Anyone have a functional Shark Fin Antenna?

[PriusGTRSpecVTypeR]

Hi! I'm still new to the Prius scene, having switched over from a Civic recently ...

I've been hit by the mod bug recently (probably leftover from my Civic days) and started looking around, especially at the stuff from Sigma since they seem to be the largest parts place for us.

At Sigma I found their shark fins for $69 & $79: http://www.sigmaautomotive.com/FoliaTec/antenna.php



Has anyone tried one?


Alternately, I have recently come across this website from a friend who purchased one for his car for $59: http://www.sharkfinantenna.com





They don't have any pictures of the Prius, but I've emailed them a few days ago and they replied saying they have sold some for Prius' but don't have pictures. So I'm guessing it fits without a problem.

It looks like the sharkfinantenna.com one is better deal; since it seems to be well tested and it's cheaper, plus it is painted to match your car as well (whereas the Sigma ones are plain black i think). In either case, does anyone have one? I'd like to see pictures of it on our cars before dipping into my pockets

[efusco]

The other advantage of the ones from Sharkfin directly is that they screw on over your existing antenna base. From the photo of the Sigma one it looks like you have to get under the headliner and completely remove the old base and mount the new one.

That method is probably more secure and prevents theft, but it's also a LOT more involved.

I like the idea of the sharkfin.com one and may give that a go once I'm sure my wife won't kill me for buying too much crap for the Prius.

[hdrygas]

Originally posted by efusco@Feb 10 2006, 06:39 AM
The other advantage of the ones from Sharkfin directly is that they screw on over your existing antenna base.  From the photo of the Sigma one it looks like you have to get under the headliner and completely remove the old base and mount the new one.

That method is probably more secure and prevents theft, but it's also a LOT more involved.

I like the idea of the sharkfin.com one and may give that a go once I'm sure my wife won't kill me for buying too much crap for the Prius.

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That happens to you too! Does she give you the "I thought this car was going to save us money"

[efusco]

Originally posted by hdrygas@Feb 10 2006, 05:41 PM
That happens to you too!  Does she give you the "I thought this car was going to save us money"

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She's never actually said the words, but I know "the look"! I buy the $325 CAN-View to help me save $5 in gas over the next year.... That oughta show you I didn't buy my Prius to save money....I bought it to save gas.

[Danny]

I've contacted them to see about getting a reduced group rate - I'll let everyone know what I find out.

Danny

[acousticbiker]

Originally posted by Danny@Feb 10 2006, 10:32 PM
I've contacted them to see about getting a reduced group rate - I'll let everyone know what I find out.

Danny

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1. Thanks, Danny. It would also be nice to know whether they can match the Prius paint colors.

2. BTW, Danny, any word on the group buy for the body side moldings? Haven't heard from you for a while about that and metrotpn may be a good candidate since they have them in stock.

3. Also, Evan, with this antenna, are saying that you wouldn't need to remove the base somehow and can simply screw this on over it?

4. Is there a performance advantage to the sharkfin style or is it just an appearance thing? From admiring these on the newer cars, I thought that they might be "universal" antennas that also work for satellite as well--is that the case (would be cool to only have one antenna up there!)?

[616fun]

Originally posted by acousticbiker@Feb 11 2006, 09:52 AM
1. Thanks, Danny. It would also be nice to know whether they can match the Prius paint colors.

3. Also, Evan, with this antenna, are saying that you wouldn't need to remove the base somehow and can simply screw this on over it?

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The answers to your questions are right here in the FAQ. I'd be interested in a group buy also, as I'm fixing up my new '06!!!!!

http://www.visualgarage.com/Product_FAQ.html

Brian

[rags]

I am also interested in a group purchase. Still waiting for the car to arrive - probably March.

rags

[Rick Grahn]

I definitely want one of these. Count me in on the group buy!!!!

[koa]

They say better reception than a stubby which isn't as good as the OEM. Nothing in their feedback about reception. Also I wonder about condensation forming and being trapped underneath. Shipping also seems rather expensive. I like the looks though.