cdoyle

I've shaved my antenna, and would like to mount a hidden one inside the car somewhere.

Does anyone have any experience with any of the ones you find online? Do any actually work?

I've seen mixed reviews, so just wondering what others who have shaved the antennas have done.

zenish

this doesn't answer your question but the antenna on my xm radio is tiny and sticks to the trunk magnetically.

ghettocruiser

iTrader: (4)

A lot depends on your area and how strong the radio stations you want to get are. Some guys get away with installing the factory antenna, horizontally under the dash pad area. You could try that first as a "free" option. Maybe use some foam tape to insulate it from any metal contact...for noise and all.

If that doesnt work, you'll need to explore other options...but you can also try a signal booster. Not sure if you can get those for a car antenna set up, but worth a look. I was never a fan of the stick on windshield style flat ones. The ones that are embedded in the glass from the factory seem to work well.

But if your stations are weak, you might not be able to get around having some type of antenna on the outside.

J.

Banks4004

i wonder if you could purpose the rear defroster as an antenna, kind of an out there idea

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Got mine under the headliner, along the top of the windshield.Ran the cable up the b-pillar.Works quite good.

willexoIX

I did the same when I shaved mine. Got a 12v amplified antenna from oriellys auto parts for 20 bucks. Autozone should have them as well.

cdoyle

I actually tried that, found a tutorial on how to do it and still use the defroster. But I just found it wasn't very effective.

I currently have the stock one under the dashpad, it works but fades in/out a lot. Would like to find something that would be a little more consistent when driving around.

cdoyle

how does the booster perform, does it seem to make a difference?

willexoIX

Its not phenominal, but mine works better than the stock antenna. As what was said, main thing is proximity and strength of stations in your area. I live out in the sticks between orlando and tampa, but I get both stations. It works well but I usually just plug my flash drive into my head unit with mp3s. Havent used it recently cause Im tuning the car now that I put a turbo on it.

toxik IROC

iTrader: (12)

when you guys say you put the stock one under the dash is that the power one or non power one?

willexoIX

Pretty sure they are talking about the stock non powered antenna.

toxik IROC

iTrader: (12)

Gotcha.

Veaceonee

iTrader: (1)

What about something like this ran along the front of the dash pad?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Hidden-Amplified-Antenna-12v-Electronic-Stereo-AM-FM-Radio-Unversal-Replace-/261500455142?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3ce2a448e6&vxp=mtr

Veaceonee

iTrader: (1)

Dual reply

willexoIX

Pretty much the one I have, though you want them as high as possible for reception. Hence why mine is mounted on the windshield right behind the rearview mirror.

willexoIX

Here is a pic of mine from outside and inside.

cdoyle

How well does it work compared to the stock antenna hidden under the mat while driving around? Does it seem to hold a station, and not get so static?

willexoIX

I never had my antenna under the dash pad. When I shaved the stock antenna I went straight to the amplified antenna, so I dont know how well the stock antenna under the dash pad works. I can say the amplified antenna for me works better than the stock antenna did though.

It holds stations pretty well for me.

92RS_Ttop

iTrader: (3)

When I shaved my antenna I moved the stock one under the dash pad. I can get the stronger stations in my area ok, but the weaker ones don't come in at all.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

I get excellent reception in the open, it's a little weak in the garage with a strong signal & almost nil on the weaker signals, but the stations I do listen to are always available.Which is fine, most times i have the mp3 going anyway.