Antenna replacement

Need to replace my antenna, I attempted to remove the inner fender and broke one of the fasteners so I stopped. Looking for some guidance, does the fender flare have to come off, is there a special tool to get some of these plugs out, looks like a Philip's head fits in one of the plugs, I tried to turn but nothing happened.

 

Are you replacing the whole antenna assembly or just the antenna rod?

 

I'm replacing the whole thing so I need to get inside the fender

 

I was able to do it without removing the fender flair.

 

Read this:
How-To: Replace OEM Antenna (in-fender) | Tacoma World

 

Need to replace my antenna. I have not taken out the broken piece yet. The one I had was the original may be 4 foot tall antenna. I watched a few Youtube videos and I am getting mixed information. Since you guys have the best experience, what would be the best short antenna for Tacoma, which gives best FM reception? Thanks!.

 

Toyota dealer said that they only carry original long antennas for 2007 Tacoma and it would cost me over $54.00 to order one. I took a big chance at Amazon.com and ordered one, where there was not a single review for the product. I only paid $20.00 for the antenna and it turned out to be a big surprise.
It works really great and works better than the original one that I had. Now my radio is not the original, as I replaced it with a Pioneer Bluetooth a few years ago. I can tune into all my regular FM and AM stations. I am really happy with it and I ordered two more since I plan to keep my Tacoma for few more years.

$20 RYDONAIR 7.7” Antenna Compatible with Toyota Tundra 2014+ & Toyota Tacoma 1995+ - Short Antenna Replacement - US Flag Included - Stable FM/AM Signal Recption - Carwash Safe

https://www.amazon.com/RYDONAIR-Ant...Toyota+Tacoma+1995-2015&qid=1611510766&sr=8-1

 

I can certainly see how the shorter antenna would be a benefit especially going through a car wash and offroading through brush. I'm actually reluctant to go through the car wash ☹ because of the abuse the antenna gets.

 

Says Sold Out so looks like you’ve cornered the market.

 

Try again. They say it is in stock.

 

Still says the same. Could just be a Canada thing. If it’s any good, it never makes it up here.

 

I guess so. Sorry about that. They sell it for $25.00 @ https://www.rydonair.com

 

Personally, I'd go with something like this: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-np5ROowiHPu/p_12044UA200/Universal-Window-mount-Antenna.html

My truck came with one of those little antennas and it works OK but not great. I'm sure some are better than others. Unfortunately, mine ripped off this weekend when I hit some brush on a trail. I'm definitely gonna go with a hidden one like I linked above so that I don't have to worry about ripping it off again.