what do you use to cut antenna?
TECH Resident
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: Vacaville CA
I just looked it up. Article 6 Section 14 of the FCC Civilian Code says "... no automotive antenna is to be below 4 inches in length, as to cause undue interference on lower frequencies in the wavelength. Under such violation, a federal felony is imposed with a fine of no less than $700 and/or up to one (1) year in prison as appointed by a federal judge in a U.S. Circuit Court..."
Yeah, I wouldn't mess with the antenna either.
Yeah, I wouldn't mess with the antenna either.
If you cut it to the wrong length, it can drive bad frequencies into the radio and burn out the tuner. This is especially true on sunny days where solar activity can syncronize the bandwidth. If the antenna gets warm that means sunspots are affecting it -don't turn on the radio or it'll explode. If you cut it be sure to check with the FCC in case you are causing interferance.
The ball on the end is pressed on - wrap with a towel and twist it off with pliers. Once u cut the shaft, sharpen the tip and stick it in the ball. A few whacks with a piece of wood and it looks factory
If you cut it to the wrong length, it can drive bad frequencies into the radio and burn out the tuner. This is especially true on sunny days where solar activity can syncronize the bandwidth. If the antenna gets warm that means sunspots are affecting it -don't turn on the radio or it'll explode. If you cut it be sure to check with the FCC in case you are causing interferance.
I don't think I've ever heard of anyone's radio "exploding" because they have a shorter antenna
But generally speaking, to keep it working the best, you do want to cut it in half, or a quarter length, not some random height.
Did your radio explode?
Don't let the mob find out about this shortening the radio antenna thing. Instead of planting C4 on your gas tank and wiring it to your ignition they'll just start snipping your antenna real short and wait for you to turn on your stereo!
Don't let the mob find out about this shortening the radio antenna thing. Instead of planting C4 on your gas tank and wiring it to your ignition they'll just start snipping your antenna real short and wait for you to turn on your stereo!
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On The Tree
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Camano Island Wa
lololo wtf.???? this is why i love the internet
lol wut
I don't think I've ever heard of anyone's radio "exploding" because they have a shorter antenna
But generally speaking, to keep it working the best, you do want to cut it in half, or a quarter length, not some random height.
I don't think I've ever heard of anyone's radio "exploding" because they have a shorter antenna
But generally speaking, to keep it working the best, you do want to cut it in half, or a quarter length, not some random height.
They only RECEIVE signals.
And, as was posted above, their length is optimally tuned for the frequency band they are receiving. If you screw with that, all you are going to screw up is your reception of weak signals. But if you're in a city with lots of strong channels you'll be fine.
The little round ball on my antenna wouldn't come off except in pieces lol. That's why I just smoothed the cut out and painted the end 
I liked the look better anyway after the fact.
I liked the look better anyway after the fact. TECH Resident
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: Vacaville CA
