Sharkfin Antenna

The verdict is out on reception (for many, including me, there haven't been any problems, some report noticably lowered performance). It probably depends on signal strength in your area. It's attached to the roof using 3M tape, and as such won't scratch. the tape is also extremely tough, and i don't know of anyone having problems with it coming off.

IMO, it's a worthwhile product. It just makes the car look a lot better, if nothing else.

 

I think where you live should be close enough to the stations that the smaller antenna will perform just fine. I always take my antenna off before I go through the car wash, except once I forgot it. Fortunately no damage.

 

Another option is a stubby antenna. I got one on ebay for around $10 with shipping. IMHO, it is also a cosmetic improvement over the whip antenna, and should do fine through a car wash. I have noticed no difference in fm reception in my area.

 

You guys go thru a car wash???

Oh...wait, I forgot...I'm in the south and it's never cold enough here to have to use a car wash... :lol: :lol:

 

If you do opt for a Shark fin you may want to put in a inexpensive satellite antenna under the shark fin at the same time even if you don't have satellite radio right now. There are other ways to do it, but this seems like a great way to go.

 

I'm very happy with my sharkfin. Rather than lose reception, it has better AM than our other two cars, which have conventional full size whips. FM seems OK too. Installation took me maybe 5 minutes, I just cleaned the roof with alcohol, visually lined it up, and stuck it on. I re-waxed the surrounding roof area, as well as the fin. Its been thru carwash a few times, no problems. In my 500 miles a week commute, I see lots of Prius, but never see another sharkfin, except on beemers.

 

I am also in orange county and while the sharkfin looks 100% better than stock, the reception is definitely worse. I can no longer even get KCRW from Santa Monica...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(smcracraft @ Oct 13 2006, 11:19 AM) [snapback]332259[/snapback]</div>

I installed the sharkfin antenna. It was an easy install, no scratching of the car. Be aware though that it does attach with adhesive than can be a challenge to get off if you put the thing on backwards and have to re-do it! I have not appreciated any significant difference in reception with the sharkfin vs. the standard antenna. And besides, I think the sharkfin just looks better!

 

You do know that the factory antenna can be unscrewed and removed in about 2 seconds, right? If you are only concerned about car wash damage just taking it off seems like a much more cost effective option. Or you could just admit that you want the sharkfin because it looks wicked cool.

 

I bought one to match my color and don't know if it makes any difference in the reception. It does look cool though. I never listen to the radio... I'm an Ipod type of guy. It sticks on with 3M tape so no scratches but I wouldn't want to remove it now that it's on. Satellite radio antenna underneath is a good idea.
-Paul R. Haller-

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cheap! @ Oct 13 2006, 10:45 AM) [snapback]332358[/snapback]</div>

What would one do to prepare for future XM use? Does this involve putting the XM antenna under the shark fin and actually running wire through the headliner?

thanks

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 14 2006, 01:48 AM) [snapback]332647[/snapback]</div>

FWIW my Matrix has the same factory whip antenna as the Prius and has been through brush carwashes with no problems.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bohous @ Oct 14 2006, 08:46 PM) [snapback]332878[/snapback]</div>

I have a question abut the Sharlfin antenna. If I order it, go to the trouble of installing it, then have serious reception issues with FM stations, would I be able to remove the Sharkfin and re-install the factory whip? Please advise. All posts about installing the Sharkfin make it sound very simple and easy, however, I never have heard anyone mention going back to the original antenna, in the event the Sharkfin just didn't work out.

 

I recall that one or two took the sharkfin off. I don't remember who or how, exactly, but it has been done. But judging from your location, you shouldn't have any reception problems.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Truffles @ Oct 14 2006, 10:53 AM) [snapback]332766[/snapback]</div>

Thought I'd bump this to the top to see if anyone has any suggestions. I'll ordering a Sharkfin now.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Truffles @ Oct 20 2006, 07:42 PM) [snapback]335998[/snapback]</div>

I ordered one sept 4th. Has not showed up yet. I emailed 2-3 time and no response. I wonder if getting a shark fin for a BMW, Audi or something else would work better? Plus the reports on this were not to good.

 

Not to confuse science with good looks, but an antenna is the size it is because of physical laws that relate its length to the wavelength of the signal it is intended to receive. Radio waves are the longest subset of all electromagnetic waves. AM antennas are longer than FM antennas for this reason.

Short antennas, like the shark fin, are inherently less efficient than antennas specifically designed for the band used. This matters in weak signal areas, but those of us around LA will be in signal areas so strong that you can receive them with a wet toothpick.