MGF DIY - Stubby Aerial

Updates:

  1. October 2000  - Everything

The Reason:

Ever noticed quite how big the standard Aerial is?  So did I, so when I heard that Mike Satur was selling a shorter one, I thought it was time to buy one.

 

 

The Idea:

Quite simple,  remove the normal Aerial and put the new one in, can't be difficult can it?

The Process:Compare and Contrast

  1. First Remove the original Aerial, quite simple, grasp it firmly and twist to unscrew it.  

  2. You can then compare the two types to see quite how different they are.

  3. Then just go and screw the new one in...... (guess what, that's where the problem starts).  The new aerial did not want to attach to the car.  At first I thought it might be a different thread size, so out came the screw gauge, but this was not the case.  Checking again at the car (in the rain) showed that the problem was caused by the amount of thread on the new aerial, as with the aerial itself, it is also shorter.  Hence this prevents the thread from engaging the car fitting.Aerial With base exposed

  4. By careful (but forceful) use of a Stanley knife it is possible to remove a layer of rubber from the bottom of the aerial.  This then exposes the core (brass?) base of the interior.

  5. With this done, it allows enough thread to engage the cars fitting.  

Note, since there is not much thread still, it is probably worth using some thread locking substance to help retain the aerial.  I haven't done this myself yet, but intend to when I next remember.

The Result:

Once fitted the result is obvious, and in my opinion gives a cleaner look to the car.  As for the performance, I have not noticed any change to the quality of radio performance, its still fairly bad in my area.