Hey guys,
I have not posted in the xk8 forums yet so let me introduce myself.
My name is Jim, i have had an x type for a year now and i really like jags so i decided to buy an xk8 a few days ago. Now i have bought a light blue convertable with 42,xxx miles on it.

i have a question regarding the radio antenna, is there a way to replace it with a hidden antenna because the stock antenna on the xk8 is like 4 feet tall and i hate it! how can i replace it and make it look better?

Thanks,
Jim

 

use the search function, you are not alone

 

I added a switch to control when the antenna is raised. When I listen to the CD player, or around town to the radio when reception is good, I can leave the antenna in its lowered position.

There are a couple writeups on this mod. One version splices the switch into the antennae power wire behind the head unit. This mod did not work for me because my car is a 97. The other mod picks up that same wire as it runs from under the console and exits towards the backseat. I inserted the splice for the switch using this version and it works fine. Both versions are very simple and can be undone easily. The most difficult part was removing interior trim pieces to gain access to the wire. I found them by searching.

Here is a pic of the switch installed. Push the button in: Antenna goes up (when headunit power is on); push out: Antenna retracts into rear fender sheath.