I have been searching for a nice, and perhaps a more aerodynamic, antenna for the Insight. As it turns out, most manufactures have a standard antenna ... except for Honda. Most current Toyotas, Scions, Nissans and Fords have the exact antenna threads and base dimensions as the Insight. The late model Hondas have the same threads, but a slightly larger base dimension. The best antenna I have found to date is the antenna mast from a late model Ford 500, Fusion, etc. It has a reduced length without a deterioration of the radio reception and has the swirled feature to reduce road noise ... and it looks great on the Insight.
I would like to see pics of how it looks, does the shape of the base match the curved shape of one that's on the roof already?
I had tried running with no antenna, and even with that I noticed little deterioration in radio signal. I also once tried a huge silver antenna from a minivan, and it made the insight look like a remote control car with those long antennas sticking out :P
I would like to see pics of how it looks, does the shape of the base match the curved shape of one that's on the roof already?
I had tried running with no antenna, and even with that I noticed little deterioration in radio signal. I also once tried a huge silver antenna from a minivan, and it made the insight look like a remote control car with those long antennas sticking out :P
Did you notice a noticable effect on the fuel mileage? I have hesitated putting a Ham antenna on mine because I didnt want to cause an increase in fuel use.
__________________
Jim Isbell
2000, 5 speed, 250,000 miles
"If you are not living on the edge, well then,
you are just taking up too much space."
Did you notice a noticable effect on the fuel mileage? I have hesitated putting a Ham antenna on mine because I didnt want to cause an increase in fuel use.
I didn't notice any difference, but mine was only about 3-4ft long, its meant to be on the fender of the minivan, but on the roof of the insight, it looks longer.
The antenna I want to mount would be longer than the car...80 or 40 meters ham band. The 40 meter antenna would be 30 feet as a quarter wave antenna but could be shortened to about 7 to 10 feet with proper base loading.
__________________
Jim Isbell
2000, 5 speed, 250,000 miles
"If you are not living on the edge, well then,
you are just taking up too much space."
Have you seen AC Delco Antenna? saw one online and i have to say its the best looking compared to other aftermarkets out there. i just dont know if it incorporates the aerodynamic feel.
Last edited by archebald23; 07-17-2010 at 03:22 AM.
Did you notice a noticable effect on the fuel mileage? I have hesitated putting a Ham antenna on mine because I didnt want to cause an increase in fuel use.
I wanted to put a 2 meter antenna on mine, but there being no ground plane, I will just have to stick with the handpack.
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'02 CVT Insight, Silver, Spaceman Spiff and "Enlarged to show detail" in back window.
LMPG since purchase: 56.1mpg
Mods Completed: HDFM/CD player, Air Horns.
Planned Mods: Touch button auto-shutoff, Solar cooling vent fan.
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Nice antenna modification
