I've seen cheaper versions. Try ebay.

 

Yes, they are cheaper on ePay but they are not the same in any way. Look at the inside photos of both to see what I mean

 

I guess there's a reason why they're cheap. I seldom listen to the radio. It's either XM, USB, or iPod. Still, I like the look of the sharkfin antenna.

 

I like the look of them a lot - but there are a lot of cheap chinese knockoffs that don't work like an antenna (they even say so in the ad!), they just have the sharkfin look.
If I change out my "rubber duckie" antenna, the replacement better work AT LEAST as good as the one I removed!
I want FUNCTION, not just style.

 

I don't know if the automated post moderation will allow me to post or not, but here goes...

The Cheapo knockoffs are just that, and personally I wouldn't touch them with a barge poll.

I have read reviews on other fora, and the VG ones generally perform as well as the item they are replacing. The exception being in very built up areas where the reception will be poor anyway.

 

Silly trivia,, the BMW shark fin is not connected to the stereo, its the cell antenna for the roadside assistance, the radio antenna is in the rear window.

 

Yep - In mid-October I sent a message to sales@visualgarage.com and got an overnight reply back that they could do an antenna for my fit in Orangeburst Metallic and it would be a bit under $90. Only thing holding me back is I have not decided if I will paint/vinyl-wrap my roof in a dark blue color to contrast the orange color. ... maybe I'll decide after winter passes ...
But an original only, certainly not a knockoff!

 

I've emailed them a few days ago. Answered right away. 87.90 shipped

 

I may have been quick to jump the gun on commenting but with the site down so long, I was just curious if they were still operating. I got my answer just a bit ago when I received a email from them with the color info I wanted and an invoice for $87 including the correct paint and shipping. I'd much prefer to deal directly with them and save a few dollars than a middle man who charges extra shipping. Now just to go enjoy the birth of our baby girl tonight or first thing in the morning (maybe while my wife is still affected by the pain meds, she won't notice me spending money on car parts).

 

congrats on the baby!

 

Exactly what I have been trying to post for the last 24 hours. The automated post moderation rubbish doesn't want me to

EDIT1 :- well, that went through, so lets add some more.

I emailed Arthur, who answered within 20 min. A few emails later I had ordered a mk1 in Cerulean Blue / BG53M with a 2 week lead time + the swim over the pond.

EDIT2:-

Once it arrives I'll post lots of Shark Fin Porn pics

 

$20 from ebay. Does the job!

 

Well, I'd rather do the real deal than some unknown off eBay

 

If you live in a fringe area you will be disappointed. Unless the shark fin antenna has a powered preamp it cannot perform as well as a larger antenna placed farther from the sheet metal.

Now, the ultimate is no external antenna at all. My Scion has its antennas embedded in the rear side windows, FM on the left, AM on the right. Works great as long as they are connected to the original radio that provides preamp power through the antenna lead! Pity that Honda can't figure that out!

 

I gotta say though , no antenna on any car I've owned worked better than a standard 30" arial like my old VW bug had..

 

I thought that was on your Bumper Car


image post

 

My guess is its the preamp that make the difference, rather than glass-mount antennas -
sounds like its better than the old GM dipole-in-the-windshield design that dropped weak stations when you made a 90 degree turn!

I had a BMW 318 a few years back had an antenna preamp hidden in the headliner somewhere -
I could have shot the german engineer who had that idea! if you MUST use a preamp, put it right at the base of the antenna for best S/N ratio!!

These days I see lots of cars with fin style antennas - my boss's cattlerack, lots of upscale GMs, SuBARoos, etc -
they must work - for them to be so prevalent in the market.

I saw nothing wrong with the old front fender whip or fender mounted retractable antenna -
that way you get the option to pull the lesser-quality factory radio and put in something decent.

 

TBH, it's just as good from my knowledge. Paint matches well, gets adequate reception, and didn't break the bank.

 

Delivery? About 2 weeks from ordering to delivery from Canada to the UK.

Colour? Spot on

Fitting time? Less than 10 min.

Performance? About the same as it was before IMHO

Cost? Now heres the rub. $87 + $25 P&P + HMRC wanting £12 and ParcelFarce wanting £8 to collect HMRC's cut.

So the best part of £100. But it looks shed loads better (and you won't have to take it off in the car wash)

http://visualgarage.com The website is not much, but Arthur replied to my initial enquiry within 20 min, and is an excellent guy to deal with.

DISCLAIMER. I have no connection with Visual Garage and the shark fin was bought with my own hard earned Lunchon Vouchers.

 

Been awhile Susan. The Shark Fin looks awesome.

Mine had been on 3 years now. One of the best mods I did.