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Remove "sharkfin" ?

Discussion in 'Prius c Audio and Electronics' started by Chetallica, Mar 3, 2020.

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  1. Chetallica

    Chetallica Junior Member

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    Not a fan of these "sharkfin" antenna and receivers on the roofs of modern cars. These seem to really throw off the flow of the body lines.
    That being said, I understand since metal types went MIA years ago, that something is needed on the exterior for radio, data and so on. But was wondering if there was a way to remove the "fin" and tuck in the receiver eqpt (not sure what is actually in the fin if not just wires) and fill over and seal the fin location (may just end up being some mounting holes??).
    Also, of course, do not want to mess up my radio reception and so on so that is a concern.

    Just wondering if anyone has attempted this :)
     
    #1 Chetallica, Mar 3, 2020
  2. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    You need some sort of antenna outside the metallic cabin. Unless you can mount something to a window, you have very limited choices. Some cars had an antenna embedded in the windshield, but Toyota did not do that for any Prius model.
     
    #2 Prodigyplace, Mar 3, 2020
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  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    So, then the answer is: NO.
    If you completely remove the sharkfin (radio antenna), your radio reception will suffer a LOT......and Sirius reception might fail completely.
     
    #3 sam spade 2, Mar 3, 2020
  4. Chetallica

    Chetallica Junior Member

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    Don't have Sirius so no biggy there and spin cd's way more than radio, but still would be a bummer to lose the radio completely. Thinking the cell phone reception might suffer too.

    Damn...I still might give it a try and see what happens! ;)
     
    #4 Chetallica, Mar 3, 2020
  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    It's a plastic pod that covers a little hole in the roof. Take it off, plug the hole against the weather and figure out alternate antennas for whatever signals you do care about.

    I haven't heard of anybody doing this in a c, but I don't think there's anything about the way those components are put together that makes it any different than any other Japanese car of the past 15 years. Pillar trim off, headliner down, antenna fasteners off, antenna off ??? to plug the hole and put it back together.
     
    #5 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Mar 3, 2020
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  6. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    What some people won't do for vanity.
    Amazing.
     
    #6 sam spade 2, Mar 3, 2020
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  7. Chetallica

    Chetallica Junior Member

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    This is a modification thread, correct? So are mods about "vanity" or making the appearance and performance of your car the way you want it and to enjoy it. Removing the fin, IMO, would improve the roof line to a cleaner flow without the "fin" sticking up like a sore, afterthought, thumb.

    If mods are "vanity", than everyone on this forum is guilty....;)
     
    #7 Chetallica, Mar 3, 2020
  8. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    In this case, the other definition of vanity likely applies - futility.
     
    #8 Prodigyplace, Mar 3, 2020
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  9. Chetallica

    Chetallica Junior Member

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    Cleaning up body lines? Not sure I buy that as futility either (useless mod...). if this mod was for no reason beyond just something to do; than I'm in on that.
    Cleaning up body lines is something that has happened on cars all the way back to lead sleds and hot rods. Sometimes a sacrifice needs to take place to achieve that goal. Good thing about a mod like this is if the radio reception and so on suffers greatly, the fin can simply be reinstalled, no harm no foul. If it works, the roof line looks super clean without that visual "interruption".
     
    #9 Chetallica, Mar 3, 2020
  10. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    The futility is to expect to be able to remove a functional part but have no loss in functionality. Removing the antenna will affect radio reception.
     
    #10 Prodigyplace, Mar 3, 2020
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  11. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    No, not mods in general......just THIS one.

    I think your perception of "improving the appearance" is unreasonable, especially given that it is highly likely to adversely affect the operation of your radio systems.......and if done improperly will leak water into the headliner.

    But it's your car; do whatever pleases you.
    You asked for advice and you get both good and bad.
    Live with it.
     
    #11 sam spade 2, Mar 4, 2020
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  12. Offline

    Offline Active Member

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    The shark-fin antenna on the Prius c One is at most used for AM/FM radio. It has nothing to do with using a cell phone. I suppose you could install an AM/FM antenna that sticks to the inside of your windshield but why bother. Most Toyota shark fin antennas contain circuit boards but those are for more than just AM/FM. There may be very little in the shark-fin on the base Prius c One.

    The idea of removing the shark-fin to improve the "flow of the body lines" of a Prius c seems particularly humorous as it's a rather ungainly design that has no "flow" to speak of - perhaps the most "butt-ugly" vehicle that Toyota ever sold. Maybe I should have said "that Toyota tried to sell" since not many were sold and it was replaced with a Corolla hybrid that costs about the same, is more powerful, more comfortable, has far better fuel economy and doesn't look like it fell off a turd truck.

    Yeah, just look at the beautiful "flow of the body lines" in this photo. :eek::eek::eek: It's an OK commuter car but certainly no work of art.

    Prius c horror.jpg
     
    #12 Offline, Mar 4, 2020
  13. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    And I thought my OEM antenna was boring.......................
     
    #13 Montgomery, Mar 4, 2020
  14. ImDBatty1

    ImDBatty1 New Member

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    it's not boring it's OEM...
    Offensive to Every Member... no? okay, I'll go!
     
    #14 ImDBatty1, Jul 8, 2020
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