Sharkfin Antenna

Hi ,

I just purchased on through Prius Chat, Seaside Blue, pefect color match. I bought it strcitly for appearance. There is no difference in reception. I still get all the channels I had before.

 

Another advantage is that if you have your (small) satellite radio antenna in the back, it's possible to hide it under the Sharkfin.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nginoza @ Aug 14 2007, 12:37 AM) [snapback]495217[/snapback]</div>

How does it attach, and is there any problem with going through a carwash?

Richard

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(richard123 @ Aug 14 2007, 09:09 AM) [snapback]495372[/snapback]</div>

You can take a look at http://www.evnut.com/prius_antenna.htm to see how Darell installed his.

 

We replaced ours after "someone" backed out of the garage when the door was partially closed. It would have cost approximately $200. to replace the original, so we went with the $65. Sharkfin. Going through the car wash is great, you don' t need to remove it like the stock antenna. It also works better with our luggage rack. Downside is that reception is considerably worse.

PA P

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Rufio24 @ Aug 14 2007, 12:10 AM) [snapback]495207[/snapback]</div>

The "cool" factor trumps all! ++++

Hides Sat. antenna and cable ++

AM reception --

FM reception -

 

I see them on the newer BMWs just tink of it as your coping them..

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ Aug 14 2007, 12:16 PM) [snapback]495378[/snapback]</div>

Thank you ver much, that was extremely helpfull.

Richard

 

How can I test whether my reception will still be acceptable with the sharkfin? I've simply removed the whip antenna and I got horrible reception. Just wondering if that's a reasonable test.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(skg @ Aug 18 2007, 10:57 AM) [snapback]498318[/snapback]</div>

No, that is not a reasonable test. It will be better than without the whip antenna. Today is a beautiful day for a drive. Take a little trip to Akron, PA and you can compare my Sharkfin with your stock antenna!

PA P

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(skg @ Aug 18 2007, 07:57 AM) [snapback]498318[/snapback]</div>

I just taped the shark fin on and drove around, to compare with the stock one. I saw no loss of reception in the fringe area N/W of LA that I live, and went ahead with the install. Just screw in the wire, and use some masking tape to temporarily try it, if you have worries. It actually out performs the stock mast type antennas on our other two cars. B)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(skg @ Aug 18 2007, 07:57 AM) [snapback]498318[/snapback]</div>

My wife suggested that if you're in a Prius club and someone has an sharkfin antenna, ask if you can listen to your stations. While it's similar to what PA Prius suggested, this way you can see what it would be like where you live.

 

Thanks for your advices!! I don't know anyone driving a prius around where I live... (in fact I haven't seen Prius w/ sharkfin around here...) If anyone on this forum is from the New York metro/north Jersey area with a sharkfin, please let me know your reception of the following stations:
FM100.3
FM93.9
AM1010

Thanks!!

 

Cyclone - How did you route the cable for the satellite antenna? I just got a Sirius radio and am debating the best way to install the antenna... your solution seems ideal!

Mike

 

Just for info, I personally would not put my Sirius antenna under the sharkfin. Although it would "clean up" the back nicely, I am on my 3rd antenna and would hate to peel off the Fin to change it out again. Im not sure what antenna's you guys have , but i changed to a sirius ready Kenwood stereo and the kenwood antenna. I dont know if its car washes or what that hurt the first 2. So far the 3rd one has been ok for over a year, (knock on plastic) so maybe the first 2 were just defective. the one i have looks like a small rounded over hockey puck. Id show you but i cant figure out how you guys can post big pictures on here.

 

This will show you how to instal it.. Darell's Electric Vehicle Page
Click on the prius hybrid in the bottom left then click on MODS and find the one about the shark fin. He shows all sorts of pictures. I know Darell is on here somewhere but I don't know his PC screen name...

I am getting one but will wait till it gets warmer so I can install it.

 

after in installed my sharkfin my reception got stronger. this is for real..

what i did is, don't let the sharkfin touches the black body antenna base