"Shorty antenna mod" How-To with pics!

I got tired of my antenna being so tall, so I decided to shorten mine. This is a VERY easy mod and only takes about 15 mins.

Tools needed:
Adjustable wrench
Vise-grips
Hacksaw
Bench grinder or file
Hammer
Black paint

So the first thing to do is take off the antenna. I couldn't find a wrench to fit so I used an adjustable.


Then, put the antenna in a vise and clamp down on the ball of the antenna. Try not to mar the ball up too much, you could put something around it if you want.


Then, twist and pull the pliers at the same time, the ball should come off.

Then, measure how long you want it, I made mine 15". Put it back in the vise get your hacksaw and start cutting. The metals pretty hard. (Be sure to put the end your not using in the vise so you wont damage the paint.


You should get this.


*Carefully* grind the end just a little bit so the antenna will fit inside the ball.


You should end up with this.


Then gently tap the ball back on the antenna, make sure it stays on.


I repainted mine black an installed it back on the truck. I didn't lose any reception and the radio works the same as before.


Thanks for looking!

 

Sweet! Nice write up I hate mine too and will be doing this soon.

 

Nice Mod I thought about buying a shorty but I might just do this.

 

does anyone know if this will work on my 2nd gen?

 

Thanks!

Should be the same.

 

all antennas are the same basic design, a rod and ball with threads on one end. so im assuming it should be the same with every vehicle with this type of antenna

 

haha pretty crazy.. never thought of trying that. you said reception is still the same? i'm still a bit hesitant to try

 

Yeah didn't change at all.

 

I did the same a while ago but I just made it really simple. Cut the top part off with a good pair of cutters used some sandpaper to smooth it out and said forget the ball and touched it up with black paint. All done and no real tools necessary. Like said before radio still works fine.

 

im about to go give it a shot right now haha but only cause for some reason my 2010 came with 3 antennas. one on the truck and 2 in the storage under the seats

 

Yeah, my truck had an extra antenna too. I think I just might sacrifice one of them for this mod. Nice job OP.

 

good write up my antenna is the problem in the garage parking lots not the roof of my truck rofl

 

i like the hacksaw...

 

Thanks, shes been used quite a bit.

 

definitly doing this now that i know it wont screw up the reception,thanks OP. nice write up to.

 

i did the same think before i bought one but i used dikes instead of a hack saw..worked pretty well.

 

did this mod today. took off about 11'' to make it the same height as the roof.

 

im totally doin this! good write up and smart mod!

 

Let's see pics!

 

Very nice write up. Will be doing this in the morning. Mine's been barely "tapping" the parking deck at work. Used to be just enough to annoy me. This weekend I put Billies on to level out my ride, it's not a "tap" anymore.. now it's a "whack!" You just saved me $13! Thanks!