masonholmes

I realize this is probably a pretty dumb question but I've been wondering for awhile if power retractable antennas are worth replacing, or if the little 12" or so "rubber ducky"/short type are just as good, reception wise, as well as if amplified antennas for cars are any good/can make a notable difference? I've got one for the house that does wonders but don't seem to see many for the road. (I live out in the booniez where Ok radio stations & reception are both rather sparse) The Miata & FD's antennas are basically fukt though & atm I'm not driving the RX enough to spend $$$ on a satellite subscription. I've also noticed how far out a retractable antenna extends seems to have a direct affect on reception levels, so don't get how these short aftermarket deals can do their job. Anyways, somebody make me feel stupid with a reply.. If ya wanna recommend any particular antennas and/or have neato pics, that's cool too. Oh, and as always, thanks in advance!

phrost

iTrader: (14)

sooner or later when i get my car back on the road, i was planning on removing the stock antenna and install a "shark fin" type like seen on newer bmw's, ect. i'm positive others have done this as well. i've got too much else to do first tho. good luck with ur fd Mason.

MR_Rick

iTrader: (7)

I shaved my antenna and I use one of this.It work pretty good. I have hiden between the roof and the head liner.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-mBJjBWf...tenna&skipvs=T

masonholmes

Thanks guys. So the little ones really do work as well as a fully extended, metal one? (I just don't get it, lol) Also, I'm guessing there was bodywork involved with shaving yours, which is why the base of the Miata's is still mounted & looking dumb. Does anybody know of any sort of cap type deal that could be put in their place, as a stop-gap until I could have a bodyshop do things right - or should I simply fully retract & disconnect it until that time comes?

Also, if anybody has the shark-fin type I'd love to see pics, as I've been considering one of those myself. Right now I definitely need me some tunez to drown out my rattly-*** interior!

masonholmes

Posted on the Miata boards about this as well & this is what their #1 radio guru had to say:

"Shorter antenna masts capture a smaller percentage of the traveling radio wave from a radio broadcast station. That results in reduced radio broadcast station reception capability. "

He's knowledgeable enough to dissect the Miata's factory head unit & make it sound nearly as good as aftermarket, so I suppose I'll take his word for it/stick with oldschool, long antenna's.

MR_Rick

iTrader: (7)

The one I posted (at least for me) it works better than the OEM one I had. If you have to wait for a body shop to do the shaving then just lower the antenna and unplug it.

masonholmes

Ahh, well in that case I'll give it a shot. When ya said "pretty good" before, I got the sense that it was just Ok/not necessarily as good as stock. Also, can a bodyshop shave something like that & blend it nicely, without having to repaint the whole section/car? If so I'd be interested in hearing what people have paid to have similar done.

MR_Rick

iTrader: (7)

I had mine shaved when I was getting the car repainted. He didn't charge me for it so I guess it is pretty simple to do.

turboIIrotary

iTrader: (9)

I used the antenna in the rear windshield it sounds good to me but I haven't heard a setup with the retractabe antenna.

ZE Power MX6

iTrader: (160)

How do you get to the mounting bolt for the antenna? Mine is working perfectly fine but I think the bolt is lose, and I don't know how to get to it.

In my MX-6s I just get to it from the trunk, this doesn't seems to be the case.

masonholmes

I've not looked into it yet, but just assumed it required removal of interior stuff in the trunk/hatch area? If not I'm interested in the answer as well..

whiteweazel21

iTrader: (2)

Sorry for lack of specifics, but I know someone on this forum replaced their antennae with a small 6-8 inch rubber antennae. It looked really nice, sleek, and stock. If I ever decide to replace mine that's the route I would go.

theorie

iTrader: (31)

I replaced mine with an aftermarket antenna a few years ago. I don't listen to radio very often, but it still works great and it came with an extra antenna & mast gear thing if this one ever breaks.

Just a generic one for $69.99 shipped.

Thread:
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/%5Bguide%5D-aftermarket-power-antenna-replacement-863093/

New antenna:


Wiring diagram:


It's chrome instead of black, so it looks like an S8 antenna...


Cheers.

masonholmes

Thanks again guys. The techie/radio peeps say a taller mast will catch more signal & the general public say it doesn't really matter. On second thought, for the combined reasons of theorie (no immediate bodywork planned) & my living in the boonies, I suppose I'll stick with a power/tall setup. FWIW, the universal jobs, (that're supposedly bolt-in), seem to sell for about $30 shipped, (though without the extra parts theorie's same with).

As far as you guys that don't listening to the radio often, I don't either/currently (STILL) have free satellite in my DD/Miata.. bought a years subscription when I first purchased an aftermarket Kenwood tuner for the MX-3 back in like '04. Before the year was up, the car was parked & stayed that way for 5y while I got into Miata's, though I finally swapped the radio gear over to my current '96M & was still receiving a signal! 2y later & it's still coming in, for freee. Once I'm driving the RX more I hope to put satellite in it as well, though suppose I'll have to make up an identity, haha.

ZE Power MX6

iTrader: (160)

That would be a pain if I have to remove the Bose system...

masonholmes

I plan to remove mine.. doesn't sound that great & takes up too much space IMO anyways. I've no doubt an amp, some regular speakers, & a small sub located where the spare is or something, could be far superior. (my MX-3 definitely sounded better with a similar setup) How's that go? "no high's, no lows, must be Bose"

whiteweazel21

iTrader: (2)

Hmm...tried a quick go at finding that picture of the antennae but all I have to go on is that it was a blue FD

Check this post: https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...08&postcount=4
The FD had one of a very similar design, looked OEM albeit more modern. I'm keeping my antennae for a while though haha.

ZE Power MX6

iTrader: (160)

This is probably the one your are looking for.

https://www.rx7club.com/showpost.php...postcount=2188

turboIIrotary

iTrader: (9)

Does anyone have a "shark fin" antenna on the fd? I would like to see some pictures.

YoshiFD3S

iTrader: (19)

I bought an antenna that is small and rectangular in size, and actually adheres to it's surface.

I mounted it to the front windshield, directly behind the rear-view mirror, as high up as I could go. You really don't even know it's there.

I get great reception. No issues. You just tuck the wire in, and through the A-Pillar, etc.

Easy installation, to be honest. Very affordable too.

moehler

iTrader: (12)

Where did you get it, do you have a link? I cant stand the way an FD looks with its antenna up... I've been thinking about replacing mine for a while. Does this antenna work for AM too (I'm a sports talk radio junkie )?

MANSU_V36

or u guys can go with something like this http://www.crutchfield.com/p_12044UA...5dCar+Antennas

YoshiFD3S

iTrader: (19)

I got mine from Fry's.

It was like $30-$50 I think?

Works great!

Signal strength is just fine.

Works for AM/FM just fine. Plugs into your stereo the same way any other antenna would.

I'm going to GA next week where the car is, I'll try to take pics while I'm down there and upload them some time.