What is the method for converting a roof antenna to a shark fin?
3 Answers
The method for converting a roof antenna to a shark fin is: 1. Remove the roof antenna; 2. Fix the shark fin to the original antenna position; 3. Secure it firmly with glue. The functions of the shark fin are: 1. Security and anti-theft, the built-in structure effectively prevents antenna theft, providing higher safety; 2. Convenient to use, no need to remove the antenna during automatic car washes or when entering places with limited space, saving time and effort; 3. Noise reduction, combining aerodynamic and aesthetic principles to effectively reduce airflow noise, making driving quieter; 4. Powerful functionality, compatible with FM, GPS, and GSM simultaneously; 5. Easy installation, international standard aperture, original position product, no need to remove the roof lining; 6. Enhances car communication signals; 7. Reduces static electricity on the car body surface.
I previously modified the antenna myself. First, unscrew the original car antenna, being careful not to pull it off forcefully. Measure the dimensions of the shark fin base to ensure it can cover the original mounting hole. When fixing it with specialized adhesive or double-sided tape, make sure to clean the roof thoroughly, otherwise, water leakage during rain could be troublesome. Remember to test the radio and GPS signals—some shark fins come with built-in signal amplifiers. If the signal worsens, you can add an adapter. After modification, use tape to temporarily secure it for 24 hours until the adhesive dries completely. Avoid using high-pressure water jets on the seams when washing the car. It's best to do the modification on a sunny day. Mine has lasted three years without falling off, even at speeds of 160 km/h, and looks much cooler than the original thin rod.
When modifying the roof with a shark fin antenna, it's crucial to balance aesthetics and practicality. I once helped a friend with this and found two types on the market: universal and vehicle-specific. Universal ones require self-cutting of sealing pads, while vehicle-specific ones cost more but fit perfectly. Before installation, ensure the shark fin's wiring connector matches the car's original setup, otherwise, rewiring may be needed. I recommend prioritizing carbon fiber material—it's lightweight and sun-resistant, unlike metal ones that can get scorching hot in summer. After installation, remember to let the car's audio system rescan radio channels. I once forgot this step and ended up with only static on FM. Nowadays, many shark fins can even integrate power supply for dash cams, making them a cost-effective dual-purpose solution.
