Newbie - sharkfin question

[scnzzz]

Hey all, I'm a newbie to this forum, and have lurked for a few days checking out some of the threads - particularly on the various mods that people have on their MS6's.

So I just bought my MS6 GT last weekend - Titanium Grey over black. Love it, love it, love it. It's a worthy replacement for my '96 Prelude VTEC (baby on the way, needed four doors)!

Pictures to follow - bone stock right now. The rain has the car all spotty, but hopefully that will change this weekend!

My (dumb) question is this - I keep seeing the Sharkfin antenna as a mod that people have - I thought that was only available if you bought the satellite radio option. I have the floppy antenna (no Sirius) - can this be replaced with a Sharkfin antenna, and if so, how/where would I go about doing this?

Sorry if this has already been a subject of a thread - I've poked around a bit without much luck. Would appreciate any pointers!

Cheers

 

[evo'skickass]

i have the same question and thought it would be stupid to make a new thread about it so i'l ask it in here as well. can anyone help us?

oh and welcome to the forums.

 

[patmaz]

search for the rpm store on the net,its a replacement antenna,wich is the shark fin,that you simply stick on the car,functionnal,good looking,not expensive,around 80$ painted last summer...


look in the member s list,type RPM. he is the seller!

 

[patmaz]

here you go!!!

http://www.therpmstore.com/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=253

 

[scnzzz]

Thanks patmaz! Much appreciated.

 

[Shagate]

The shark fin is a direct replacement for the "whip" antenna on our cars, it has nothing to do with the Sirius option.

On a side note the whip will "beat" your car when you start approaching 140, which will scare the pants off you. If you like to drive fast, you'll definitely want to replace it.

Some of the other members complained of lower reception using the shark fin. Since I don't own one I can't comment, but it looks like a 50/50 split between the members.

I did replace mine with the CX-7 stubby antenna, which fit perfectly and had no loss of reception.

My advice is you do a little research on the forums here before deciding which route you choose. If you live up in the mountians a (possible) loss of reception may have a bigger impact than if you live in the city near a tower.

Again, I don't have one so I'm going on speculation. My 2 cents though.

 

[MS6 - FNG]

I too have been considering the Shark Fin antenna from RPM. When I look at the stock antenna mounting position, it seems to me that there will not be much room behind the antenna mount point for the sharkfin.

Any MS6 owners that have bought and installed the RPM Shark Fin?? Any problems with fitment??

 

[AWmustang]

Helped my roomate install one on his Speed 6... looks awesome... looks stock actually. No noticeable reduction in reception. Most of the Shark fin ends up in front of the antenna mount point. I'll try to grab some pictures soon.

I liked it so much I put one on my CX-7. Also haven't noticed any reduction in reception. We live in the suburbs so the radio signals are fairly strong. So if you live way out YMMV.

 

[wannabe]

in my local cleveland group i am one of the few without a sharkfin, so i put it on my list for christmas. only 1 guy has complained about a loss of reception, and he lives in the city next to mine(about 30 miles from downtown), so i'll report back if i get one.

 

[kwbdc]

I've had one on mine for about a year now and no noticeable loss of signal and really easy to put on. RPM is a great dealer and the instructions are easy.

 

[VRMS6]

Had one on my Mazda3 and have one on my VRMS6. Reception will be less with the sharkfin antenna. I drive to Ct regularly and with the stock antenna I can pick up a certain radio station from NY City with perfect reception at exit 6 on the NJ Turnpike. Installed the sharkfin and the same radio station starts coming in at about exit 8 on the NJ Turnike.... Luckily I mainly use Sirius for music and dont have to rely on terrestrial radio....

 

[dutchbuffalo]

Does anyone know of a website that sells the CX-7 stubby antenna and how much they usually sell for ?

 

[ZUZOOM]

Put one on mine last month and no noticable reception loss. Looks Fantastic. Since the I-Pod is always playing who need reception....

 

[wannabe]

i got mine for christmas and installed it next day, no loss of signal for me..and i'm 30+ miles from the stations.

 

[Shagate]

Does anyone know of a website that sells the CX-7 stubby antenna and how much they usually sell for ?

I bought mine from my local dealer for $19, and he's a retail *****. I've heard they go for anywhere from $16-$22, so you might as well go local when you figure in shipping costs.

 

[MS6 - FNG]

A little something to add here. I just received my new shark fin the mail today, and installed it. I will check out the radio reception later and let you know. Installation was easy - just clean the mounting area well, connect the antenna screw, and stick it on. Of course I took my time to align the sharkfin just right, and now it looks good.

 

[AWDRACER6]

How is the stock ant held on??

 

[Shagate]

How is the stock ant held on??

Rubberbands and duct-tape.

The antenna screws off from the base.
You should do this before going into a automated carwash too. (attn)

The Sharkfin has a lead that screws into the base (I think), then the shell covers the base so you can't see it.

 

[Target:STi]

yea the base stays on, just unscrew the top part of the whip

 

[MS6 - FNG]

Update - Minor reception loss on some of the radio channels, but only the more distant ones. Local channels are received just fine. I would also note that the double sided tape on the sharkfin could have been beefed up in my opinion. I often look at the front of the sharkfin antenna and wonder how long until it flys off. The mounting edge of the sharkfin is only as wide as the plastic is thick, and they could have easily formed a 1/4 inch edge/lip to give it better holding area. All that said, I am still pleased with the final result and happy with the purchase.