Replacing the Satellite Shark Fin with a OEM Satellite stubby

"another route, which shows how unnecessary the height of the fin is...
http://www.bodenzord.com/archives/1449#more-1449 "


I wonder how much of that fin is solid on top before it becomes hollowed. In other words if I could simply cut 1/2 inch off the top and still be sealed from the weather?

It barely impedes my lumber rack— but I always have to be aware of the intrusion. To cut off the top would be an easy answer.

Thoughts?

 

Anybody have the dimensions of the shark fin hole? Looking to possibly mount an NMO mount there

 

Guess things got complicated in 2015?

Below are a couple of photos that detail the difference between my 2015 TRD Pro and the supplied part number in the first post of this thread.

The 2015 shark fin clearly shows that it has two RG6 wires coming out of it, while the supplied part number only has one. The connectors are also quite a bit different.

I disconnected and replaced my shark fin with the supplied smooth antennae, as I am actually not using it( doesn’t work with my Drifter over top of it). I have another smooth, color matched white antennae that I am installing on top of the Drifter that will replace my factory antennae. Gotta have my satellite reggae station!

Also, with the shark fin disconnected, I have found no adverse affects to my HD radio/navigation/apps.

 

I always thought the antenna was a vertical stabilizer (sharkfin???)

 

Please tell me you are joking?

A fin of that size will have zero impact on a vehicle with the mass and shape of our trucks.

 

Definitely need to figure out how to get a little more clearance on my 3rd gen. Still no success from anyone with a 2016+?

 

DUH....no shit Sherlock.......LOL

 

Hard to tell intonation or sarcasm with plain text and no grammatical identifiers...

 

Someone should 3D print a new flat cap that we can just switch out the dumb shark fin portion for.

I talked to one person about it- but I don't think he will be selling them. Going to contact someone else and see if they are interested in printing one.

 

It is in the works currently...

 

Updated info: No GPS without my shark fin installed. I have a solution coming.

 

Kinda fugly....but functional.

Is it paintable?

How is the install?
Does the fin pop off up top and then this just snaps on thus avoiding all the interior removal??

 

Thanks!

If you have it, did you notice any improvement in satellite radio reception?

 

I’ve been quietly working on a replacement cover for 12-15 shark fins with my college buddy who is a design/3Dmodeling dude. Here is a rendering of the final product. We will have pictures of final product mounted on my truck soon. I wonder if there is a market for these.



This is the fourth revision. Getting all the compound curves to match up with the factory gasket has been tedious. The mounting stands will have brass inserts for the positive locking of screw fasteners.

 

Looks great!

 

I'm interested but depends on the price. I'll have to do something with my sharkfin in a few months and replacing the cover would be a lot easier than cutting and fixing up the existing one.

it looks like a nice factory quality replacement!

 

The goal has been exactly that; factory replacement quality.

 

Coming from you, that is a compliment sir!

 

It’s really good work! Thanks for doing that.

 

I will buy one, if I can get it by September! I hope my Drifter will be done by then. No matter the price. I would take a 3D printed version as well. I know how much it costs to get tooling setup.

I could do the design work myself (I am an engineer) but I know how difficult it is to get it right.