Stubby 21" antenna - FAIL

[jdkinzenbaw]

Well,

I wondered about this when I installed it. I put the Stubby 21" antenna on my truck so it wouldn't clank going into my garage. Well, the folks over at Stubby forgot to make it spring-loaded.

I have a membership at a local car wash that is one of those Full-Service places. They do a great job, but the hanging brush thingies decided to snap my brand new Stubby 21" antenna. It's not the car wash's fault - they recommend you remove or retract (if applicable) non-factory antenna's before taking them through the wash.

I have a hard time NOT blaming the Stubby corp, though, for designing a non-flexible antenna. Granted, it's only $30 down the drain, but now I get to go home and play with an easy-out (it snapped right at the base), remove that antenna, and temporarily put the factory one back in until I can get something better.

Anyone know of a shorter antenna that's FLEXIBLE? Or better yet, maybe something that doesn't have to stick out of the vehicle to function?

And that antenna broke just hours before I'm getting ready to drive 4 1/2 hours to see my gf. Guess I'll just listen to my iPod.

[rolsmojave3]

Cut your factory one

[jdkinzenbaw]

It's got that little cord wrapped around it like all the newer ones have, so it would just be messy to cut.
The stubby worked great, I just don't understand why they didn't put a spring in the base of it to keep it from getting damaged.

[Rodzilla]

Replace with same one since you liked it and STOP going to that car wash. Best way to wash is with a wand doing it yourself so so some schmuck or machine isnt getting close to the paint or potentionally messing something up. Even if I pull into a full serve gas station I make sure I fuel myself to prevent spillage. I hate to leave my things in the hands of others. my $.02

[jdkinzenbaw]

Well, that idea works in an ideal world, but unfortunately, I can't do that. I spend 40 hours a week at my desk in the office, and the rest of the year I spend still somehow managing to put 50,000 miles on my vehicles. I prefer to wash my vehicles 3 to 4 times weekly, and washing by hand makes it extremely difficult to get the salt/sand from winter driving out from under the truck.
The car wash has an unlimited wash plan for $30/month, and I've been going there regularly for six years. They do a good job, know me well, and take good care of me. So even though I'm like you and hate to leave my stuff in the hands of others, this is the most realistic option for keeping my truck clean and rust-free.

I'll figure out something for the antenna... I'm not too worried. Between Sync and Sirius, I've got other options besides FM in the meantime.

[Lurker]

The Stubby I got is MAYBE 3 inches long. It's still solid, but maybe since it's so short, it could withstand a car wash. Personally, I wouldn't try it, but if you have no other options, you could give it a try...

[Rodzilla]

Originally Posted by jdkinzenbaw

Well, that idea works in an ideal world, but unfortunately, I can't do that. I spend 40 hours a week at my desk in the office, and the rest of the year I spend still somehow managing to put 50,000 miles on my vehicles. I prefer to wash my vehicles 3 to 4 times weekly, and washing by hand makes it extremely difficult to get the salt/sand from winter driving out from under the truck.
The car wash has an unlimited wash plan for $30/month, and I've been going there regularly for six years. They do a good job, know me well, and take good care of me. So even though I'm like you and hate to leave my stuff in the hands of others, this is the most realistic option for keeping my truck clean and rust-free.

I'll figure out something for the antenna... I'm not too worried. Between Sync and Sirius, I've got other options besides FM in the meantime.

I see your dilema. I live in Canada and work oilfield so between road salt/winter conditions and summer mud my trucks spend alot of time in car washes as well. No-one around here with a $30/month plan, I wish. Cost me that each time. I finally bought a pressure washer to take the heavy stuff off from under and on the truck before going to the car wash, easier on the wallet.
Good luck with figuring out your antenna situation.

[regans5]

I just bent mine not to hit my garage door. I came up about 6 inches bent it back to follow the contour of the windshield. Then about 6 inches from the end I bent it back straight up. Whala!

[dereku]

I work that much and match your mileage but I still find the time to wash mine once a month.

I have heard too many horror stories about car washes to even dare to go in one. The only one I use ever normally after off roading is gas citys touchless carwash and I always have to rewash later too.

[Sawed Off]

I cut mine. take 2 vise grips, one on the ball and one on the antenna and twist till the ball comes off. Cut to your desired length, take the small twisted wire and cut it down aways. Then take and file the end of the antenna so you can get the ball to start on it, flip it around and tap the ball on the ground, till its tight, and paint Ive did it to pretty much all of my trucks.