I was just warning folks, I did thid and it was the beginning or a real mess! You do NOT want to have to change out the base, its a real PITA!!

 

That's the reason I will keep mine. I go in to the mountains and loose reception with the OEM, definatly don't want shorter. But if you want to keep it you could try a booster.

 

Sounds pretty much like I'll be keeping to stock as well. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm not even having good luck with the XM signal, so I would really hate to mess up the AM/FM....

 

Results with reception and stubby antennas will vary. FM reception, is greatly affected by terrain. Hills, mountains and sometimes buildings will affect how well a station is received. AM reception is less affected by these things.

I was concerned about recption when I boought mine. I purchased the one SoCal was selling that came with three different length inserts. I ended up using the middle one which is about 7 inches long. It was the best balance between looks and reception and while it did have some impact on reception, it was not so great that I could not live with it.

I have also ordered a brushed aluminum one lately that is only 4 inches long. I have not received it yet but decided to take a chance on something that I felt looked even better than the one my rig is now sporting. If reception sucks I will go back to the one I have now.

These short antennas are not terribly pricey so I would suggest if you like the look and dislike the fishing pole the HHR came with, give it a try and see how it works in your context.

 

Well like I said, this purchase didn't break the bank...I can always take the 20 seconds to take the chrome one off and the OEM back on if I want. Strong FM stations seem to do ok..it is the AM stations that have the most issue...today was sunny and the signal was actually a bit better...static but I could make out what they were saying



Goose

 

Well I got a pair of side cutters.. Still work fine on both HHR's. I just cut to length. Covered end with blasck elect tape. Been thast way for almost two years. Oh well to each his own..

 

Goose, checked my PO box today and still no Antenna yet. As soon as i get it, and put it on, i'll let you know about the reception. Like you said Goose, if it doesn't work out, it's only 8 bucks. I listen to my Ipod most of the time any way. The giant Stock antenna that comes with the car realy bugs the sh#t out of me. Man is it ugly.

 

Goose, how far away from Boston are you? Just wondering if thats the closest Major radio market, and how far it is. I'm about 50 miles north of NYC. I get good reception with the nasty stock antenna. I should get the stubby any day now. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

I work in Peabody which is about only 18-20 miles from Boston and I get great reception there of course...my home is maybe 50 miles north of Boston....my last 3 vehicles I have gotten somewhat spotty reception with the OEM radio...

Actually this morning the reception wasn't all that bad...in fact it did not seem that much worse than the OEM antenna...maybe atmospheric conditions played a big part that first day.

Still not as strong as the OEM but not as bad as I made it out to be either


Goose

 

Ok, got my stubby chrome antenna today. Only noticed a difference with reception on a couple of stations. This was in the parking lot at work though. I will have to take a nice lil ride and see if that makes a difference. I'm loving the way it looks compared to the stock "Surf Caster" antenna. Thanks again for the Heads up GDZ. Now if i could only find the "Smoothie" door lock knobs, i'ld be one happy camper.