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Shark fin poll

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by JAYSONE, Sep 9, 2012.

?

Which shark fin brand did you purchase?

  1. VG

    13 vote(s)
    40.6%

  2. Beat Sonic

    5 vote(s)
    15.6%

  3. Neither!

    14 vote(s)
    43.8%
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  1. BreitrthnU

    BreitrthnU Can you smell the premix?

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2012
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    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    It took me about a week to get my Fin. They shipped it priority.

    iPad ? HD
     
    #21 BreitrthnU, Sep 21, 2012
  2. Xaran

    Xaran Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2012
    95
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    23
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    A little less than 2 weeks
     
    #22 Xaran, Sep 22, 2012
  3. JAYSONE

    JAYSONE Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2012
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    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Thanks for the shipping info guys. (y)
     
    #23 JAYSONE, Sep 22, 2012
  4. JAYSONE

    JAYSONE Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2012
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    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Just wanted to follow up. Received and installed the VG fin.

    Fits right over the stock base so no worries about potential leakage issues.

    I may of been able to put it down just a little bit further but there was an emphasis in the instructions to not have the gasket touch any part of the base.

    Nonetheless, at least it "appears" straight and doesn't overhang onto the solar panel.

    As far as reception...I'll have to get back on that one. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1349199811.388745.jpg
     
    #24 JAYSONE, Oct 2, 2012
  5. Xaran

    Xaran Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2012
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    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    Looks good!
     
    #25 Xaran, Oct 2, 2012
  6. la9ers

    la9ers Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2012
    37
    15
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hello... I'm new to the forum and was interested in the shark fin for my two.... I notice my radio signal (am/fm) no so great. Would someone recommend a shark fin that would improve radio quality signal?

    thanks.
     
    #26 la9ers, Oct 2, 2012
  7. JAYSONE

    JAYSONE Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2012
    83
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    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    That miniscule front piece over the edge is bothering me; but it's my fault. :eek:
    I'm sure it could of gone back at 1/4" if not more. I emailed VG to see if I can get a replacement 3m adhesive for it just in case it I decide it is too much to handle (perfectionist persona in me)

    UPDATE>>> their response to my inquiry...
    "To replace the adhesive on the shark fin, you can purchase any of the adhesive strips meant for door trim at your local Auto parts store, or alternately, we can ship you a new die-cut adhesive for $8USD shipped"

    ;). I also inquired what effect the gasket touching the base would do if anything since they note not to allow it to touch.
    I don't know about improving the signal, I believe most changed it for the aesthetic appeal vs. performance improvement. There have been complaints with the VG making the signal worse, others have stated that there was no change; hoping to be a part of the latter. Apparently a YMMV, quoted directly from the site's FAQ...

    "Is VG Shark Fin Antenna functional and how does it compare to stock?
    Yes! The built in fractal antenna attaches directly to your antenna base and gives you normal reception for AM and FM radio. The reception is consistently better than any stubby antenna that we tested, and virtually unchanged within the city compared to the stock antenna. However, you might notice a drop in reception when further away from the source"

    Hopefully someone else can chime in on other options that suit your needs.
     
    #27 JAYSONE, Oct 2, 2012
    la9ers likes this.
  8. Xaran

    Xaran Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2012
    95
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    23
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
     
    #28 Xaran, Oct 3, 2012
  9. JAYSONE

    JAYSONE Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2012
    83
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    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Why did you have to remove it? Adhesive coming off?
     
    #29 JAYSONE, Oct 3, 2012
  10. Xaran

    Xaran Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2012
    95
    18
    23
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    V
    I rushed the initial install and it was about 1/8" crooked front to back, my wife and kids could not notice it but it bothered the crap out of me so I pulled it and re installed. Its been about 6 weeks now, adhesive gasket looks good to me, Ive run it through 4 car washes and it seems OK radio reception is as good as it was before
     
    #30 Xaran, Oct 4, 2012
    JAYSONE likes this.
  11. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2006
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    Location:
    Northern VA (NoVA)
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    We purchased the VG from the Prius Chat store years ago for our 2006 Prius.
    It is still holding on tight (no water etc) and it still looks great.
    There was some loss in signal strength of distant stations vs. the standard Prius antenna, which back then I believe was the PriusChat expectation. Today who knows if its the same story re: Prius radio design/VG design factors, but sounds like the Beat Sonic on my 2006 car might get me closer to the orig antenna signal strength.
     
    #31 wjtracy, Oct 4, 2012
  12. JAYSONE

    JAYSONE Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2012
    83
    9
    4
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I probably would of opted for the Beat Sonic if I didn't have the solar roof or they provided one that didn't overlap it.

    Speaking of water...the front of my fin is hanging a mm or two off the edge. At this spot the 3M tape isn't sealed down because of it. Think this will cause a problem with moisture getting inside of it over time and messing up the VG antenna? Argh
     
    #32 JAYSONE, Oct 5, 2012
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