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Sharkfin Antenna Install with Pics

46K views 99 replies 52 participants last post by  imaz 
#1 ·
I installed my sharkfin antenna from visualgarage.com. Very easy install. If someone else already posted this I apologize but was not able to find many pics by a quick search. Instructions are included with the antenna but heres what I did and pics follow. In the before couple of before pics the jeep is kind of dirty so thats why the pics look kind of fuzzy, the after pics I kept it wet so the sharkfin would feel at home :lol:

The OEM antenna was 11 inches plus the 1 inch thick base for a 12 inch total antenna. The new one is about 3 inches! Looks much better and less stuff in the way with skis on top!

All you need is the larger of the two screws included in the sharkfin, (I suppose that may vary from model to model depending on what OEM antenna was installed), a flat screwdriver, hairdryer (depending on outside temp), rubbing alcohol, goo gone or other adhesive remover or dawn dish soap, masking tape, and of course the sharkfin.

The factory antenna screws right off by hand, make sure the surface is clean, I had to give it a quick wash because my jeep was pretty dirty. Use the adhesive remover and rubbing alcohol to remove any traces of dirt and especially wax from the paint where the antenna will sit. I tried the dawn dishwashing soap as suggested in the instructions but didnt cut through my wax I applied only a few weeks ago. I used Goo Gone adhesive removed and that worked well. The instructions recommend a 3M adhesive remover but I figured any adhesive remover would work.

Correctly position the sharkfin over the antenna base making sure it is not touching the base underneath. Use masking tape to mark the alignment. It was in the mid 30s here today and the instructions recommend a "room temp" surface to ensure it sticks well. I used a hairdryer a few inches away for a few minutes and it warmed up the surface nicely with no chance of heat damage to the paint like with a heat gun. The under side of the sharkfin has a coiled wire with a ring terminal connector. Use the included screw to attach it to the antenna base on the roof.

I gave the area one more wipe with rubbing alcohol to make sure it was clean and let the alcohol evaporate. Then remove the paper backing from the adhesive tape and carefully stick the antenna onto the roof using your tape outline as a guide. Be very careful as the tape is VERY sticky and there is NO moving or repositioning. Hold pressure on the sharkfin for a good minute per the instructions so the pressure sensitive tape sticks.

I tested and both satellite and AM/FM come in as good or better than before. The antenna is well designed, and the paint matches perfectly with all the sparkles and whatever just like the factory paint. When you order they will do custom paint to match. Below are some photos of the install and some other random pics.
 

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#80 · (Edited)
Just out of curiosity, for those who already have the stock shark fin antenna, is there an easy way to remove it?

The problem I'm having is when I wash the Jeep, water wants to collect in there. Aside from the obvious fear that it could ruin something, it's a pain to still have water dribbling out of there while I'm in the waxing phase.

I was figuring on pulling it up and applying some silicone to keep the water out.
 
#82 ·
Use a heat gun to soften the double-sided tape holding it on and then use a strong monofilament (fishing line) and work it under the shark fin until it comes loose. I used this method to remove the chrome side moldings on mine so I don't know why it wouldn't work the same way. Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using JeepGarage
 
#89 ·
My car looks just like yours! I want to get a shark fin antenna put on mine but
I am worried about my XM radio signal, and navigation. I have read a lot of different things where some people have trouble and some people do not. What model is your jeep? I do not know if the year would make a difference in the different things that I have read.
 
#96 ·
i couldn't tell you, but it can't be any worst. I've been running on no antenna for months and had no issues. My antenna snapped.
On installing my shark fin like antenna, I busted the original mount by drilling into the exiting busted stud so I can retread the new. Because of this, Receiption is poor as I must of snapped an internal wiring. I ordered a new mount from US for about $60 genuine. Pics attached - on install I should have opt for a my14 genuine sharkfin, it is clear they are compatible in wiring and fitting. That would eliminate in installing the sharkfin lookalike!

Ah well...


Technology Wire Cable Electronic device
 
#98 · (Edited)
I didn't buy the my14 sharkfin (should have) - around $90-150 genuine from the states if I'm not wrong.

I bought the sharkfin from aliexpress for $40 which goes over the top of the existing mount. I had a broken mount so needed to replace the mount as well.

You don't have to drop the headliner(that would be a pain) to remove..

Remove the plastic trim at the rear end of the headliner and loosen the tweeter trims then the headliner can be dropped down far enough. Just enough room to fit a wrench. I used some mineral water bottles to wedge between the headliner to give a little more room. You can then see the antenna mount bolt and wires.
 
#99 ·
I have to say,I really like the low profile look of the shark fin antenna it,to me, cosmetically is pleasing to the eye,way more importantly,seems to function very well with am/fm and satellite radio,I say seems,as I haven't installed one yet and there ARE various threads that does and doesn't work with satellite radio,me,I would need the satellite to work perfect as I enjoy the 60's and 80's channels, (when we were young!!!).
Will do some more reading up but thanks to all the valuable input from everyone.
 
#100 ·
Should work fine, if you have satellite radio function then your antenna base mount has an extra cabling already. You are not really replacing anything other than cosmetic.

I don't have satellite radio or Nav, so my antenna base mount does not have the extra connection on it, but the car loom is ready for it(disconnected).
 
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