How To: Shark Fin Antenna

[MajesticBlueNTO]

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.

[chaser]

Nice and detail write-up :)

If I\'d a sedan, I\'d get a shark fin antenna for sure!!

[Optimzer]

nice job on the install - do the antennas come in any colour u want or did u have to pay extra somewhere for the paint?

[majic]

nice use of the template :)

man.. looks SO MUCH hawter on the sedan.. *sigh* :(

[TheProfessor]

Looks really nice, and glad to hear the reception is acceptable.

[Whos ur dadd]

Another great write up.

Did you do the radio signal strength test? Someone majoogle that for me.

Wonder how it would look on a Mazda6. Did a search on the Mazda6 forum and couldn\'t find any pics of it installed.

[rsquared]

Excellent post, thanks for sharing!

For those of you interested in getting one, I\'m trying to organize a group buy!

See here: http://torontomazda3.com/forum/read.php?TID=4749

[wtom]

Originally posted by chaser


Nice and detail write-up :)

If I\'d a sedan, I\'d get a shark fin antenna for sure!!

+1 and that\'s only when I have no spoiler - otherwise things get a bit too busy and it just becomes pure rice IMHO.

Shark fin soup, anyone?

EDIT: Stickied

[civiclad]

Thank you for the writeup Majestic. I ordered my Shark fin antenna today. Looking forward to the install.

(this will the first \"mod\" to my car)

[akherad]

Nice Post. now I feel more confident to get mine installed when I get it. By the way, Let\'s do it through group buy. You will find the post here.
http://torontomazda3.com/forum/read.php?TID=4749

[visco9]

Thanks for the tutorial, looks like it will guarantee a professionally done job. Looking forward to my install now with your tutorial help. Thanks again

[p-o-g-i]

I finally put on the sharkfin antenna!!!!!!!!!

I did it over lunch in the parking lot. Yes, I did clean and prep the roof first.... but I didin't bother with the whole measuring and taping and figuring all the angles. If you're confident in your eyeballing technique, then you'll be good to go. Over all the process took me about 10-15 minutes (which included washing and prepping the roof).

[MattC]

I was at the mall the other day, and i saw a crooked one, so my advice would be to take the extra time to make sure its atleast 99% straight, because a crooked one looks STUPID!

[p-o-g-i]

I was at the mall the other day, and i saw a crooked one, so my advice would be to take the extra time to make sure its atleast 99% straight, because a crooked one looks STUPID!

I agree. Definitely if you're not confident in your eyeballing ability/ technique, then by all means take the time and do the whole painter's tape procedure. But for everyone else, it can be done rather quickly.

[mazdaskit]

I went to pacific mall and i got a shark fin there but it wouldnt fit on the back end of it is there a special one to get over the antana area

[JovianGhost]

Very well done!
I have a question though-- where does the receiver element connect to? Is this only meant to replace an existing antenna?

I would like to have this done on my car, but I have a 2010, which has the antenna embedded into the rear window, so I have no external antenna. Am I SOL?

[Linkz]

Good write-up. My shark fin was a really easy install...the only hard part was getting everything lined up. Also, remember to test the connection before you stick it too the roof, or it's very hard to take it off.

[Soulsofmischief]

how would you install one of these on a 2010 that doesnt have the stubby on it?

[chochobeelai]

Cool guide thanks. I was thinking of getting a sharkfin but not sure if it will look good on a hatch.

[krimsalt]

Cool guide thanks. I was thinking of getting a sharkfin but not sure if it will look good on a hatch.

My hatch looks 100x better wtih a sharkfin! It's worth it, and still appears stock

Lol I didn't think a guide was needed as it's such a simple procedure... Then again, I see so many sharkfins that are visibly cocked or distorted on wierd angles lol and it looks funny.