Windshield Antenna

MixMasterK · 08-21-2005, 08:28 AM

As the antenna in the windshield gets older does it loose the ability to pick up FM signals? Or is it just the design in general? I need to replace my windshield in the next few months as it got hit by a rock in the lower left corner from an oncoming semi while I was doing 80.

tgcattle · 08-21-2005, 10:09 AM

This may be a no-no but i did it anyway. I live way out in the country and my antennea would catch nothing. I bought a generic ant. Drilled a hole in my right front fender,installed anteannea and attached to my radio. now i get great reception

AaronM · 08-21-2005, 10:11 AM

It's _possible_ that the amplifier is losing effectiveness with age, but that's pretty far out there. The antenna itself is nothing more or less than a wire filament running between the two layers of glass, it really can't wear out.

The best explanation is that it is early technology. The 944 was among the first cars to use this system and I'm not surprised that it works a little less well than a traditional antenna.

bearone2 · 08-21-2005, 11:42 AM

the outside antenna does a better job but a lot is the radio.

i had a cheap jensen in the dead 944s and now have a proline clarion in the 951 and it's like nite and day.

the clarion picks up honolulu 100 miles away.

kgraf · 08-21-2005, 01:20 PM

Windshield antennas are horrible technology. I installed an antennae booster awhile back but it only helped marginally. Boosters may have gotten better since I installed mine 8 years ago

bearone2 · 08-21-2005, 02:05 PM

boosters boost the garbage part of the signal too.

rippsey · 08-22-2005, 09:22 AM

Mine didn't have any antenna when I got it. I ended up wiring the antenna under the carpet and into the metal in the hatch area. Picked up the signal fine and didn't have to drill in the front fender. That was my first project before doing anything. I need the radio and CDs.

AaronM · 08-22-2005, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bearone2
boosters boost the garbage part of the signal too.

Yup. And over-boosting the signal is as bad as not having enough boost. The windshield antenna already has a calibrated booster, adding another one will certainly over-boost the signal.

Definitely agree that a good tuner in a radio can make a huge difference too.

sca037 · 08-22-2005, 11:22 AM

GM had windshield antennas in the early 70's, and they didn't work terribly well for them either........

The 944 system has 2 main vulnerabilities;

The factory signal booster can quit working, &

The ribbon leads coming out of the windshield can fail
(check around the PS cowl area to see if they have broken)

I've purchased an internally amplified '968' style antenna, but have yet to play with mounting options. I'm thinking of securing it in the hatch area to see how it works, as I'm opposed to drilling any holes in the car.....even though that's what they did on the roof of the 968's

Brian

MixMasterK · 07:05 PM

I've got a good deck right now. Using a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X979. Good output and very customizable to the cabin size. I got it because my other decks face crapped out and I wanted something that would allow me to get into competitions again. Really wanted the Pioneer AVIC-N1, but not enough funds.

Techno Duck · Techno Duck's Garage

I just replaced the windshield on my 944. Had a similar experience with a rock being thrown up on the expressway by a 18-wheeler. I ended up buying the windshield with no antenna as it was over $150 cheaper! I have no radio reception right now, but plan to add an aftermarket roof mounted antenna, similar to the 968's which was placed directly infront of the rear hatch. I hardly use the radio as i have an MP3 deck, but want it mostly for AM reception so i can listen to the news in the event anything big is going on.

http://www.rennbay.com/amplified-fuba-bataflexd-968-type-radio-antenna-p-50.html

Even after $60 for the antenna, that still puts me $90 ahead on the other windshield and gives me better radio reception.

When you do replace your windshield, if you plan on getting the model without an antenna, make sure you tell whoever you are ordering from to verify the windshield is for a late model car. The early style windshields were not flush mounted and leave about a .5 inch gap on each side. Most installers will just more glue and a larger gasket...which is asking for leaks.

MixMasterK · 08-22-2005, 08:15 PM

That sounds like a good idea to me. Takes away from the stock setup, but you end up with something that is better than stock.......and cheaper!

bearone2 · 08-23-2005, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MixMasterK
I've got a good deck right now. Using a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X979. Good output and very customizable to the cabin size. I got it because my other decks face crapped out and I wanted something that would allow me to get into competitions again. Really wanted the Pioneer AVIC-N1, but not enough funds.

a tapedeck allows you to get into what competitions?

MixMasterK · 08-23-2005, 05:16 PM

It's not a tape deck.