F150online Forums - DIY: Stubby antenna mod

Just thought i would do a tiny write up about an antenna mod that i usually do on all of my cars..

I cant stand long antennas this mod is to shorten you factory antenna but keeping the stock look. This is a VERY easy mod and takes about 5 minutes. It may or may not decrease am/fm reception but i never listen to the radio so it doesn't bother me.

Step one: Determine how short you want the antenna.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...f/CIMG0520.jpg

Step two: Remove the ball on the end of the antenna. you can do this by holding the antenna with one pair of plires and twisting the ball off with another pair.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...f/CIMG0521.jpg

Step three: Cut the antenna, I used a pair of heavy duty wire cuters. you can also use a saw, dremel, or other means.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...f/CIMG0522.jpg

Step four: File the end of the antenna you cut. You need a slight taper on the very tip, I used a dremel with a sanding drum. It dosen't take much. You want it so the ball will barely fit on there. It needs to be a tight fit, this is what hold the ball on.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...f/CIMG0523.jpg

Step five: Stand the antenna up and place it up right on a solid surface such as concrete or a workbench. place the ball on the top and tap it on with a hammer until it is tight.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...f/CIMG0524.jpg

Step six: Touch up the antenna with black spray paint and once dry install on the vehicle. (sorry didnt take a picture of it on my F-150 This is the one i did on my dodge.)
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...uff/391120.jpg

=)