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2G Recommendations for Power Antenna for GST Spyder 99

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ipWitan

Proven Member
54
16
May 31, 2022
MARBLEHEAD, Massachusetts
The power antenna doesn't go up or down. With a new stereo install, there appears to mass static and I found one station. I don't really know whether the head unit is connected properly, either. I imagine the installer will blame the old antenna. The old deck did get stations, however. Anyhow, having an antenna that goes up and down fully would be nice.

My research suggests some option. One article talked about putting the antenna in the car so it doesn't go up or down and is always hidden. Does such a thing exist..and work?
Happy to hear suggestions before I start taking things apart.

 
There are several options you can consider:
A) replace your power antenna so it works (probably the nylon cord is broken - very common)

B) buy an internal antenna. These attach to the interior (dash, windshield, rear deck) and are a decent antenna. They just need to be unobstructed. Search Amazon for "car hidden antenna".

C) modify and fabricate. You could get a small mounted stubby antenna like what's on most newer cars and mount it to your car. Should be a simple deal (drill a hole for the antenna wire and perhaps for mounting). Could be a PITA due to roof liner and rust if you don't seal it right, but it's an option. Not the one I would take... but an option.
 
Yes I finally gave up on my power antenna as it always gets stuck forever sooner or later (had car 23 yrs now). Trying to be clever I even put in a switch to keep it up until car washes. But even that failed eventually. So I finally went fixed and never happier with never a failure. Of course in Mn we get a lot of rain/snow and cold weather which does a number on everyone's power antennas (hint: no one's works on any car up here except the windshield integrated ones but they aren't as sensitive).
 
Yes I finally gave up on my power antenna as it always gets stuck forever sooner or later (had car 23 yrs now). Trying to be clever I even put in a switch to keep it up until car washes. But even that failed eventually. So I finally went fixed and never happier with never a failure. Of course in Mn we get a lot of rain/snow and cold weather which does a number on everyone's power antennas (hint: no one's works on any car up here except the windshield integrated ones but they aren't as sensitive).
Really?? I've almost never had a reception problem with the old school antennas up here in Canada. The power ones are garbage ya but the fixed ones are just as reliable as the modern ones.....I even own a mk4 vw and it works LOL (dub guys will know what I'm talking about)
 
The car is in NE, but I don't intend to drive it much in the winter. It has never seen snow as I just brought it up to NE 3 months ago. Although I am curious how it handles in the snow...my guess is very badly.

The current state of the antenna is that it is about 6 inches up, bent slightly, and doesn't move. *is it me or do all my posts sound xxx rated. In any event, with the radio on and while hearing noises from the motor, I forced it up. It now stays up and the reception is pretty good. From what I see, I now have a functioning non-powered antenna.

Fixing the internal cord is not really an option now since it is actually bent at the top. If I was to replace, my preferences would be to install a powered hidden antenna. However, I haven't found enough information that suggests that sort of antenna (1) works better than the current stock one, (2) information about where to install it that perhaps would improve reception to be at least as good as the stock one.

I was wondering if it would operate well in the trunk itself (instead of by the dash and head unit), essentially just connecting all wires that plug into the existing power antenna and mounting the new antenna somewhere on the side panel of the trunk. I don't really feel like spending all the time and money to buy one only to have it not work well. I suppose *when the current one breaks off, I will be forced to address it.

Thanks everyone for your input.
 
First hand experience here. Our Spyder had the same, common antenna problem. Although we had a fixed antenna removed from *Race Car*, we opted to replace the nylon cord inside the antenna assembly since we could hear the motor run too. The nylon cord comes with the new antenna shaft attached.

Except for getting the cover over the coiled nylon cord, it went smoothly and quickly. We did add a hidden switch that disables the antenna when listening to streaming music or CDs. most of the time the antenna is down, but it is needed to get radio reception, which it does fairly well. We keep it waxed with dry silicone, so it doesn't bind and overwork the motor.

If you remove your current antenna and don't replace it with another one, or a body plug, you will have water getting into the trunk.
 
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