Mod for stock whip antenna?

[TurqJeep]

Anyone changed the angle and/or fastened/clipped the stock whip antenna on their Jeep somehow?

My 15 minutes of searching threads didn't yield anything, so figured I would just ask.

Mostly wondering because it seems like a possible solution to 1) avoid much signal degradation with stubbies, and 2) avoid the back-and-forth whip so many folks hate.

I realize there would still be some signal degradation because you are functionally changing the height of the antenna though. Maybe it would require turning it to such a ridiculous angle I'm better off getting an only slightly smaller antenna instead. Haven't gone outside and measured.

The stubbies (different sizes, just using that term generally) do seem to come with signal loss where I am, btw.

Thanks for any thoughts y'all!

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[YJdude]

I like mine as is. It doubles as a clearance indicator. It also pulls stations quite well.
Now.. Get ready for all the incoming "my stubby antenna has ZERO signal loss" posts...

 

[jjvincent]

You could go get a whip antennae from a car that's longer and see if it helps your situation. Most use the same fitment.

 

[TX_Ovrlnd]

The antennae are cut to a specific length for a reason, anyone trying to argue how their stubby Amazon find is performing better than the stock is going to need to show me the VSWR reading. I use a stubby because I do not ever listen to the radio.

 

[swampflyer]

In all my jeeps I have used the oem antenna with no problems. They are tuned to the installed radio. Put an aftermarket nav/radio in my TDI and the installer tuned the antenna to the radio. That's one reason you get good reception at home. Sometimes it's the radio itself. But, just saying what the installer said. He knows more than I do. jm2cw.

 

[Reinen]

The whip isn't a problem so much as what it whips into. Give it some padding!

I got a 3/4" PVC pipe, capped an end and poured a small can of Plasti-Dip in it. Then I repeatedly dipped the antenna in it, giving it a nice thick coating. No signal degradation and if it whips into the windshield, no problem. It's completely coated with rubber padding.

My windshield frame is white, my antenna black. It does not leave scuff marks if the two make contact. I'd definitely see it if it does scuff.

 

[Headbarcode]

I went with a replacement mast from The Antenna Source. They are constructed from a higher grade spring stainless steel and are tapered, so the result is less whipping around. The longest they have is 31", which is a couple inches shorter than stock, but it still reaches above the roofline and serves as an early warning for low overheads. I also opted for the black version because there's otherwise no other bright metals on my Jeep.

 

[zw470]

I don't think it's an accident that the dimple for the antenna trim is the same size as the badge

 

[TurqJeep]

Thanks for the suggestions, y'all. Still not sure what I will end up doing, but these are some great and creative solutions. At a minimum I'll make the antenna black. Really cool idea to just put a badge on there too if not using the radio!

 

[Industrialwrench]

I don't think it's an accident that the dimple for the antenna trim is the same size as the badge

Best solution yet.

 

[XX4XEXX]

My Son heated the end ball up on his OEM and pulled it off cut it down and reattached the ball with solder. Worked like a charm.

 

[flyer92]

The antennae are cut to a specific length for a reason, anyone trying to argue how their stubby Amazon find is performing better than the stock is going to need to show me the VSWR reading. I use a stubby because I do not ever listen to the radio.

THIS.

Just because one's radio is still receiving OK with a shorter antennae, only means that they are well within the range of a radio tower. Reduced reception will become obvious as he/she transits further away from the tower, and will be noticeably worse as compared to the same config with a full-size antenna.

If you don't believe VSWR data, just compare the reception to a similar radio config with a full-size antenna. It's just common sense, but many people don't realize this because they daily-drive within range of a tower. And BTW...a longer whip doesn't necessarily help the situation because antennae are tuned to match the radios they are connected to.

For those who never stray far, this may not be a problem. However, it is worth noting for those who want the best possible reception at the farthest ranges while driving in the boonies, cross-country, etc. Hope this helps and happy Jeepin' all!

 

[jjvincent]

Back in the day before the intranets and auto parts stores everywhere, we just used coat hangers. For most, they are free and you can make it look really classy. Plus, if you leave it in the stock shape, you can hang things off of it. Think of it as a dual purpose antenna.

 

[flyer92]

I got a 3/4" PVC pipe, capped an end and poured a small can of Plasti-Dip in it. Then I repeatedly dipped the antenna in it, giving it a nice thick coating. No signal degradation and if it whips into the windshield, no problem. It's completely coated with rubber padding.

Did the same thing, but just used Plasti-Dip spray, which is much easier/quicker to apply and results in a more even coating. Highly recommend this solution, but the spray version is the way to go IMHO.

 

[Reinen]

Did the same thing, but just used Plasti-Dip spray, which is much easier/quicker to apply and results in a more even coating. Highly recommend this solution, but the spray version is the way to go IMHO.

Actually I started with the spray version. 80% of the can just went into the air and produced a very thin coating. The dip method puts a much heartier and smoother coating on.

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