Antenna replacement? Suggestions?

[SlowPro48]

Yeah I used Plastidip on the mast a couple years ago. Wrapped the disintegrating rubber part tightly with 12 lb test monofiliment to hold everything together and then dipped three coats. Worked great.

Not sure I'd do that with the base though. If I go to the trouble of R&R-ing the base - even if Dub's right and you don't have to completely remove the headliner, (and I'm sure he is) I'd want to replace with something new.

On the other hand if there's no reasonably priced alternative, PlastiDip to the rescue! Wonder if you could make a mold and create a new base plinth entirely out of PlastiDip...?

Really, does it matter what it looks like? How many people are tall enough to see it anyway? I say the h3ll with the truckers - cut a base plinth out of marine plywood, and paint it black!

[samneil2000]

That's correct. My radio wouldn't tune in a station for crap and I remembered something about the factory antenna being "powered" and that it could go out. I went to Auto Zone and bought a short flexible antenna with base and mounted it up on the roof. I think it was a tight fit and I had to fight it a bit. I'm sure the guys with the more pristine VX's would want a better match to factory.
Anyways, Dub is right. All I did was remove the rear plastic panel and could reach it easily while standing on the back of the VX.

Oh yeah, and it does tune in stations better now to boot.

I'm not 100% sure on that...

I think it might be possible to reach with just the rear ceiling panel removed, & the H-L held down just enough...

[Ldub]

even if Dub's right and you don't have to completely remove the headliner, (and I'm sure he is)

Wish I shared your confidence...

You may have noticed, I tried to leave myself some wiggle room when I included sentences like "I think it might be possible"...

If I was going to repair the base, I'd go with several coats of JBweld epoxy.

The stuff in the tube(s) is pretty much self leveling, & it's sandable & paintable.

I fixed a cracked banjo fitting (fuel injection) on Suzy several years ago in Moab, & haven't had a problem since... (where's the "knock wood" smilie when you need it)

I didn't even add a reinforcement layer, though if I were to take a "do over", I would wrap it in kevlar fishing line.
You could incorporate a layer of fiberglass cloth in the process, to repair the base.

[mhill]

This is an ebony from Idaho I saw in Phoenix AZ during a spring training game. Don't know if it is someone on here, VIN 0392. Could just seal up the original hole and go this route.

[samneil2000]

This is an ebony from Idaho I saw in Phoenix AZ during a spring training game. Don't know if it is someone on here, VIN 0392. Could just seal up the original hole and go this route.

That's so weird!

[Ldub]

Could just seal up the original hole and go this route.

That's so weird!

Apparently, the air bag dun't wurk so gud niether...

[SlowPro48]

Haha! That looks like one of those Chinese air bags - you know - the feather-filled ones you can buy at Walmart in the linen section - you just throw 'em on the dash right before you crash! I bet the owner had to relocate the antenna because of frequent roof top carrier use. Check the reflection on the windshield. Either that or there is a UFO hovering over this VX....

[Ldub]

Check the reflection on the windshield. Either that or there is a UFO hovering over this VX....

That's the soul & pillow sucking mother ship...

I know, cuz my 2nd wife was on board.

[CowboyErik]

How do you fix the POOR AM radio reception on VX? my 1999 barely picks up anything

[JAMAS]

How do you fix the POOR AM radio reception on VX? my 1999 barely picks up anything

Howdy Cincinnati neighbor. What are you listening to on AM? 700 WLW?

[jdm monkey]

This is an ebony from Idaho I saw in Phoenix AZ during a spring training game. Don't know if it is someone on here, VIN 0392. Could just seal up the original hole and go this route.

Noooo!!! it messes up the smooth lines of the VX.
I used to sell replacement antennas but I ran out and the manufacturer is not making them anymore

[vxcp]

Could just seal up the original hole and go this route.

Suggestions on antenna removal / what to seal the original hole up with? I plan to eliminate my antenna. Removed AM/FM radio and just have Iphone now.

[nfpgasmask]

Someone was selling these little stick antennas a long time ago. I replaced mine.



I'm pretty sure I still have my original.

Bart

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

Back when I had my Pioneer AVIC-N4 installed, I mounted the sat. antenna next to the the VX radio antenna and ran the wire through the base. I noticed during that time that my base was pretty dry-rotted. I removed it and coated it (thinly) with black RTV and after drying re-installed it. I haven't looked lately but I'm pretty sure it has held up over time.

NOW I'm going to HAVE to LOOK....thanks alot guys...lol.

[jdm monkey]

Someone was selling these little stick antennas a long time ago. I replaced mine.



I'm pretty sure I still have my original.

Bart

That was me and its back ordered.