wayne613

Yeah, most seem to prefer this method. So long as you measure it out preciously to cut off at 1/4 sections of the original you should lose far less reception then with one of these after-markets. Most seem to just snip it in half, place the top ball back on and be done with it. Less loss, looks better, cheaper, and has a good paint job on it.

Wish I´d have kept the original. Same with my original filter-box. I just hate clutter. Oh well.

MustangFirstCar

Mine has no rust yet and I wash it all the time. I have noticed no drop in radio reception whatsoever.

6-Speed

I noticed some light powdered corrosion on the threads of my AM shorty antenna when I removed it the first time. I applied a light coat of Copper anti-seize to the threads before re-installing. This should minimize future corrosion and the Copper should help with maintaining conductivity.

LordRipberger

I am curious, what are these 1/4 sections of which you speak? Do I take a tap measure and start at the base and go up 1/4th inch all the way up or where just referring to 1/4 of the antenna as a whole?

wayne613

Antenna´s are set up to be an exact ratio of the frequency wave-form used. So to keep good reception you need to get close to the next best evenly divided wave as a rule of thumb.

As a prime example (for those old enough to remember), C.B. radio used to commonly employ a 1/4 wave antenna for it´s transmissions on the 25/6mhz range. A few old guys still use it, and you´ll see a wilson antenna on the top of a pickup or two still. They´re also used for HAM radio use on the band just below, so some will be using it for that purpose.

This impact isn´t as pronounced if it´s off by some in this case, since your not actually transmitting(SWR issues), just receiving, which is why most don´t notice much [if any] difference.

This can explain further:
As far as I´m aware there is no internal coil used to simulate a longer antenna length usually for normal FM antennas. So, just pulling the antenna itself, measuring it, even just an eye-balling of it for half-length, then snipping it, you should be good with only minimal loss seeing as the standard car FM antenna is seriously gimped for feasibility/aesthetics anyhow (like 1/8th wave or something).

alkemist

I have no reception issues with my 8" shorty antenna. No rust BUT I have the paint fading, it's turning matte instead of the original glossy. Detailing finish fixes it back up, but temporary. I have to park my car outside so it's exposed to the elements.