Shark Fin Antenna

Electronic systems, stereo and Holden iQ, wiring, it all goes here....
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Navy Lifer
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Shark Fin Antenna

Post by Navy Lifer »

Previously discussed, but this topic does not have it's own thread, so I decided to make one for it.

While in Concord for the ISSCA Nationals, I did see a G8 with such an antenna--unfortunately I did not get a picture of it or talk to the vehicle owner.

Today, I spoke with the owner and he was able to tell me that the unit he used was from an online seller called Visual Garage - website is not currently functioning http://www.visualgarage.com/home.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; , other than to collect e-mail addresses, but (as posted in another thread), there are several sources, offering different levels of price and features.

(from posts in previous thread)
Navy Lifer wrote:Can anyone take this further? How can we determine which antenna performs which functions(s)?

Looking at a "shark fin" option--anyone have the inside scoop on doing this?:

http://search.yahoo.com/search?fr=mcafe ... in+antenna" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.beatsonicusa.com/shark-fin-a ... r630ae6l44" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just picked a couple of sites and did some looking--no idea what may or may not actually work.

There is a thread on the G8 Board, too: http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9665" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
E-bay has numerous knock-offs, too.

The G8 owner indicated that it did cause his OnStar to not be able to function--but considering the PPV doesn't have OnStar, that's largely a non-issue.

Many new factory vehicles, including new Chevys (2014 Impala, Malibu, Camaro, etc)--as well as the WM Holden/Buick Park Avenue in China--are now using a "fin" to mount antennas, primarily for satellite connectivity, it appears. If anyone knows more about this, please chime in, as I think there is probably some interest in our group for a good and correct way to do this.
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elc32955
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Re: Shark Fin Antenna

Post by elc32955 »

Just a quick word on the shark fins, I ran into a thread on the G8 board recently where some folks were commiserating about having their antennas accidentally offset from the centerline during install. Apparently the after-market units install to the roof with rather strong 3M-type tape, and people have been plonking them down using the old "weather-eye" and getting them off center in the process.

Remember the old decal installer trick. Get the area nice and soapy before you put the adhesive side down on the car. Put the unit down where you want it, lightly secure it (painters tape) so it won't blow or get accidentally moved, and then visually check a few times from both the front and rear that you're on centerline. You can also measure in advance or use a grease pencil or painters tape arrow if you're unsure. If it's off, relocate the unit to where you want it before the soap dries. Once it dries up, you're literally stuck in that spot forever. If you're off after it's dry, you get to remove it all and start over. Royal PITA.

Eric
System Manager and your tour guide for the day. 2015 Caprice w/LFX, former NC DPS staff car. Partial hybrid G8/SS/Camaro SS interior mods, SS MyLink radio upgrade, 2016 Camaro V6 rims, GMPP Malibu chrome exhaust tips, otherwise bone stock for now.
Navy Lifer
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Re: Shark Fin Antenna

Post by Navy Lifer »

I've been in conversation (e-mail) with a different vendor - Beat-Sonic (mentioned as a possible source in my original post).

The Beat-Sonic antennas are from Japan, and are available for $109 pre-painted (nothing to specifically match PPV colors), or $20 less un-painted. The black carbon version looks kinda cool....

I am also currently looking into a possible direct-fit antenna from a GM vehicle--details when/if it works out!

I provided Beat-Sonic photos of the stock antenna base (with antenna removed) and the base dimensions, which are:

Length 2.85" = 72.4mm (fore-aft)
Width 2.0" = 50.8mm
Height 1.55" = 39.4mm

The Beat-Sonic contact, Sam Cho, believes that their FDA-5 antenna would be the correct version to use on the PPV--there is ample room inside to clear the stock base.

Here's the response he sent:

Thank you for providing the details and photos.

Just as you mentioned, FDA7 series will not fit on your vehicle. It is just too small.

FDA3 series are the biggest among all shark fin antennas we make, but it will look too big on your car.

FDA4 series will fit perfectly, but it will look too sporty.

FDA5 series, however; will fit perfectly and will look good as well.

Our recommendation is the FDA5 universal series

http://www.beatsonicusa.com/shark-fin-a ... 5-384.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thank you!
--

Best regards,

Sam Cho
Beat-Sonic USA Inc.
JY Custom USA
14778 Beach Boulevard
La Mirada, CA 90638
Phone: (714)994-1085
Fax: (714)249-4741
sam@beatsonicusa.com
http://beatsonicusa.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.jycustomusa.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Navy Lifer
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Re: Shark Fin Antenna

Post by Navy Lifer »

Couple of pictures--for example: on a Kia Optima
Navy Lifer
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Re: Shark Fin Antenna

Post by Navy Lifer »

Got an up-close look at a new Chevy SS yesterday, which has a shark-fin antenna, as it turns out--when I saw the prototype SS on Power Tour earlier this year, it had a conventional (like PPV) antenna.

The OE 2014 SS fin antenna is PN 92262446, while the 2014 PPV uses PN 92256398--the PPV antenna is still the "same" configuration as used in 2011-2013 production, but it IS a different PN.

92262446 - BASE (paint to match?)
List Price: $119.10
Dealer Cost: $69.94

http://www.gmfleet.com/overview/police.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - look at the PPV Technical Guide PDF on the right sidebar, Page 8, which illustrates Caprice exterior features and dimensions - shows the antenna as same/similar to 2011-2013.

Going with the OE SS antenna, if it can be installed in the PPV, would require more effort to R&R, as it will mean removing the headliner, at least partially.

In all honesty, I've lost the bubble on what antenna requirements are for modern radios, especially when the antenna is serving multiple functions for satellite, and digital or other signal formats (iQ, My Link, etc) beyond AM & FM via the "old school" mast & shielded coax I'm familiar with--what the 2014 SS radio requires for signal vs PPV of any year may or may not permit the OE (SS) fin to be used with the standard 2011-2013 PPV radio....anyone who is knowledgeable in this area, please weigh-in!

Here's a picture--looks similar to the version above on the Kia, and if it can work, it would be much preferable to the aftermarket "cover" antenna, which is much larger than the OE SS-style part.
markf1971
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Re: Shark Fin Antenna

Post by markf1971 »

Will a Camaro ZL1 shark fin antenna GM part# 23269286 work on a 2015 PPV?
Candyvyorn_
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Re: Shark Fin Antenna

Post by Candyvyorn_ »

Which black do you think would match the black on a ppv black or gloss black? They have two options on their site
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