Has anyone ever replaced their long RX Antenna with one of the Shark Fin style ones? Im not talking about the covers. But a working antenna?

 

The only issue would be to run the antenna wire and possible rattles.

Salim

 

What I am looking to do is remove the original whip antenna. And replace it with a smaller fin type. I would want to use the exsiting wiring. So you wouldnt need to run new wiring in the headliner. And if you install it correctly. It shouldnt rattle any more than the OEM one.

So far ive only found one company that comes close. But they dont have one for the RX350. You just remove the whip part of the antenna. And hook up the fin style one.

www.visualgarage.com

 

Going to move this to the RX300 section. The RX330/350 don't have a mast antenna.

 

Thank you CK6Speed.

Now we can have a meaningful discussion.

RX300 has a whip antenna with the antenna lead end at the rear right wheel well. So a redirect or a new route is necessary,

When the roof liner is not there, during manufacturing, clips, tapes and foam is used to secure the wire. Without dropping the liner, the only choice will be to thread it. The trick will be to use thermal insulation foam tubing [A/c shop or hardware store] to make the wire snug above the lining. Finding the tubing of the right inner and outer dia will be difficult. If too fat, then you may see the bulge in the lining and if too small then it will vibrate with more mass.

You also have to deal with cutting a hole on the top and plugging (or disabling the whip antenna)

Also check the range/reception. If you drive in town, the fin will be ok.

Salim

btw: The whip also does am reception. When was the last time some one listened to am?

 

Oh man I do, Michael Savage, Dr. Laura, Armstrong and Getty. All AM

 

Sorry for the confusion. I own a 2007 RX350. And I want to get rid of the black whip or stub antenna that I currently have.

I have removed the long peice from my antenna. And I still get good FM reception. And the GPS works fine.

 

This my RX350 with the end of the antenna removed.

 

This is what I am looking for. But with the connectors for my Lexus.

http://www.g-antetech.com/ProductShow.asp?ArticleID=132

 

Sorry, I thought you were talking about the RX300 since I didn't think that 3" antenna bothered you Anyway, anything is possible. You just have to do it. If you wanted to go all the way, you would have to remove that original RX350 roof antenna, weld the hole left behind up, select the shark fin or other similar style slim roof antenna of your choice and possibly dill a hole for the antenna cable. Repaint the roof then mount the new antenna. Unless you plan on mounting the new antenna where the original one is on the side? If so, then it should be easy enough without any body work. Off hand, I don't know of anyone that has done this mod yet, so getting specific advice for an RX350 will be tough.

 

I was hoping to just remove the tall black one I have. And install a shark fin style one. I just need to find one with the same connectors.

 

I found this picture when looking for one for my car ... looks to be the same company's shark fin: