I need a shorter antenna - Diesel Forum

Jerry Miller · 10-05-2009, 11:39 PM

The good news.....my truck fits in my garage....barely.
The bad news....my antenna is about 2" taller than the garage door opening. It seems to be flexing enough that it isn't bending, etc. but I'd really rather not keep scraping the antenna end. One day it might catch. Anyway, does anyone have any leads on a good brand that has good reception and looks good. I would prefer a stock looking antenna if possible, just shorter, but still tuned to work properly. Oh yeah, this is for a 2010 F250.
Jerry

wbarrett56 · 10-06-2009, 09:40 AM

I have shortened the antenna on my F250 to fit in the garage. It is actually pretty easy to do.

Remove the antenna. Put a piece of terry cloth over the ball at the top to protect it and use a pair of vise grips to pull the ball off. You may have to twist it to get it to pop off but it will pop off.

Cut off the few inches you need removed to clear the door jam.

Then you can put a drop of epoxy on the end of the antenna and tap the ball back on.

I barked up my ball slightly and just used a black Sharpie to hide the brass that showed through when I tapped the ball back on.

I have not noticed any loss of signal from shortening the antenna. I did have terrible reception when I tried using a 9 inch "stubby" rubber antenna though.

Jerry Miller · 10-06-2009, 10:11 AM

Thanks for the info. I think I'll do that. I was looking at the stubby antennas that are solid stainless steel but I think that might be too stout. Iff it did get bumped it might break my antenna base in the cowl. At least a shortened stock antenna will flex. I guess I can use a drop of Red Loctite to secure the ball back. That crap holds pretty well.
Thanks,
Jerry

F450Mikey · 10-06-2009, 05:37 PM

Check this out...

9-Inch Billet Antenna

wbarrett56 · 10-08-2009, 02:35 PM

One thing to be aware of that I learmed the hard way....

Salt-air and aluminum stubby antennas are a bad combination. I had one on my old F150 and after a few years I went to take it out and it was a corroded mess. Had to replace the antenna mount.

Went back to the factory style whip and that is when I found the trick to shortening it so it did not look shortened.

Bill

Jerry Miller · 10-08-2009, 03:43 PM

Another thing I worry about with the stiff shorty antennas is people that see them and purposefully bend them, which with some will mess up the cowl area of the trucK! So I think I'll stick with the stocker but shorter. Thanks again guys! I appreciate the info and suggestions. I do like the look of those stubbies, but I think I'll pass.
Jerry