someone broke off the mast when I didn't retract it in a city
parking lot I used for work in Pittsburgh at the time. Back then replacements
were easy to find and were close to stock. Now, not so much.

[speedjunkie]

Originally Posted by vex

Sorry didn't quite explain the last sentence: I was referring to the in-windshield dipole antenna. I'm sure the powered antenna functions fantastically, and would be really interested in it if I could mount it in such a way as to be invisible once the car is together. Unfortunately, given how physics work, I don't think that's going to be in the cards.

Oh OK gotcha. Does anyone sell our windshields with those built in?

Yeah I was hoping to hide mine too, but I figured it wouldn't work as well if I tried to hide it under the headliner, and it won't fit there at the front anyway with the interior lights right there.

[infernosg]

Originally Posted by t_g_farrell

You know the radio doesn't control the antenna right? You have to raise/lower
it by using the switch in the console. I leave mine up most of the time so I can
listen to the radio (stock Clarion). It does get stuck up but I just have to give
it a slight push down and it catches and retracts. I just make sure to not fully
extend it by a a couple of inches. Also, mine is a replacement I sourced in the
80s because someone broke off the mast when I didn't retract it in a city
parking lot I used for work in Pittsburgh at the time. Back then replacements
were easy to find and were close to stock. Now, not so much.

This is good to know! I'm used to the FC, which controls antenna with the radio. I'd assumed the antenna up/down switch was kind of like the headlight up/down switch - redundant. I still have the stock radio as well and I've been wanting to try out this Bluetooth cassette thing I got for Christmas.

[vex]

Originally Posted by speedjunkie

Oh OK gotcha. Does anyone sell our windshields with those built in?

Yup. You can. I think somewhere in the neighborhood of $2-$300. Not much more than the one that doesn't. (Check safelite)

[speedjunkie]

No shit? I had no idea. But I guess it's a waste if the antenna doesn't work that well lol.

[FC Zach]

Originally Posted by speedjunkie

No shit? I had no idea. But I guess it's a waste if the antenna doesn't work that well lol.

Would it work in conjunction with one of those antenna amplifiers? I may try one of those with the stubby antenna if it doesn't work well. .

Something like this?

[speedjunkie]

I have no idea haha. Mine works just fine the way it is, but I'm not sure how the one in the windshield would be helped. I guess that amplifier is worth a shot.

[FC Zach]

Finished product. It worked out well with little money spent, I'm happy with the result

[project86]

Originally Posted by FC Zach

Finished product. It worked out well with little money spent, I'm happy with the result

Oh I want that!

[TitaniumTT]

Originally Posted by FC Zach

Finished product. It worked out well with little money spent, I'm happy with the result

Looks awesome man!!

Now I need to figure out an equally sexy way to mount my damn Sirius ant in my 8