Cutting the antenna down a bit to blend in a bit better, instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.

I frequently travel and have noticed NO difference in radio reception.

1. Chop desired length off of antenna.
2. Pull of antenna tip.
3. File/grind down top of new shortened antenna
4. Set the tip on and slightly tap on.
5. Install Jack Ball .

Here's a pic:

www.96-speed.cz28.com

Step 5 is not mandatory .
Ryan

 

sweet thanks!

 

I did the same thing about 2 months ago. Definately looks better. Except I used an epoxy to hold the tip back in place.

 

Isn't the overall length of the antenna important? I had always heard length is important... too long or too short and it won't work as well.

 

I thought it would be, but 3 other friends of mine have done this. Two have Chevy p/up trucks and the other has an F250 truck. None of us has had any problems. I run out of Houston alot and can't tell a difference in radio 'boudries.'

However, Removing the antenna altogether affects the reception bigtime...I get hardly anything.


Ryan

 

makes sense, good idea!

does that not defeat the purpose of making it short/less visible??? just curious....

 

Took the words right out of my mouth

 

im on m y 2nd camaro and have always wanted a short antenna. all the aftermarket ones are billet or are pig tails, which i hate. i thought about cutting but wasnt sure if the ball would come off the end? does it just pull off?

 

Not to sound like a bigit but think about our antenna like a cell phone. Its a reason some phones come with adjustable antenna's. I feel that the length is important. But this is coming from the guy who is planning to put his custom antenna under the dash and mold over the outside antenna.

 

I cut my antenna about 1 year ago. And I really haven't noticed any difference in reception. All the the radio stations I listen to are close by too, so I'm sure that's a factor. And on top of that I maybe listen to the radio 5% of time I'm in my car. So I only did it because of the looks, and I didn't care about the radio.

 

This idea works great. I did it first time on my 87 firebird, then my 94 camaro, then my 99 Z28. This has only slightly affected very weak stations (but who listens to them anyway) and since I did this the same way over 6 years ago (first time), I would guess to say that this is the best way to do it.

p.s. the ball just pulls off the top. I covered it up with a soft cloth, then pulled on it while twisting with a pair of pliars. Also works good it you have a clamp.

 

Im one of the unlucky ones I guess i live in a little town in the middle of nowhere so im definately not doin it now...

 

Jack Ball = F'ing CHEESY

 

I did this about a year ago and I don't recommend doing it drunk! A buddy and I were sitting around drinking and I saw his sawzall and I said let's cut my antenna shorter. Well we couldn't find something to prop it on so my drunk *** held it in both hands while he cut through it. Needless to say when the blade went through it the still on blade came about 1/2 inch from my face as he went forward and I did too! Scared me to death! Friends don't let friend drink and saw!

 

I welded up my antenna hole in the quarter panel, but left my antenna attached to the cable, just moved it down in the spare tire area plastic compatment and I still get awesome reception.