I got a 99' z28 with the stock, long, floppy thin antenna. It is not a power antenna. I was wondering how to shorten it. Specific questions include:

1) What do I cut it with?
2) How do I get the black ball tip off?
3) How do I reapply the tip?
4) Will I suffer lose in reception?

Any advice will help thanks.

 

i have done this to my camaro, and it was very simple although i had power tools.
1.i cut the antenna with a cutoff wheel, or can use dremel. i just eyed it to the height that looked even with the roof.
2. placed cut off section in vise, and used pliers with some cloth in the jaws to protect the ball, and twisted to ball off.
3.took the new shorter antenna and slightly pointed the tip and pressed the ball onto it.
i did this about 6months ago, and with multiple washings by hand, and at car washes it is just as good as the day i did it.
to answer you ? about reception. no noticeable difference.

 

i didn't even know that ball comes off. i'm going to just remove my whole antenna, i never use the radio anyways

 

I just put a power antenna in with a switch inside the center console.. I never use it tho, like you.. but if I ever want to, hit the switch and it pops up..

 

i bought a ONSTAR antenna from my dealership ($10) and drilled out the threads lager and tapped it to the correct size. its like 3 inches tall

 

I cut mine with a hacksaw with a fine-toothed blade. I couldn't get the ball off so I just dipped the end in black enamel model paint and hung it upside down to let it dry (so any excess paint wouldn't run down the antenna). Came out looking pretty good.

 

i cut mine with a bench grinder and then rounded it off so it isn't as sharp as a razor then hit it with some black rattle can..... still works perfect and looks 10X's better IMO

 

try a search for bitviper

 

i just cut mine today after posting in this thread lol.

 

Note: The ball on the top is very easy to lose.

 

I just replaced mine with a shorty from autozone. Only 10 bucks

 

Not if you glue it on there

 

I bought mine off of Ebay a 8" shorty antenna and looks like an exact replica of a factory antenna. only $9

 

my car came with one. its chrome colored. i havent seen one like it but it looks good.

 

pics of this!!!

 

who needs an antenna, the sweet sounds of an ls1 is the only thing that you need to listen to anyways!!!

 

i cut mine.. got the ball off by using a rag and some pliers and working at it.. then i ground the tip of the antenna into somewhat of a point to fit inside the ball. then mixed up some JB weld, dipped the tip of the antenna in it and stuck the ball on it and let it dry.. then i spray painted the whole thing.. it turned out decent, and i havent had any problems with reception, or the ball falling off.

 

I guess ill give it a shot...cant be that hard. I do like the autozone option though, im guessing the threads and base sizes are universal so theyll have shorty antennas in stock.

 

I meant before being glued on.

I lost mine after I took it off.