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Replacing Antenna

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by arthur106, Aug 11, 2024.

  1. Aug 11, 2024 at 11:49 AM
    #1
    arthur106

    arthur106 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Car wash ate my antenna the other day. I didn't notice till I was driving home and had spotty FM reception. I went back to the location and we never did find the antenna (thinking it went down the drain).

    I'd like to replace it with something as close to OEM length as possible just to satisfy my OCD. Can anyone confirm the OEM antenna length? I've found aftermarket antennas claiming to be OEM length at 31" but haven't found any official references from Toyota.
     
  2. Aug 11, 2024 at 12:39 PM
    #2
    Leomania

    Leomania Well-Known Member

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    I just went and checked mine, 31” exactly (excluding the mounting lug). It’s a wire-wrapped whip so the electrical length of the antenna is more than that. I assume any aftermarket whip would be built the same way since that’s the least expensive way to do it.
     
  3. Aug 11, 2024 at 12:56 PM
    #3
    Marshall R

    Marshall R Well-Known Member

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    I replaced the antenna on both of my trucks with a short one. Partly because of the danger from car washes (they sometimes pull out and leave a large hole in the sheet metal). But mostly because they don't hit tree limbs when I'm driving on dirt roads. They work fine for me.

    If you're going to continue using a car wash I recommend a shorty. You got lucky that yours just came unscrewed. When the car wash brushes get wrapped around a regular antenna they can simply pull them out along with sheet metal. If not, remove the antenna before going through the car wash.

    Amazon.com: Votex Black Short Rubber 6 3/4" Universal Antenna Kit - Car Wash Proof, Easy Setup, Enhanced Reception with Copper Coil, USA Stainless Steel Threading, Flexible & Durable Fits Cars, Trucks, SUVs : Electronics
     
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  4. Aug 11, 2024 at 1:01 PM
    #4
    dntnosht

    dntnosht Well-Known Member

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  5. Aug 11, 2024 at 1:31 PM
    #5
    rblalliance

    rblalliance let the wookie win

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  6. Aug 11, 2024 at 1:37 PM
    #6
    LOLLY

    LOLLY Well-Known Member

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    I replaced the OEM with a 21". It's built the same way as OEM and doesn't exceed the roofline. That way it doesn't rub the roof in parking garages. It worked great for a few years until the truck was totaled.

    AntennaMastsRus - 21 Inch Black Antenna is Compatible with Toyota Tacoma (1995-2015) - Spiral Wind Noise Cancellation - Spring Steel Construction - Stainless Steel Threading https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SAB40I4
     
  7. Aug 12, 2024 at 5:27 AM
    #7
    Rougarou680

    Rougarou680 Swamp Lurker

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    This is what I do.
     
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  8. Aug 12, 2024 at 5:36 AM
    #8
    ThePositiveWay

    ThePositiveWay Well-Known Member

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    Depending on how set you are on OEM, I just swapped mine for a shorty and still have the original in a box. It's off my '06
     
  9. Aug 12, 2024 at 11:04 AM
    #9
    arthur106

    arthur106 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks y'all. I went with the 31". Not a big deal to unscrew it before car washes. I never knew that was a thing, definitely will be more careful now
     
  10. Aug 13, 2024 at 2:50 PM
    #10
    arthur106

    arthur106 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Am I seeing this right? The old antenna sheared off midway through its thread??
    I goes the car wash applied a right hand torsion on it? (Otherwise it would’ve just come unscrewed).
    I’ve extracted a few sheared bolts before and never had a remotely good time doing it. Any recommendations on how to remove it efficiently?

    IMG_1383.jpg
     
  11. Aug 13, 2024 at 3:34 PM
    #11
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    According to those that have had the same thing happen.
    That antenna is HARD. It's not easy to drill out.


    Go SLOW, and don't mess up the existing threads exposed at the top by hitting them with the drill bit.
     
    arthur106[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  12. Aug 13, 2024 at 10:27 PM
    #12
    arthur106

    arthur106 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'll give it a go tomorrow and report back. My biggest concern is how small it is vs how clumsy I am with my hands.
     
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  13. Aug 13, 2024 at 11:41 PM
    #13
    mit88

    mit88 Well-Known Member

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    Put a collar on the drill bit that fits the size of the hole when drilling, perhaps that would help avoid damaging the threads of the hole. Good luck!
     
  14. Aug 14, 2024 at 5:59 AM
    #14
    EveryDayIsTacoTues

    EveryDayIsTacoTues Well-Known Member

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    @mit88 has a great idea. Best of luck @arthur106 I just wrapped a similar scenario, except I bought the truck that way. Previous owner tried to extract the snapped off antenna screw, and they definitely bounced the drill marring all threads. So they left it in, and I had no option but to replace the whole assembly or leave it. You obviously use the antenna, for me I just ended up drilling it out and putting in a delete.
     
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  15. Aug 19, 2024 at 10:42 AM
    #15
    arthur106

    arthur106 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I was really worried that I was going to F it up based on difficulties with past experiences and just how small this thing was. It ended up being the easiest bolt extraction I’ve ever had. I guess when corrosion isn’t a factor, it gets a lot easier..

    IMG_1427.jpg
     
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