3rd Gen Antenna Cover Replacement

TRP introduces the Side Shooter antenna cover.



Hello folks. Some of you may know my other antenna cover project (www.trpoffroad.com) for the 2nd gen Tacoma’s. I have a thread for that little ditty here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ark-fin-delete-2nd-gen-only-currently.625966/



The time has come to finally release the Side Shooter antenna cover for the 3rd gen Tacoma’s. After over a dozen prototypes and several different designs, I feel like I finally have a worthwhile product to release. We tried for the absolute minimal height in the goal of having the ability of placing a rear bar on the Prinsu style roof racks. What we have achieved is a product that not only lowers the height of the antenna (substantially) but also keeps your factory am/fm reception possible.



Due to the nature of the factory design, to relocate the am/fm antenna we had to think differently. This led us down many different design languages. In the end, and to adhere to the minimalist principles, we struck upon the Side Shooter antenna cover. The asymmetrical design lends itself to a stylish look as well as allowing for a svelte form.



There is minimal “assembly required” to retain your factory antenna. There are many different “how to’s” found here on Tacoma World that teach you how to remove the factory antenna for the 3rd gen Tacoma’s. I’ll link them here when I can. The antenna cover will come supplied with everything necessary to instal the Side Shooter antenna cover.



Model year applicable: 2016-2019
Price: $109.00
plus shipping and handling
*still working on the design for the 2020’s…



Tools required:



22mm socket

10mm socket

Wobbly head adapter for socket

Ratcheting wrench

Phillips head screwdriver

Plastic clip removal tool

Quality electrical tape



Supplied items:

Side Shooter Cover

Side Shooter baseplate

Qty 8 - 4 3/8ths stainless Phillips head screws

6’ 18g split strand wire w/ shielding

On to the Pics!


comparative photo for top profile


connector for antenna found behind passenger rear c pillar interior plastic panel


antenna assembly installed onto Side Shooter baseplate using factory retaining screws


example photo of wire tying technique for connecting the am/fm antenna assembly to main antenna board


photo showing mounting of am/fm antenna into the Side Shooter upper cover

*tip to install - Use Phillips bit for electric screw gun and socket. Unless you have a 90* phillips screwdriver.


photo showing tying technique for connecting the am/fm antenna

*tip use quality electrical tape to secure tied wire


comparative photo


view of properly secured fastener for installed antenna assembly

 

I currently have 50 units in stock and ready to ship!

 

Also, a big thanks to Bruno for letting me use him as a fitment and functionality tester.

I don’t currently own a 3rd gen and had to use a junkyard recovered antenna as my mock up for design and initial fitment.

Bruno’s patience and availability were wonderful for this project. Thanks man!
(Don’t know his TW name, I’m terrible at this stuff).

 

Hey quick question what was the final height of the side shooter?

 

Attached or not attached to the antenna base?

 

A hair over 1” 3/8ths


a hair over 2” 5/16ths

Almost an entire inch has been removed. Hope this answers your question.

 

Soooooo, when I cut my fin down to fit my first camper on, I got rid of the metal shield that is part of the antenna. Radio still mostly works, but clarity is way down.

in preparation for my next camper, I’d like to install something like this Side Shooter. Any idea where I can get a replacement antenna without buying the whole assembly?

 

I source these items for mock-ups from my local auto dismantler. I have a feeling they will want to sell you an entire assembly. I’ve purchased mine for $125 each. I’ve destroyed three now. It takes a lot of fiddling to get these to fit correctly. My local dismantler is in Rancho Cordova. I see you are in SoCal. Maybe shipping isn’t too expensive?

 

Yeah $125 isn’t too far off from the $145ish I’ve been seeing on the line brand new.

I’m definitely interested in the product, I just need to figure out how I’m getting my hands on a new shield whether it be entire assembly or not

 

Here are a few pictures from a prototype that shows working clearance.

 

Just wanted to put this out there, but I can't be the only one that is bugged by the asymmetrical design.
Even if the other side is hollow, a symmetrical look is appealing to a wider audience.

 

Yeah it’s off putting at first, but for my application (a camper that will hang over it) it’s perfect. I thought I would notice my cut-down fin way more than I do too

 

Thanks for the feedback!

Design is a slippery little weasel as it has to encompass functionality, appealing aesthetics, staying within reasonable costs and also to keep up with current trends. It is also something I didn’t go to school for.

I will be offering another model of this antenna cover. However, I am still working on the details that made it ten times more difficult to design than the asymmetrical design.

Again, I truly appreciate the input! So, can I put your name down for a symmetrical design?

 

Hey, just smashed my shark fin into my slightly over hanging garage door! Do you have any more 3rd gen side shooters? Tried ordering on the site but transaction would not go through.

 

Yes I have another shipment that I just received. Let me check what the website is up to. It should be okay.

just verified everything is functioning correctly.

 

End of Year Clearance sale!

Side Shooter Antenna Cover almost 50 percent off!
https://totallyradproducts.com/collections/frontpage/products/side-shooter-antenna-cover

 

I have a 2020 TRD sport will that side shooter Antenna cover work on my tacoma.

 

Not yet. I’m working on a retrofit idea. Still in r&d.

 

Any update on the 2020 TRD installation?