What antenna should I get? The sky's the limit

Took my truck through a car wash today and the stock antenna snapped off at the base, and flew into the car behind me (no damage to them). The manager at the car wash said I will get re-imbursed 100% for a new antenna. I asked him 3x, "is there any limit on the price?" he said "NO".

I came home and backed out the remainder of the screw that was lodged in there. All good to go.

So that in mind, what are good antennas out there? I'd rather avoid another long stock type antenna. Something shorter, but with "give" would be preferable.

 

Shorter antennas are more stiff.

I'd get an OEM, and then modify the length like many have done on this forum.

 

Many 'shorty' antennas are reported to have lousy reception, even in metro areas.

If you want a shorter antenna for off road use/tree limbs and such, or insist on going to carwashes (shiver) with brushes that whack your paint, just remove the antenna prior to those events.

That's why the truck comes with an antenna wrench.

 

Cool. Do dealerships usually carry those in stock? Or should I order from somewhere specific? Thanks man

 

Got this one @ Advanced Auto for under $10. (14") Reception is equal to original, which was taller than a cell phone tower. I live quite a ways from "the city", and do a lot of travelling into rural areas. As I said, reception is AT LEAST as good as the OEM antenna. It's rigid, but no stiffer than original. They also have rubberized "soft" antenna's at same price.

 

That length looks perfect. Thanks for the info

 

Bought this one and it works amazing. Never lose a station zero static.

http://www.autozone.com/electrical-...-stock-antenna-mast/218788_0_0/?checkfit=true

 

It sounds as if the car wash is being quite generous. All of them around me have signs warning to remover antennas etc to prevent damage and they say they're not responsible.

 

I got the exact one from auto zone. No complaints

 

Agreed. This place is great and highly rated, and cheap. Good customer service

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I went with this one above that Unchained posted ^. Reception seems great flipping through the stations and it looks slicker than the stock one that was on there.

 

I always remove my antenna if going to an automatic car wash. Prevents damage. Never expected one to break completely off though!
I recommend the OEM and remove prior to washing.

 

Any links for a 'how to'? I've poked around a bit but come up empty............ TIA

 

There hasn't been one that I've noticed.

When asked how they do it, though.. they remove the ball from the tip by twisting it. Then they carefully unwrap the wire from the antenna to below the planned new height, cut the antenna, rewrap the wire, reattach the ball tip with epoxy and then paint the whole thing black.

 

Gotcha. Thanks!

Had no clue that 'wind wire' would unwind.............

 

Sure does.

I haven't read anything about it needing to be started with a razor or anything so I assume when the ball tip is twisted off, that wire is easily unwound without much fuss.

If you do your antenna this way, a picture filled "DIY" would be appreciated by many, methinks.

 

I was in Advanced Auto today. I couldn't recall just how much I spent on my "shorty" 14" antenna. It was $8.39 + tax. And with that, I still have my giant of an OEM antenna in case I ever want to put it back on.

 

Y'all don't like your satellite radio? I started listening to that several years ago, and don't think I've listened to AM/FM since.

 

Truck doesn't have it.

Wouldn't pay for it if it did.

 

OK, OK, OK. I know I shouldn't ask, but I just can't stand it any longer. Why not Bill?