My next project on my "new" 2004 XKR is replacing the broken off power antenna. I removed the old unit (that was less of a problem than I anticipated). Now to replace it. I have a replacement power antenna I bought on Ebay that allegedly fits but I am not sure I want to replace the power antenna. Does anyone have any suggestions for a fixed antenna either a short stubby rubber one or metal shaft? I have seen several posts on putting in an internal antenna and while I like that idea I would still be left with the through the body hole where the previous antenna was...so I am leaning to using that hole to fit a short rubber or fixed metal antenna. Recommendations? One other thing. I assumed the antenna connections would be the same....they are not. The replacement unit's antenna "plug"is lager than the connector in the car. Can someone explain the different types of antenna connectors? Are there adapters available?

 

You didn't just buy a new OE or aftermarket mast?








Graham

 

I'm curious too even though my mast is fine, the super long, rc car mast let's the cars shape down. I know about adding a switch to stop the antenna extending, but then I only pick up one channel. I do use a Bluetooth adapter, but I loose connection to the internet on a couple spots of my drive.

 

My car came to me sans antenna, but after all the reading, I patched a powered antenna from AutoZone into the system, and it works great, plus, I don't have the giant lightning rod. I patched the power for the antenna into the power supply for the original antenna mast, then spliced the antenna signal line into the old antenna line. I had to buy a 1/4" metal plug from Home Depot to plug the hole where the old antenna used to be. Apparently, it left rather violently.

 

Perfect! Thanks Graham!

 

At the risk of offending some of the wonderful Members of this Forum, I too had a broken "Alien Antenna Mast" that needed replacement. As a Vietnam era Vet, there was a weapon system near and dear to my heart and I decided to integrate it into my highly modified '97. Pictures included. Works for me and I still remain accepted by my Jaguar Club!

50 Cal Antenna Mast that works great

50 Cal Antenna Mast that works great

50 Cal Antenna Mast that works great

 

What did you use as a base for the 50 antenna?

 

I would say your aerial is SHOT!!!!

 

I used a standard antenna base and modified the rubber grommet to fit the base of the 50. It doesn't leak a drop and picks up AM/FM very well. I bought it at a local auto parts (big box) store.

https://www.vmsracing.com/products/1...-5-inches-long

 

Which antenna did you get from AutoZone?

 

I just ordered a correct replacement URO part for $19 USD for my 2001 XK8. I even got lucky. I was at a Jaguar Club shop day at the local dealer and they installed it free for me when they saw I was proceeding slowly. And if I forget & run it thru the car wash again, I'll just buy another.

 

I took my beloved through the car wash with the radio on and subsequently broke off the antenna...so I've taken the opportunity to upgrade to a more modern replacement than deal with a new yard-long snorkel sticking out! Go to Amazon, . It's the AntennaMastsRus XK8 Mast Conversion Kit. Follow the instructions (they're pretty simple - extra hint: 14mm open wrench/spanner for the exterior antenna mounting nut) and it's pretty much a 5-minute job. The antenna it comes with is 6.75", which gets good reception but still stuck out a bit far for me. I went back to Amazon and also got the Augeny 1.37" carbon fiber car short antenna . I live in a relatively big metro area so no issue with reception with this antenna either. Looks great and I finally got rid of that flagpole! Enjoy!

Replacement antenna the kit comes with after installation

Smaller carbon fiber antenna replacement

 

This may just be the (short term?) solution I am looking for. The antenna motor stopped working. When I pulled the mast out there is only about 1" of the plastic cable attached which means all of the rest of the cable is wrapped inside the power unit. This is presumably the reason that there is no motor sound coming from the unit when I turn the radio on or off. So in the meantime I have just have the mast extended all the time. I bought a new mast but obiously need to go through contortions to remove the power assembly and even then it is not clear if it will start working again once I remove the broken cable. So in the meantime this shorty antenna may be a decent compromise assuming the radio reception is still decent. If so I might just stick with that solution. If not I guess I will need to go through the hassle of removing and fiddling with the power unit.

 

does anyone actually listen to the radio these days? I've taken the fuse out of mine so that it is permanently down and use a bluetooth FM transmitter to stream my music / radio (Planet Rock if anyone is interested)

Quality is excellent, and no un-sightly dodgem car aerial

 

I don't drive the car all that much and not often for long distances. So I do actually listen to the radio (FM and sometimes AM talk) or listen to my CD's, or stream Sirius or Pandora through a Bluetooth Cassete gizmo that actually works pretty good. At one time I was looking into the converting the system to something more modern but decided it just wasn't worth it given the relatively little time I spend in the car.

 

Yes, there are people who listen to the radio. I have a bluetooth system installed but do listen to the radio at times.