Do you lose Reception with a shorty antenna? Why do you want a shorty instead of the standard one? I have often wondered these when this question was asked in the past. I hope I'm not hijacking your thread to much.
Do you lose Reception with a shorty antenna? Why do you want a shorty instead of the standard one? I have often wondered these when this question was asked in the past. I hope I'm not hijacking your thread to much.
Bill C.
Reception is just as good.
Many people have replaced them because they broke the long one. The shorty is very flexable.
Some just don't like that long whip antenna in the way.
Additional info please, will this be a direct replacment and if so how will I get the old one out and the new one in, I have done this on a car but the Spyder is a bit harder I think.
Additional info please, will this be a direct replacment and if so how will I get the old one out and the new one in, I have done this on a car but the Spyder is a bit harder I think.
Pull off your rubber boot. Unscrew the old antenna. Just screw in the right adaptor from the WalMart Antenna and then the antenna. You don't need the cable from the WalMart antenna. Your rubber boot will fit back on without mod. if you use soppy water.
I get great reception with the shorty antenna from a Toyota Prius. I think it looks a bit more professional than som eof the other ones out there. Also, it is stiff; not flexible, and I think the great reception has something to do with the wire that is wrapped around the outside. See my post on it here:
I got a short one from pep boys to use on my trip i put a rack on the back long antenna was in the way on my 0214 rts 7 mm open end wrench took off long antenna the boot fit right over with a little soapy water i do not use radio only a ipod for music will put longer one back on after rally i am going to in june but the radio did get same reception as with long antenna.
I got a short one from pep boys to use on my trip i put a rack on the back long antenna was in the way on my 0214 rts 7 mm open end wrench took off long antenna the boot fit right over with a little soapy water i do not use radio only a ipod for music will put longer one back on after rally i am going to in june but the radio did get same reception as with long antenna.
O.k. dumb question alert
When you took off your OEM Antenna, was it "lefty loosey?"
I am using a 7mm open end wrench and it is starting to strip the "nut." Before I really start to bear down on it, I thought I would verify. It may be that whoever (or whatever) tightened it at the factory, over did it...
Last edited by iSpyder; 05-21-2014 at 08:19 PM.
-iSpyder
2014 Spyder RTS - Cognac
2012 Spyder RTS - Blue (17,700 miles)
Current Mods: BRP Backrest
ISCI Hand Brake w/ cup holder
ISCI center screw RAM mount w/ universal holder
ISCI driver and passenger floorboards
FZ-1 fuse block
Powerlet 12-volt socket installed in front speaker grill
When you took off your OEM Antenna, was it "lefty loosey?"
I am using a 7mm open end wrench and it is starting to strip the "nut." Before I really start to bear down on it, I thought I would verify. It may be that whoever (or whatever) tightened it at the factory, over did it...
Mine striped and I had to remove the block and put it in a vice and remove it with vice grips. Got it done and I really like the walmart shorty ant better. Much easier to install the cover now.
Current: 2018 F3 Limited
Previous: 2011 RT with 622 Trailer
Mods:
F4 Customs 25" Windshield
F4 Customs Air Wings
Spyderpops Top Case/Seat Extender
TackForm Phone Mount
Lamonster Ram Ball Handlebar Mount
Show Chrome Passenger Armrests
When you took off your OEM Antenna, was it "lefty loosey?"
I am using a 7mm open end wrench and it is starting to strip the "nut." Before I really start to bear down on it, I thought I would verify. It may be that whoever (or whatever) tightened it at the factory, over did it...
Mine had the strongest loctite ever made. I had to bust the antenna off and tap the block for the new antenna. Well worth it though.
Same here. Mine snapped the screw off flush at the base. I put the brass block in a vise on my drill press and carefully drilled out the old screw base (very soft metal). Used a 13/64 bit and it left all the original threads in tact so I didn't have to tap new threads. Walmart Scosche (sp?) antenna came with an adapter that fit the block's threads perfectly. I opened up the boot a little by heating a large bolt and pushing it through the small hole in the boot. It fits the base of the WM antenna nicely.
How has this antenna worked for you? I got one at Auto Zone, works sort of OK was a bear to install as none of the adapters worked quite right.
"A Wise Man Once Said, I Should Ask My Wife."
2017 Champagne Metallic RT-S SE-6 Rivco Dual Flag Holders; Slingmods Highway Pegs; (Hate Them) Airhawk Seat Cushion; Show Chrome Black Touring Rack w/ Risers & Touring Windshield; RAM X Mount For TXTAG; TackForm Phone Mount; Lidlox; Magic Mirror Mounts; Guardian Bells; WOLO "Bad Boy" Air Horn; Dual USB Power Outlet With Voltmeter; 12V outlet for misc. stuff; Spyderpops Full View Mirror Turn Signals; Large Brake Pedal; Kott Grilles; Large Mud Flap; BajaRon 3 Piece Sway Bar, Last But Not Least, Kuhmo Rear Rire, Vedrestien Fronts.
2017 RT-S , Brake pedal extender is twice the size of the stock pedal. Champagne Metallic
Mine came off on the highway (including the rubber boot). I took the advice I got on this forum and went to Walmart. One of the two-sided screws fit perfectly. Had to use part of the plastic cover (with a rubber washer that I bought separately) because I didn't have the rubber boot. I think this actually looks better than stock. Not sure how the reception is. You can actually get some FM reception with NO antenna.
PS Make sure to use some blue Loctite.
Last edited by mpapatonis; 06-16-2014 at 09:48 AM.
Michael
You call it a midlife crisis. I call it all the things I wanted to do!
How has this antenna worked for you? I got one at Auto Zone, works sort of OK was a bear to install as none of the adapters worked quite right.
Easy install with adapters. I used the riser and one of the adapter screws for a direct fit to the spyder. Your OEM rubber boot will fit over the new antenna with the help of a little soapy water. Works great. I live in the mountains where reception is not always great. This antenna works as well or better then original.
Last edited by chisel_maker; 06-16-2014 at 09:49 AM.
Do you lose Reception with a shorty antenna? Why do you want a shorty instead of the standard one? I have often wondered these when this question was asked in the past. I hope I'm not hijacking your thread to much.
Bill C.
I got a shorty at Walmart as have some others Spyder Riders in may area and I have not lost reception. We ride in some real mountainous areas and shorty does as good as regular on my truck.
2015 RTSE, Red Pearl, Shorty Antenna, Chrome Rear Rack, Deer Whistles, BajaRon Anti-sway Bar
antenna yesterday. Hardest part was removing the old one. I attempted the 7mm wrench to no avail, landed up cutting the antenna as close to the base as I could and using a deep 3/8" drive 7mm and it was TIGHT, but did come loose. There was blue loc-tite applied from the factory and I reapplied some when I reinstalled. I really like the look, and reception seems to be the same so far.
I still think that Toyota makes a better looking antenna:
The Wal Mart one bends too easily (giving it a cheap look), and isn't as short as the Toyota one. I'm sure the Wal Mart one is better than dealing with the stock whip, but the Toyota antenna is more inconspicuous.
I still think that Toyota makes a better looking antenna:
The Wal Mart one bends too easily (giving it a cheap look), and isn't as short as the Toyota one. I'm sure the Wal Mart one is better than dealing with the stock whip, but the Toyota antenna is more inconspicuous.
Do you have a part number or link for the Toyota antenna?
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2007 M109R LE - To many MODS to list. Its cheaper that way!!!
WTB Shorty antenna
Originally Posted by ChrisW
Shortee
