DIY Shaved/Interior Antenna

[aalb1]

For all of you familiar with Honda Civic Antenna's many Civic owners refer to them as R/C Antenna's because of their location





Well I went through a car wash and forgot to put my antenna down. The car wash attendant didn't even bother reminding me either. My bad and his bad.

On the way down the highway it was flapping in wind and hitting the roof of my car. When I got out I noticed it was hanging by a thread of metal and when I bent it back into place it snapped off immediately.

I thought this was a chance for me to shave my antenna but looking at internal antenna prices I didn't feel like paying $40+ for one. So I went to AutoZone and took a chance with a $9.99 3-Mast Universal Antenna. I ran it along the passenger side pillar, gently bent it 90* to run at the top of the window, then bent it 90* downward behind the Rear View Mirror. I also grounded it with a self tapping screw to the body.

Here are the results:

"First Part of Mast bent 90*"
"Antenna wire and base tucked behind the pillar. Base grounded and antenna mast wrapped in electrical tape since it shouldn't see ground."


"Antenna bent 90* and secured to the rear view mirror bracket"
"Bottom of the antenna"


"The circled area is all that I am able to see while sitting in the driver's seat"


"No More Antenna! The hole is filled with caulk but the whole cap will be replaced with a flat OEM Antenna-less roof cap."

[winkosmosis]

Good work. How is the signal? I need to do this with my Miata since the power antenna doesn't work-- but I'll run it along the passenger seat probably. I will just use a wire though.

[aalb1]

Believe it or not I haven't noticed a difference in reception. I only listen to two public radio stations in the area so I don't know how good of a judgment I can give.

When you do, do this make sure the antenna is grounded or else you will get a lot of static.

[GasSavers_maximilian]

Notice any fuel economy impact?

[aalb1]

Originally Posted by maximilian

Notice any fuel economy impact?

All I got is the power of positive thinking at this point but every little bit helps.

[GasSavers_BEEF]

what about legal.

I bet the state inspection station is going to have a hay day with you on that setup.

[aalb1]

Originally Posted by BEEF

what about legal.

I bet the state inspection station is going to have a hay day with you on that setup.

How so? I can't think at all in my mind how this would not pass inspection... more so why the inspector even care?

[GasSavers_maximilian]

Originally Posted by aalb1

All I got is the power of positive thinking at this point but every little bit helps.

That's true enough. Hikers cut off tags from clothing and shorten toothbrush handles!

[aalb1]

Originally Posted by maximilian

That's true enough. Hikers cut off tags from clothing and shorten toothbrush handles!

Never heard that saying but I think I understand it.

[GasSavers_maximilian]

It's not a saying, they actually do stuff like that to trim all the weight they can. Hardcore.