Why on earth is Ford still fitting such a basic and primitive antenna on its trucks.
The technology has been around for a long time now to incorporate the antenna into the windshield glass.
(Even within the Ford organisation....Jag S Type).

Or at least put in a decent retractable antenna.

When I bought my new Lariat on Saturday I did'nt think about it until I was looking at some pics I took at the dealership.
(I don't collect it until Monday as they are spraying a hard tonneau to match)

It bothers me particularly because when I put the truck into store when I go back to the UK I have to unscrew the antenna to put the fitted cover on.
When we collected our KR (That we have just traded in) a couple of weeks ago from storage in Houston we were well on our way to south Texas when I complained about the poor radio reception.

My wife said....

"Well it would help if you had screwed the antenna back on it's base !!!"

 

Big Deal. Besides, windshields with antennas cost more to replace. Carry a pair of pliers in your glove box and your problems will be solved.

 

"Big Deal"

Thanks a lot...

Did you read the post at all !?

I already carry a pair of pliers to do just that.

My point was that I forgot to put it on the last time and then had to stop at the side of the freeway to put it on.

That shouldn't be necessary in this day and age.
(Which was the whole point of the post)

Thanks for your support and please carry on living in the stone age !

I expect you'll want flashing turn indicators soon !

(PS If the States with all your supposed safety regulations insisted on fitting decent windshield glass in the first place then replacement wouldn't be necessary......have you EVER seen a European car or truck (In Europe) driving round with great cracks across the windshield.....answer NO !!!!)

 

Should've kept the KR.

Just poking at you man... I know you've made an awesome decision and that you're going to love the truck. As with any new vehicle, you're going to critique it to death and find all that is wrong in your mind however; you'll be able to look beyond those flaws and focus on the positive. Well, I guess there are positives... no Castano is a pretty big negative I suppose.



Just messing with you man...


Not sure on your antenna issue though. My wife's Accord SE has the antenna built into the rear windshield and, I'd have to admit, her reception is noticably poor in some instances. I'm not sure if there are any good fixes to the problem but, there has been a touch of discussion on external FM antennas up in Other Body (actually instigated by one of KR's own - Joe).

He was investigating trimming off the exterior antenna and adding something underneath the wiper cowl to give it more of a 'clean look'. I can certainly relate to your problems with your cover as I looked into putting a power antenna into mine back when I was covering it nightly instead of backing it into the garage. It's a ROYAL PITA.

Best of luck in your quest and keep the 'T' file at arms reach.

Ta Ta...

RP

 

I guess I'm a minority, but I'd rather have the regular antenna. The replacement cost being one reason, but not a major one since most antennas are in rear 1/4 glass or back window. My reason is I don't belive the reception is as good. Thats not a problem if you live in the cities, but for those of us out here in BFE its a major thing.

And as for power antennas, I'd pay not to have one. Again living where I do, it snows and they freeze. Then when they try to lower or raise the cable breaks. Power antennas are run up and down by a plastic piece that looks like the Zip pull starters on kids toy cars.

If you've got a decent cover you should be able to add an antenna hole so you don't have to remove the antenna. Thats the way all my covers are.

 

All points duly noted.

Antennas built into the windshields have come a long way, but I do accept the fact that in the States distances are so much greater that reception may fade in some remoter areas.
Also understand that retractable power antennas can cause problems in situations like freezing weather.

Nevertheless being in the warm clime of Tx I may well look into having a power antenna fitted.

RP.....If you are taking note (As if you're not!!) I have one concern about the new Lariat.

My wife also noticed it immediately.....the gigantic mirrors...in black !

They do stand out and I have been wondering about the chances of getting them painted body color.
Whadja think ? And anyone else?

The door handles are bad enough too but Ford's reasoning is that they are easier to grab especially with gloves. (Whatever they are).

Brad...I know that you have said you like the new Lariat...but what about those mirrors. (Or Meers as I believe they call them down here in Tx).

tell me what you think....also the turn signal being built in might make painting difficult?

 

It would probably be difficult, but not impossible to paint the mirrors. However, I'm betting that their will be a special edition for 05 (Be it King Ranch or whatever) that will have factory painted mirrors (or at least caps, like SD King Ranch) so they may be available through parts within 8 months or so.

 

Sorry Man! Guess I forgot to say it was just my opinion. And who needs flashing indicators? Youll probably want automatic folding mirrors too dont you!

 

I think it's a bridge that could be crossed but, it might be a tough one because of the power ammenities. Not sure... certainly wouldn't hurt to ask about the possibility.

Again, I'm little of no help in this case but, my hunch is that it can be done and that it will be one of the major mods for the upcoming new body style as I've heard the handles and mirrors mentioned repeatedly from an asthetics standpoint.

Also, I should point out that not only the SD King Ranch has painted caps. ALL King Ranch editions on the market are painted. Just FYI. Of course Lenny, you already knew this.

Arevaderche

RP

 

Yes, all KR's had the painted skull caps, but even regular F-150's had them (4x4's) so it wasn't "special". On the SD its a special part of the KR that a standard truck doesn't have.

 

Ahh, I see what you're saying now... sorry. Misunderstood you there.

 

Lenticular,

I share your sentiments. Along with buying a top-of-the-line vehicle, one would only expect top-of-the-line features. The least they (Ford) could do is offer these (power or built-in antenna) as an option. Much like the garage issue...there'd be no issue if only Ford had offered power folding sideview mirrors as an option. Again...we're not talking about an entry level vehicle here...

 

So what's the status John? Yea or Ney?

 

There's a simple fix for your antenna problem......Take off the antenna and all hardware, have a good body shop repair the hole and just use the CD player.

That's all I listen to in my truck, although that might be because after 8-10 hours driving and listening to the radio, I want to listen to the exact songs I like.

I don't like the antenna Ford has, but I like moving electrical parts less, so I just deal with it. I wouldn't want Ford to start loading their cars and trucks with the gadetry that GM does and have it break.

 

I'd like to have a motorized antenna, has anyone found one that'll fit the 04 F150?

Here's what Crutchfield has, the one with the remote motor looks like it's made for difficult installations, but not having my truck yet, it's hard to tell how much room there is for one of these.

FYI, crutchfield's system says none will fit the 04 F-150, but I'm betting that's only because it's not been updated (the one with the remote motor should fit nearly anything.

Anyone have a good photo (or can take one for me) of the area under the antenna mount? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

Reason is I plan on having a cover and I almost never listen to the radio, CD and MP3 Player mostly (I'd like to hook my mp3 player up to the AUX in, but that's another thread).

Lastly, is there a wire coming off the audiophile head unit to activate the motorized antenna when the radio is used vs the cd?

God I love this forum, anywhere else I'd look like a NUT looking for this kind of information BEFORE MY TRUCK EVEN GETS HERE!