Introducing 2nd and 3rd gen antenna cover replacements

A few years back, When my Tacoma was relatively stock, I purchased a custom roof rack. It was designed in such a way that it’s beauty and versatility was in the simplicity of the design. The one unfortunate downside was that one of the crossbars would locate about 1-2mm from the top of the shark fin antenna cover. I was constantly worried about deflection if I had any kind of load resting upon that particular bar.

Fast forward to the delivery of my Drifter from Vagabond Outdoors. There was more clearance, but only because I still have the factory plastic bedsides. Once replaced for a metal bedrail cap, this lowers the Drifter almost an inch closer. That means I have the same amount of clearance I did before with the old roof rack.

I followed a great DIY write up here(https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...shark-fin-with-a-oem-satellite-stubby.552228/) and replaced the shark fin with a factory stubby antenna. Unfortunately, the connectors aren’t the same. So, I left the stubby in place just to keep things sealed up and decided it was time to enlist the help of a friend who is a designer. The end result of all that is this:





I believe we have created something simplistic in nature and design that by its own right is pleasing to the eye as well as retaining the values of OE durability and reliability.

More information is coming... and it has arrived:

www.trpoffroad.com


I have 0 Post Production Blemish Bullet Covers. I created a discount code for 30% off. I am sure these will go fast.

Discount Code:
Blem20

A side note, if you will:
I have received several questions about the brass inserts. The production model does NOT come with the inserts. That was a prototype. We have determined that offering a factory fit was more inline with our product ideals and have made the appropriate changes. The factory screw threads into the plastic on our covers, just as they do on the factory cover. No muss, no fuss and factory fitment!

 

Is this something the Taco owners are interested in? I am thinking about trying to mass produce them.

 

Members Potentially “In”

@BVita
@JaCado
@Bobcdn
@gibby11
@oni06
@zippsub9
@MapJunkie
@Denk
@rob1208


If you aren’t interested, please let me know and I’ll edit you out.

 

and in just because design.

 

I dont have a fin on my truck but I do see that it is often a problem when people are trying to add a rack to their truck. I would bet there would be some interest in the product you guys have designed.

 

It’s been a pain in the butt for myself. I went without the factory GPS for about half a year when I had the stubby antenna in place. The connectors were different.

I can’t tell you how happy I was to see that map reappear on my screen.

 

So this will this work for 3rd Gen as well ...correct ?

 

I don’t think so. I think the third gen antenna is a slighter larger mounting profile. I would actually need to get my hands on one to verify. The only third gen guys I know have a Drifter on like mine, so it’s not an easy thing to verify. We have a local mod day coming up here in the Bay Area. I’ll bring the stock 2nd gen shark fin and compare the two with a 3rd gen.

[edit]3rd gen covers now in stock on website!

 

I am interested. I am always worried about a low hanging branch taking a whack at it.

 

Outstanding job Anderson. Pretty limited market but I'm sure some are going to welcome the innovative design.

 

Would be nice for anyone who has to remove snow from their trucks. I hit the shark fin almost every time I brush the snow off the roof! It is in the way when washing the truck and it just looks so dumb!

 

@Anderson interested, any idea about pricing?

 

Our aim is somewhere in the vicinity of $40. Our initial search with US based companies really made that target unobtainable. We are currently inquiring with other manufacturers at the moment.

 

@Anderson

Any good write ups/tutorial on how to remove and replace the antenna on a 3rd gen?

 

I followed @overcast 's post here, but the clips, etc were different for the 2019. Edit: see post #21 for more detail. Here are some pictures:

 

I’m not familiar with any.

 

Also, I was able to take a comparative picture of second gen vs third gen shark fin.



Second gen shark fin is the smaller of the two.

 

Copy, thank you! My antenna broke the other day and I need to replace it.

 

So... basically:
1. unscrew pilar's screws in the "SRS" tabs.
2. remove door handles (by pulling or It is there any screw?)
3. pull the rooftop snaps (Does rooftop has any "hidden" screw?)
4. ta dah...! we got the antenna!

Please, clarify me (maybe us) the questions so we can catch the "shark" without any harm.

 

You also have the oh shit handles in the back on both sides bolts are under the caps and the 2 clothes hooks (not sure if the 19s have them). The clothes hooks I believe get turned counter clockwise to remove.