Notices
SC430 - 2nd Gen (2001-2010)

Decorative Shark Fin Antenna

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 7, 2015 | 04:48 PM
  #1  
GmanSC's Avatar
GmanSC
Thread Starter
Pole Position
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 617
From: CA
Default Decorative Shark Fin Antenna

Have any of you installed the decorative shark fin antenna on the SC? I tempted to buy one from Amazon but wonder it would interfere with the roof folding?
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2015 | 06:58 PM
  #2  
Bgw70's Avatar
Bgw70
Lexus Test Driver
10 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 8,213
Likes: 952
From: Fl
Default

I thought about it but my son (20s) advised that it would not "fit" correctly...in other words it would not look nice!

If you do it, please post some pics so i can show him!
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2015 | 07:18 PM
  #3  
ShawnOk's Avatar
ShawnOk
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 92
From: Oklahoma
Default

I also thought about adding one of these in the past before doing my antennae mast mod. Most are only decorative but there are a few out there that are functional (ie. AM/FM/Sirius/XM). I couldn't find a great place to mount it without making the car look odd.
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2015 | 07:07 AM
  #4  
mandyfig's Avatar
mandyfig
CL Community Team
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,398
Likes: 455
From: GA
Default

I have seriously considered installing a fake shark fin. There will be no interference as you will be installing it on the top tray (which sits open when the top is down, go check it out).

I am trying to find a small one (they are smaller nowadays) and will paint it the same color as the body to have the OEM look. One more thing to say that your SC is unique. I am in the hunt and will let you know if I find one that’s cute.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2015 | 03:12 AM
  #5  
SteadyEddy's Avatar
SteadyEddy
Instructor
15 Year Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 879
Likes: 7
From: Formerly Easton, Pa. Bradenton FL, now Osprey Fl.
Default

I think either Johnny Cakes or Habious installed one but it was on the trunk lid.
Reply
Old Nov 10, 2015 | 08:55 PM
  #6  
GmanSC's Avatar
GmanSC
Thread Starter
Pole Position
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 617
From: CA
Default

Originally Posted by mandyfig
I have seriously considered installing a fake shark fin. There will be no interference as you will be installing it on the top tray (which sits open when the top is down, go check it out).

I am trying to find a small one (they are smaller nowadays) and will paint it the same color as the body to have the OEM look. One more thing to say that your SC is unique. I am in the hunt and will let you know if I find one that’s cute.
It will interfere with the trunk lid closure if you place the antenna on the top roof since the clearance between the trunk lid and the roof is approx 1 inch and the fin is 4 to 5 inches tall. It will not, however, if you place the on the back window right on the frame above the glass. Not sure how it would look cause I don't have the antenna.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2015 | 11:31 AM
  #7  
mandyfig's Avatar
mandyfig
CL Community Team
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,398
Likes: 455
From: GA
Default

Thanks for that bit of information. That spoils my plans. But I shall watch the top folding-unfold to see in with my own eyes.

Thanks again.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2015 | 08:58 PM
  #8  
GmanSC's Avatar
GmanSC
Thread Starter
Pole Position
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 617
From: CA
Default

Originally Posted by mandyfig
Thanks for that bit of information. That spoils my plans. But I shall watch the top folding-unfold to see in with my own eyes.

Thanks again.
It easy to see. Just put a piece of masking tape on top of the roof where the antenna would be, then open the roof. Now open the trunk lid and you will see where the tape is. It right under the trunk lid.
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Nov 12, 2015 | 04:55 AM
  #9  
mandyfig's Avatar
mandyfig
CL Community Team
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,398
Likes: 455
From: GA
Default

I will do it this weekend, may even video it (my generation would say "tape" it).
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2015 | 08:54 PM
  #10  
GmanSC's Avatar
GmanSC
Thread Starter
Pole Position
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 617
From: CA
Default

Good news.
The shark fin antenna I ordered (picture above) arrived this evening. I temporary mounted it on the frame part just above the rear glass window. It looks very good and the good news is there no interfering with the top down operation (remember, you have to mount it on the rear window part).
Tomorrow, when the sun shine and the temperature warming up, I will mount it permanently and will take some photos to show you guys.
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2015 | 07:35 AM
  #11  
mandyfig's Avatar
mandyfig
CL Community Team
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,398
Likes: 455
From: GA
Default

Pictures please...thanks.
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2015 | 07:53 PM
  #12  
GmanSC's Avatar
GmanSC
Thread Starter
Pole Position
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 617
From: CA
Default

Oops!!! I spoke too soon. Today, before I was about to mount it permanently, I double checked the interference. Opened the roof, no problem. When I closed the roof, it sheared the antenna in two pieces, saparated the top and its base.
The problem was the antenna in a bit too long, 6 inches, there for the front tip was overhung pass the line between the roof and the rear window.
I will purchase another one, and try again. This time I will make sure the length of the antenna is under 4.5 inches.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2015 | 05:19 PM
  #13  
GmanSC's Avatar
GmanSC
Thread Starter
Pole Position
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 617
From: CA
Default

The new shark fin antenna came this morning and got mounted on the car today. It looks good.
You can get one from Amazon or Ebay, there are many styles to choose from, just to make sure that the length must not longer than 4.5 inches, and do not mount on the roof part. Prices vary from 5 bucks to 25 bucks.

Here are some pics of it



Closed up




This one hard to see because the reflection




This looks better




This also hard to see because the reflection

Last edited by GmanSC; Nov 27, 2015 at 06:12 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2015 | 05:45 PM
  #14  
Bgw70's Avatar
Bgw70
Lexus Test Driver
10 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 8,213
Likes: 952
From: Fl
Default

Looks very nice, would you mind posting those angles from a farther distance?

Last edited by Bgw70; Nov 26, 2015 at 01:22 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 25, 2015 | 07:49 PM
  #15  
GmanSC's Avatar
GmanSC
Thread Starter
Pole Position
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 617
From: CA
Default

I was taking a full car shot but the antenna didn't show up very good. I will take another one tomorrow, hopefully it will look OK.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:09 PM.

story-0
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

Slideshow: the 2026 IS 350 isn't all that new, and that's why we love it!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-04 14:35:23


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

Slideshow: 10 most confusing things Lexus has ever done.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-04 09:40:55


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-8
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE