Anyone replace the stock antenna on an F3-T or Limited?

[Pikester]

If yes, what’s the secret in removing the stock antenna? I bought the stubby one from Lamonster, to fit under the IPS rack, also from Lamonster, and the directions say to twist to remove. It says it will be tight because of threadlock, but for the life of me, I can’t get that stinking thing off.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

If yes, what’s the secret in removing the stock antenna? I bought the stubby one from Lamonster, to fit under the IPS rack, also from Lamonster, and the directions say to twist to remove. It says it will be tight because of threadlock, but for the life of me, I can’t get that stinking thing off.

Try using a 7mm deep socket.... slide it over the entire antennae .... use a pair of vice-grips on the socket....turn it counter-clockwise..... Mike

 

[Pikester]

Try using a 7mm deep socket.... slide it over the entire antennae .... use a pair of vice-grips on the socket....turn it counter-clockwise..... Mike

Thanks Mike, I’ll give that a try.

 

[wmjweber45]

I replaced mine with a stubby so I can get the cover on easier. I don't recall any problem with the change, but it was a few years ago.

 

[Pikester]

I used Mike’s method, but I used a 10mm socket. It ended up twisting the antenna in half, so I used needle nose pliers and I had to clamp them to the very bottom to break it loose. That thing was tough!

 

[Mikey]

Got to love Loctite!! Clean the threads in the hole if you can with a tap and don't put it back together with the darn stuff, it will work better!

 

[troop]

Was the reception any better?

 

[WRCLVR]

Me 2! I want to know if reception was better or worse after putting on the stubby?

On my Evo8 MR, I placed a 3-inch stubby on the roof in the factory location rather than the 14-inch factory whip and lost most of the reception. Went back 1 week later and used the factory whip and all was restored.

 

[blacklightning]

Was the reception any better?

I replaced the one on my 2016 F3L with the stubby. It was about the same, or probably worse. Definitely not better.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Many years ago my OEM antennae broke ..... ( the Stubby wasn't available yet ) ... so I tried a Bosche manual retractable Auto antennae.... my reception increased by 400% ... This was on my 14 RT which isn't an F-3, so this option may not work for you .... good luck ....Mike :thumbup:

 

[Rxb6199]

Used pliers and it came right off

 

[jchadwi]

If yes, what’s the secret in removing the stock antenna? I bought the stubby one from Lamonster, to fit under the IPS rack, also from Lamonster, and the directions say to twist to remove. It says it will be tight because of threadlock, but for the life of me, I can’t get that stinking thing off.

I just changed mine out for a stubby antenna. I had to use vise grips to unscrew the stud, and yes, the loctite sure made it tough.

 

[Deanna777]

No.

I have a 2023 F3 LTD Special Series.

Deanna

 

[YIRYDE]

Here is a video from Lamont, https://www.lamonstergarage.com/show-chrome-short-spiral-antenna-can-am-spyder/