Last Word on Antenna Masts

Hi. I need to replace the screw on antenna mast on top of the roof. While searching I find many parts houses pointing me toward what look like generic radio antenna's that you would mount on the fender of you 1969 Ford Fairlane back in the day. Cost about $6-$20. Or I go to a Toyota dealer and pay some $80 for the correct mast.

Is there a phrase I'm not using when looking online for this antenna mast? Or IS $75 the best I can hope to pay for the mast that was stolen?

Thanks.

 

Hey DF. That looks like it. Most of the ads I have seen look like the old near yard long single piece of metal fender mount antennas that cars had in the 60's. Cool. Hope I hear a bit more tho as yours is the first clearish thing I've found on Priuschat or in general googling for this.

Thanks!

BTW what mix is that pup? The expression is very human.. Intelligent. Don't think I want to leave the car keys out at night with THAT one in the house.

:]

 

Thanks. I've read about the Shark Fin. When my mast was stolen I chose to go with XM.. and am relatively happy with it wonder of wonders. But recently I realized I'm going to have to buy an antenna b4 I sell the car some year, so I might as well pay for it now and be able to get my traffic from the stations that have it. Which, like most, are out of range if you don't have an antenna mast on board. My Prius is stock: I'm well past the years where I try to stand out save for an extra clean car. MAYBE a pair of Aeron chairs in front if I could figure out how to wedge them in there. Nothing more.

back on track: need ant mast. wish to spend $10. Do not wish to buy on ebay. Will keep searching. But thanks dude.

 

Right. Up to 2009. But thanks for pointing out how poorly I've searched. I used to know how to do this.

Would you care to share your search wording, but modified for 2010 year model? Because I've come back with useless results even pages in.

 

Well that's part of my point. We're half way to 2012. I own a car that's been out for 2 years now. One would think the parts people would have either extended the date from 2009 on the antenna's the currently have or they would have another mast front and center. Neither is the case.

Thus looking here for a bit of feedback from anyone else who might have lost their mast. If I'm the first I'll be sure to fill in the 'Rate this vendor' thing after buying it. <g>

 

Hi MD.
Your link is exactly what I'm talking about. They show an antenna that does NOT appear to be the standard Prius antenna. Does anyone have a fender mounted antenna? And doesn't our antenna mast screw into the larger base unit itself on the sail panel(?) just above the rear hatch? The drawing shows this product screwing into it's own small base.

When I call the dealers they want around $75 I think: it's been a while. One doesn't normally save 80% just by going non OEM. So I've presumed it's a different part in question.

And I'm here trying to determine that. Has anyone purchased a replacement antenna mast for their 2010 Prius ( with NAV if that makes a difference ) ? If so could you share the price and what type of store you bought it from?

 

Sounds good Bill. Any idea when your Shark Fin is coming in? Could you send me a quick digital pic to make sure we have the same antenna? As well as price on it?

I would still like to track this answer down tho: The mast that the part dealers keep showing fender mounted long antenna for a 2010 Prius really bugs me.

 

That's true Exbauer. I may do so if nothing comes of this post. Actually Bill may have one for sale. I'm still looking the logic behind parts dealers selling fender antennas tho.... I'll give it 2 or 3 days.

If it's come up once, a problem like this probably will come up again with another part on the vehicle. Figuring out why now will aid me ( possibly others ) down the line.

 

THANKS for the kind offer Bill, but I think I'll leave it for someone else to scarf up. Or you might wish to consider keeping it until you see how well the Shark Fin works ??

As third parties do not make this mast yet I'm headed to a local dealer to get one now. The 'Comedy Channels' commercials are killing me. :der:

 

Welcome Tolick!

Well, I just gave up. Called the reference Dogfriend had given... no such part. Tried a couple others via google: no go. Then tried NAPA auto parts: they are big here in the SF / Bay area. No go. Their feeling is that Toyota is probably the only place to go for this part for now. Apparently the required 'need' on the street just isn't there yet for third party manufacturers to get involved yet.

So short of a friend who has one for you it looks like the dealer is our best friend, Tolick. Happy Hunting.

:croc:

 

FOR anyone looking for this part the story now concludes. I asked my dealer to replace it when in for the 15K service. The service writer thought it would run $35 and wrote it up that way.

Well, they did not have it in stock ( I waited for the service ) but they were able to correct the price.

$108 + tax.

And nobody is making them yet save Toyota.

The service writer indicates that the mast is used by the phone as well, tho I noticed no drop in cell phone connectivity during the months my mast was missing. It was a lot of money, but having FM back is worth it.

Let's hope someone gets a third party alternative out there soon.

Paul