Mangowalk 7" Rubber Antenna Mast

[workmeistr]

Here's a cheap and respectable 7" antenna alternative. It is a matte dark grey that matches the wing and cladding nicely. It is flexible and without fancy tips or grooves/ridges.

URL: http://stores.ebay.com/Mangowalk-Inc
Link: Short Antenna Black
Link: Mangowalk 7" Rubber Antenna Mast - Black (narrower base of the two 7" antennas listed)

The antenna comes with the 5mm male and 6mm male adapters. Previous threads had indicated that all VX's have a 6mm receptacle, mine is definitely 5mm.

Your total is:
$8.95 per item
$1.65 insurance (optional)
$4.99 shipping/handling
-----
$13.94 = Total

I rate the antenna an 8 out of 10 for gain against the stock antenna. I purposely loaded a few fringe FM stations to see the degradation. It was minimal, at least as far as I can tell just by the audio strength.

[VX crazy]

great, thanks for posting this, my stock antenna is falling apart....do you have to remove the inside piece to get to the inside of the antenna mount?

[VX crazy]

You just unscrew the old antenna and screw in the new one - the simplest mod possible!

Thanks for the post workmeistr!

So how do you replace the part that is mounted to the roof if it is cracking and falling apart? I know that antenna portion screws into the part mounted on the roof....

[johnnyapollo]

From what I remember the VX antenna is the same as one made for the 1987-2003 Volkswagen Jetta (may not be that specific model but if you know anyone who has a VW you can try to swap to see if they fit). If so, you can pick up any of many replacements on eBay for less than $10 shipped.

-- John

[ZEUS]

So how do you replace the part that is mounted to the roof if it is cracking and falling apart? I know that antenna portion screws into the part mounted on the roof....

OH! Well, the part that mounts to the roof is held on by a nut with sharp teeth accessible from under the headliner. You have to carefully pop off the "vented" plastic piece that secures the headliner, then you'll see the wires to the 3rd brake light and the FM antenna. Unplug the antenna mount from the inside and unscrew that nut with the teeth... no, don't use YOUR teeth... Reassemble!

[workmeistr]

Be care on the Volkswagen antennas, though, as I think they're 6mm. I guess many VX's have the 6mm female, but mine was definately 5mm and it does't look like the roof-mounted base had been altered.

This antenna, and many other after-market, non-vehicle specific ones, have multiple adapters.

[r6boater]

From what I remember the VX antenna is the same as one made for the 1987-2003 Volkswagen Jetta (may not be that specific model but if you know anyone who has a VW you can try to swap to see if they fit). If so, you can pick up any of many replacements on eBay for less than $10 shipped.

-- John

Fuba is the brand on the VW's. As an owner of an '03 Jetta, I've learned that S2000, Mitsu Evo, and a couple other brands run the same base. If you check the vwvortex.com, they usually have some different brands, styles for sale under the MKIV classifieds. You can also look at ECS tuning, they sell shorty ants for the VW's

[Joe Isuzu]

Hey workmeistr,

I rate the antenna an 8 out of 10 for gain against the stock antenna. I purposely loaded a few fringe FM stations to see the degradation. It was minimal, at least as far as I can tell just by the audio strength.

Maybe it's early in the morning, but could you clarify your statement? Are you saying this antenna is 80% better than OEM or only 80% as good? I'm asking as I can't figure out if this post is dealing with a REPLACEMENT part for people who's antenna is in need of replacement or if you're telling us this because this antenna is an IMPROVEMENT over the OEM one.
Thanks!

[So-CalVX]

hey Bren... what are ur rear head rests from? a trooper?
and how well do they match the seats?
i jus noticed them looking through ur back window there... (in the picture dood... I'm still in VTA )

[workmeistr]

Joe Isuzu,
Yep, kinda' sloppy on my part: 80% as good as stock.

So-CalVX
Head rests from most older Rodeos (More years than just the '95.5-'97 Rodeos that share the VX dashboard) will work in the back of the VX.
I painted (I think all Rodeo interiors back then were grey) the headrests gloss black with vinyl/flexible "panel" paint from Autozone. They do improve rear visibility, at least psychologically, as you can see out the lower corners of the rear windows, on either side of the spare hump. I think it helps with the blind spot.

[So-CalVX]

Ah yes. Thanks for the info. When I have my seats in, I jus take the headrests out and/or lay the seats flat. But that's good to know. Thanks

[jdm monkey]

You should try my antennas they're 10/10 seriously. A few people bought it without complains of weak reception.
My antennas are made by Receptec (now owned by Laird) they are the makers of satellite antennas for Ford motor comp.
They're $20 currently but it can go down if there's a group buy...