MajesticBlueNTO
01-10-2006, 10:39 PM
Here\'s the Shark Fin in all its shipped glory:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_225_full.jpg
Here\'s the Fractal antenna:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_226_full.jpg
The install I followed was pretty close to the one at sharkfinantenna.com (http://www.eyes-on-me.com/VisualGarage/Product_Installation.html)
except for a few differences which are as follows (note that I cleaned the area of the roof with Meguiar\'s Quik Detailer prior to the installation):
I made a template outlining the base of the antenna. This was used for placement on the roof.
* i started out by folding the paper lengthwise and creasing an inch or so at the top and bottom
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_227_full.jpg
* next, I folded and creased along the width. afterwards I marked the lines on the paper
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_228_full.jpg
* using a laser pointer, I lined up the front of the antenna with the vertical line on the paper
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_229_full.jpg
* i then traced the front on to the paper
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_231_full.jpg
* lining up the front with the trace in the step above, i then lined up the rear \"points\" on the antenna with the horizontal line. i used the laser pointer to keep things in line with the vertical
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_230_full.jpg
* once positioned, i traced the base of the antenna on to the paper
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_232_full.jpg
* i then cut out the trace to complete the template
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_233_full.jpg
* next, i waxed the shark fin with some NXT wax
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_234_full.jpg
* using some painter\'s masking tape...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_236_full.jpg
* i placed the shark fin on to the car (with the paper template at the bottom) and then lined up the vertical line with the centre of the car (measured from metal to metal across the roof - not including the plastic in the rain channel - it is approx. 101cm). Once that was done, i taped down the template
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_237_full.jpg
* using the M5 screw...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_235_full.jpg
* screw in the antenna connector
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_238_full.jpg
* prior to placing the antenna down, i used a hair dryer to warm the metal inside the template. I also used the hair dryer to warm up the adhesive foam
* peel back some of the adhesive backing in the front and then press down for a minute
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_239_full.jpg
* when that was done, i peeled back the backing some more to expose the middle. hold for another minute. then peel back the rest and hold the back for another minute
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_240_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_241_full.jpg
- where i placed the antenna on the roof, it was relatively \"flat\" (i.e. within the 2mm described in the instructions)...however, i did use the hair dryer sparingly for the middle and rear placement -
* when firmly in place, i removed the tape and paper. shark fin install complete:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_242_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_243_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_244_full.jpg
If i were to do the install in the summertime, outside in the warm sun, i wouldn\'t have to use the hair dryer.
Performance-wise, the reception on the GTA FM channels are on par with the S2000/Element stubby i had before. I haven\'t ventured outside the GTA like I used to so I can\'t comment on picking up Toronto FM stations in Niagara Falls.
For the function and form factor, the shark fin looks better than the S2000/Element/Aerio stubby (where the base on those antennas make it look like a Christmas tree...a \"tree\" i lived with for over a year).
Overall, I am impressed with the quality of the antenna, both in its construction, the paint application, visual appeal, and the reception it provides (when i do listen to FM).
If i got another 3 sedan, would i dish out the money to get a Shark Fin for it? Yes, most definitely.
Hope that helps.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_225_full.jpg
Here\'s the Fractal antenna:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_226_full.jpg
The install I followed was pretty close to the one at sharkfinantenna.com (http://www.eyes-on-me.com/VisualGarage/Product_Installation.html)
except for a few differences which are as follows (note that I cleaned the area of the roof with Meguiar\'s Quik Detailer prior to the installation):
I made a template outlining the base of the antenna. This was used for placement on the roof.
* i started out by folding the paper lengthwise and creasing an inch or so at the top and bottom
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_227_full.jpg
* next, I folded and creased along the width. afterwards I marked the lines on the paper
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_228_full.jpg
* using a laser pointer, I lined up the front of the antenna with the vertical line on the paper
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_229_full.jpg
* i then traced the front on to the paper
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_231_full.jpg
* lining up the front with the trace in the step above, i then lined up the rear \"points\" on the antenna with the horizontal line. i used the laser pointer to keep things in line with the vertical
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_230_full.jpg
* once positioned, i traced the base of the antenna on to the paper
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_232_full.jpg
* i then cut out the trace to complete the template
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_233_full.jpg
* next, i waxed the shark fin with some NXT wax
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_234_full.jpg
* using some painter\'s masking tape...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_236_full.jpg
* i placed the shark fin on to the car (with the paper template at the bottom) and then lined up the vertical line with the centre of the car (measured from metal to metal across the roof - not including the plastic in the rain channel - it is approx. 101cm). Once that was done, i taped down the template
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_237_full.jpg
* using the M5 screw...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_235_full.jpg
* screw in the antenna connector
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_238_full.jpg
* prior to placing the antenna down, i used a hair dryer to warm the metal inside the template. I also used the hair dryer to warm up the adhesive foam
* peel back some of the adhesive backing in the front and then press down for a minute
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_239_full.jpg
* when that was done, i peeled back the backing some more to expose the middle. hold for another minute. then peel back the rest and hold the back for another minute
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_240_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_241_full.jpg
- where i placed the antenna on the roof, it was relatively \"flat\" (i.e. within the 2mm described in the instructions)...however, i did use the hair dryer sparingly for the middle and rear placement -
* when firmly in place, i removed the tape and paper. shark fin install complete:
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_242_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_243_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/1/web/337000-337999/337094_244_full.jpg
If i were to do the install in the summertime, outside in the warm sun, i wouldn\'t have to use the hair dryer.
Performance-wise, the reception on the GTA FM channels are on par with the S2000/Element stubby i had before. I haven\'t ventured outside the GTA like I used to so I can\'t comment on picking up Toronto FM stations in Niagara Falls.
For the function and form factor, the shark fin looks better than the S2000/Element/Aerio stubby (where the base on those antennas make it look like a Christmas tree...a \"tree\" i lived with for over a year).
Overall, I am impressed with the quality of the antenna, both in its construction, the paint application, visual appeal, and the reception it provides (when i do listen to FM).
If i got another 3 sedan, would i dish out the money to get a Shark Fin for it? Yes, most definitely.
Hope that helps.