How much FM reception loss with a short mast antennae???
 

I'm thinking about switching for cosmetic reasons, but not an option if I lose out on signal. I listen to FM about 90-95% of the time. What are the experiences of those that have made the switch to the short masts? Thanks, Kevin

Most local stations will still be fine. I had no issues with any stations I listened to when I cut mine, but now that I have gone to a hidden one I have lost a lot of stations. :(

I didn't lose any noticable reception when I switched to a shorty.

I cut mine to roof high and have not noticed any reduction in reception.

I have this: http://www.uprproducts.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=596

Reception is terrible, but it sure does look good. I put it on the day I got the car (12/04).
Just got to burn those mp3 CD's.

The best and cheapest way to go is to cut your stock antenna in half. That takes it from a 1/4 wavelength to a 1/8 wavelength of radio signals so there is no noticable lose.

I have a 14" shorty and get fine reception

I took my shorty antenna off of my Mystic (it's like 8" tall) and I Haven't lost the strong channels, but the weak ones don't come in as well, but if I dial it in I can still get it.

It has a radio, too?!!! :eek: I have nearly 900 mp3s to pick from. There can't possibly be something I want to listen to on the radio that I don't have on CD.

I have that one too!

I actually put mine on a drill motor and polished it with some Mothers to a mirror like shine, then put some clearcoat on it. :nice:

This is what Ive done in the past: Score a cheap replacement antenna at AZ or the j-yard, cut it in half and glue a new tip on the end. Put your orginial in the trunk under the carpet with a wrench. Around town the shorty is fine, if you travel, swap them out for the roadtrip. The best of both worlds.

Jason, is the little ball on top of the existing antenna easy to get off and put back on without damaging it? Or, because of the diameter change in the mast, does the existing ball no longer fit? K.

You have to "knock" the ball off and then grind down the "new" end of the antenna because it's larger.
There are several threads discussing how to do it, but I used a REALLY small closed end wrench and a hammer to get mine off. It's easy lose the ball once it comes off so I put a plastic bag around the end to catch it.

Instead of re-useing the ball just buy a small black vacume cap and glue it on. Looks great and no one will ever know the difference.

Thanks for all your help people.....much appreciated