VehiGAZ

Hi all,

Does anyone know of a real current source for a shark-fin style radio antenna? I want the kind that completely replaces the OEM base, not just connects to it and covers it. A live link or a real part number would be appreciated. AM/FM is all I really need, but given the opportunity and a reasonable price, I'd pay for one that is also sat-radio compatible.

I have searched all the previous threads for a real, honest-to-goodness source for these, but I've had no luck. The posted links are dead or the suppliers don't sell directly. Google didn't find the right thing, eBay has mostly "decorative" stick-on fins, the functional ones I have found have manufacturer-specific connectors that are incompatible with the Porsche connections, or they utilize the OEM antenna base, which I believe is dead on mine.

I fully understand that this project will require the removal of the headliner, sunroof guide tubes, and who knows what else. I will be hard-wiring a Valentine 1 power cord while I'm in (or is it under? or over?) there. I have accepted this. I set seat memory #3 to the full-back and fully-reclined position for projects like these.

VehiGAZ

Anyone? Bueller? Help me Obi-Wan... you're my only hope.

Jadz928

I know this isn't going to help much, but the "real" sharkfin antennea on the BMW was NAV or cell only.

I think you will be hard pressed to find an "off the shelf" one for radio.

What about spec'ing the internals you want, and mounting the decorative shark fin cover over it?

VehiGAZ

That's very helpful info, Jim. Thanks! Now I know not to chase that particular wild goose.

Gotta check out my wife's Audi - she has a shark-fin antenna, but I have never checked to see if there is a separate radio antenna on the back window. I just assumed it was an all-in-one.

What do you mean by "spec'ing the internals you want"?

Jadz928

Meaning you can spererately source the antennae you want, and/or SAT, then mount it under the faux shark fin.

White Lightnin'

...or get the schematics for the BMW antenna and fine tune it. Since Navigation is satellite-based (GPS), a satellite radio should not be a problem. (?)

In another thread, I proposed the BMW wiring harness could be spliced into to operate the same functions for a different component. (satellite receptor for radio instead of GPS for example). The down side to using the BMW guts is a rather large hole in the body. I have an empty housing mounted on my forward hatch area... I am debating the hole and subsequent wiring.

Another possibility to still use the fin housing is to place the standard (and ugly) square black box satellite radio antenna inside the housing. You get satellite radio and nobody knows how. The only hole would be for the small wire and the housing seals to the body.

This is what the antenna under the fin looks like:
________________________________________

Rod Underwood

I have some. I got mine from a Japanese? company that opened an office in Michigan. After a few months, BMW got all over them for patent infringement and so they sold me several at $25.00 each. If you'd like one for that amount plus shipping, I'll let you have it.

They are the ones on the cars in my signature. I have additional more close-up shots if you'd like them.

I mounted mine in the hatch and it was no trouble - no headliner removal, just take the top hatch trim off .

Rod

Ninespub

Ok Rod, I'm In! I'll take one of your extra antennas. PM me what to do or where to send the $$ and we are good to go!
Paul Barrera '91 $$$$4

White Lightnin'

Mine is the regulation BMW issued item... minus the guts (see post above).

Pic at the 928 Specialists complex after the SITM 2009 event:

MGW-Fla

My wife has wanted one on her '91 S4 for a while now. But the hole for her roof antenna is too close to the back hatch for any of the shark antennas that I've seen. The post of the antenna would fit in the hole, but the posts are typically centered on the antenna, which would cause the back of the base to hang over the edge of the roof towards the hatch. I even had one company email me the measurements of their 3 models to see if any would work. None would.

So Rod, would the ones you have work using the existing hole in her roof without causing the base to overhang in the rear? Or would I have have to make a new hole in the roof further from the edge?(not doing that). And if it did fit ok, she just wants it for her radio, no GPS, or sat-radio, nothing but a radio. Would it simply plug n play?? If so, I'd definitely want one of those Rod.

White Lightnin'

Mel, you'd probably have to route the antenna wire through the hatch and fill the hole it is in now... It is so far to the rear to allow the sunroof to function.

Jadz928

Rod,
I don't know how many you have, but count me in for one. Thanks.

auzivision

Hi Rod,

If you have a boat load you are willing to sell... I'd like to have one.

potsiewebber

I would take one as well. let mem know.
James

potsiewebber

Have you checked out this site? I was just looking at the MB-1
http://www.sigmaautomotive.com/FoliaTec/antenna.php