WOLFGANGSTA
3/4/2007 12:15:12 PM
I know that automatic car washes aren't great for any vehicle, but here in Indiana, it's simply too cold to hand wash and the "spray it yourself" carwash doesn't always get the grime off. So, occasionally I run my H3 through one of the expensive soft cloth style washes. (Not the whipping plastic bristle type you find at gas stations...those things are like cheap extention cords beating on your paint!)
Anyway, the first time through the wash with my new Antenna-X branded antenna from ebay that's 13" tall.....and I get home and notice it's GONE! Snapped off right at the base of it. One damn wash! Maybe I should have taken it off and I think it says so on the ebay auction.....however, if the stock antenna being ten times as long never breaks off, then this one shouldn't have either. In addition, I could tell that the reception wasn't as good and from time to time radio stations would cut out. I was willing to deal with that though and chalked it up to the price you pay to have a shorty antenna.
Anyway, just stating my experience and opinon regarding the $20.00 piece of crap I bought. So, think twice about buying this brand if you ever have to visit automatic washes.
littlehummerboy
3/4/2007 1:36:49 PM
quote:
ORIGINAL: WOLFGANGSTA
I know that automatic car washes aren't great for any vehicle, but here in Indiana, it's simply too cold to hand wash and the "spray it yourself" carwash doesn't always get the grime off. So, occasionally I run my H3 through one of the expensive soft cloth style washes. (Not the whipping plastic bristle type you find at gas stations...those things are like cheap extention cords beating on your paint!)
Anyway, the first time through the wash with my new Antenna-X branded antenna from ebay that's 13" tall.....and I get home and notice it's GONE! Snapped off right at the base of it. One damn wash! Maybe I should have taken it off and I think it says so on the ebay auction.....however, if the stock antenna being ten times as long never breaks off, then this one shouldn't have either. In addition, I could tell that the reception wasn't as good and from time to time radio stations would cut out. I was willing to deal with that though and chalked it up to the price you pay to have a shorty antenna.
Anyway, just stating my experience and opinon regarding the $20.00 piece of crap I bought. So, think twice about buying this brand if you ever have to visit automatic washes.
The antena-x one looks OK, but to try and make it more universal, it mounts on to a plastic adapter base, allowing it to fit a wide variety of vehicles. Problem is, plastic does not have enough strength to withstand any amount of force, and car wash will spell doom. I have the same one, and will probably end up getting one like Dennis has, as t appears to be all steel, down to the bolt.
Dennis
3/4/2007 1:55:59 PM
Yes it is, it's all stainless with a machined aluminium base and steel threaded adapter..very strong..I fear it will rip the side off the car before the antenna snaps off.
littlehummerboy
3/4/2007 4:30:37 PM
ZX10R
3/4/2007 9:01:35 PM
Wow thats scary! I was ready to buy the one you are talking about on Ebay. I do go through those washes myself. Thanks for the heads up!!
finskeeper
3/6/2007 11:14:35 PM
Took the hacksaw to my stock antenna this last weekend. Cut it at midpoint and put a protective tip on the end. I can't tell any difference in reception of my local channels. Am real happy with the free mod.
importkiller
3/6/2007 11:50:29 PM
I've been running with no antenna for a few months now and can't tell a bit of difference.
Circuitguy
3/7/2007 5:47:17 AM
You always get what you paid for! My Mama said!!
branstone
3/7/2007 7:25:12 PM
yea i might take mine off only listen to AM ( sports talk ) or my ipod
wonder if i can fashion some sort of cap
westhillsat
3/8/2007 1:15:35 AM
I bought one in early 2006 and have had no problems with the Antenna-X antenna from ebay.
I didn't take my first H3 or my current one through any car wash, other than a manual one that
I use the sprayer.
I live in Montana and the radio reception has been excellent for me.
When we go to Moab, then I put the factory one back on.
