This is probably a stupid question, and if its been covered, I am sorry...

I was just looking at the pics from SEMA, (and cursing cuz I couldnt be there), and noticed that no matter what car I liked, the antenna stuck out like a sore thumb.

Isnt there antennas integrated into the windshield, or some different kind of antenna these days? You would think that with all of our automotive advances, we could figure out how to fix that!

 

You DO NOT want one.
I have one, and it gets the range of a dead cell phone. Really. Thats why I went to Sat. Radio in the first place.

On mine- its here integrated into the rear window.

 

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?showtopic=7255

 

Thanks, twice GrantsDale! Darn, I guess I should have looked up there first, huh... Kind of like what it says under your avatar??? Ack!

 

April, do you get good reception with the sat radio? I rarely listen to the radio, but, when I do, I want to hear it, LOL

 

Sat. Radio is always on. I have lost signal in exactly four places-
MY MIL's House in CT. She lives around a ton of rock mountains, Chattanooga Tn around the bottom of Lookout mountain, some overpasses, and some bank drive throughs(and of course my garage if the doors closed). Othwerwise my friend Top Tracks and Ethel are always around to amuse me.
No fuzzouts or anything like tended to happen with FM.

The integrated antenna just has NO range. I live 15 miles south of Birmingham, and even had trouble getting the radio stations there. Fuggedabout it when I moved 60 miles from there.

 

Integrated ones tend to work well only on large side glass areas that are vertical. Lots of the LARGE suv's get this. The ones on the rear of the car are much more easilly blocked. I am sure they could figure something out, but it would not be economically feesable. The only 'stylish' inexpensive alternative would be to do a swept-back roof antenna, I dont know how well that would go down on the style of a mustang. I'm sure it was a 'lesser of the evils' that was debated quite a bit durring development. I think they got it as right as they could for the $. I think they should of gone roof-swept style on the 500 though.

 

I have integrated antennas on my Acura and Honda and have had no problems with reception at all. I can pick up stations 50-75 miles away in either car. I think Ford was just cost cutting by omitting this feature. Oh well,

 

I wouldn't mind have the power antenna on a Mustang if the space allows for it. More for the 'cool gadget' factor then anything else.

 

No big deal about the antenna for me, but it would have looked better on the rear 1/4 IMO

 

I also have the antenna integrated into the rear glass (Acura), and have no problems at all.

 

Ford skipped it on the antenna, honda skipped it under the hood.

 

I like this solution. I've used it on previous stangs and did not experience
any difference in radio reception.

http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/fcar/antenna1.htm

 

Looks good 05Satin GT, how low do you think you could go and still get good reception in a Metropolitan area?

 

Ford skipped it on the antenna, honda skipped it under the hood. [/b][/quote]
Actually, liter for liter, I would put a honda engine against a ford motor any day. My 2.0L makes 200hp naturally aspirated, although it is weak on torque. A TL V6 is 3.5 liters and makes 270 HP/238lb torque. The V6 in the mustang is 4.0 liters and puts out 210hp/240lb torque. Even with .5 liters less displacement, the TL makes 60hp more and almost the same torque. Now if honda would build a V8, that would be interesting.

 

Actually, the TL is 3.2 ltrs, not 3.5, the RL is 3.5 and makes 300 hp NA. I have an Acura 3.2 CL S, and these Acuras are nice, but they aren't Mustangs!

 

bryman,

You compliment the power on hondas yet your sig says:


in my opinion, you can't compare a V6 in a "high-end" car to a V6 car in an entry-level sports coupe. The Acuras will have better technology and refinement, but it comes with a price.

ANTENNAS

 

You are right about the displacement. I agree with you, I just meant to refute the claim that honda doesn't put money under the hood.

 

Yes, Galaxie, you are right, it is really not apples to apples to compare Mustangs and Acuras. My only point in bringing it up was that I have the antenna in my rear glass and the reception is fine.

I have a hard time believing that it would add that much cost to do this for Ford. I mean, my step mom's 81 Corolla (or whatever it was) had this technology

 

MOC1976 -- I usually cut down to an inch or two above the roof., exactly like the car in that article. Looks subtle but nice. Difference in reception around metro Philly area seems unchanged. Attached is a pic of my '99 Cobra with shortened antenna. It's hard to see because it dosen't tower above the roof.

The '05 looks like it comes from Ford with that funky twisted antenna. I am going to buy the older style straight antenna and have it cut and ready for my
car when it's delivered (Hopefully next week). I'll post pictures when complete.