scyul

Still can't believe Lexus went this route...

Been thinking about this mod since I bought the car a few years ago... Finally got time to do it.

From now on, I'll be using an electronic antenna, the old one being converted to a dummy...

I really like the SL500 antenna but it is so expensive, I decided to fabricate my own.

scyul

Step two, remove the electric antenna...

scyul

Then, install the dummy... And voilà!

The last step, hook up the electronic hidden antenna!

SrWilliams

I love the look of your antenna. Tell me with the Dummy do you still have an external antenna for AM reception. Or are you simply going antenna-less. I ask this because I really need to get rid of that extended OEM antenna. the look is killing me.

Does the hidden antenna you are using give you good reception.

scyul

I will be using an amplified hidden antenna (not installed yet) like the one used on Hot Rods. It's a simple small black box that I plan to stick to the inner upper portion of the windshield. Reception should be adequate. The car is stored for winter... As soon as I install it and test it, I'll post the results.

SlvBullet

iTrader: (8)

Looks great. Did you remove the entire motor and all fornthe oem antenna or only the mast? I understand you would need a replacement for the metal tube that holds the mast in place. I would like to remove the whole thing.

SrWilliams

I too am really excited about the OP's mod. The best answer I have seen as of yet to answer the hideous expanded antenna issue. I hope he answers your question because i too want to know how difficult it is to do the install

scyul

Actually, it was surprisingly easy, the part circled, slips right off the mast! I tapped the "bullet antenna" 1/4-28. So I just used 1/4-28 bolt (about 4" long) and a penny washer to hold everything back in place.

scyul

Here are some more pics...

There's no cutting of the OEM antenna. Unscrew the chrome ring on the outside, remove one nut and disconnect the connector (circled) and the antenna lead.

mandyfig

Awesome! Finally!

mandyfig

What kind of electronic amplified antenna did you go with? TIA.

SlvBullet

iTrader: (8)

Awesome. So I like this but want to try a TRD carbon fiber stubby, the the above attachment method and connect the antenna cable with an adaptor. Test costs $10 plus shipping and adaptor ...

scyul

Something like this... Easy to find Eba¥

scyul

With all due respect, I don't think your plan will work...
You'll need a 4" bolt that will screw on the stubby just to hold everything in place and I don't see how you can connect the antenna cable to a bolt...??

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

Awesome little project, but in my opinion not really my style. I think the hidden antenna is def the way to go, but on some level i liked a longer antenna and the stub seems a little "too stubby" to balance out the small rear deck we have with the SC430. I liked the look of about a 6-8" antenna so I modded one in similar aspect as you did on your project. but skipped the hidden antenna all together as I was able to get good reception from the Front Windshield Antenna once I switched the antenna inputs on the back of the OEM radio. Plus, I didn't have to open all the trunk dressing. Simple install. To me, the stub antenna just looks too small but I think you've done great work and great effort as the antenna is a hot topic on this forum that rears its head every couple of months. There's a chance I will def change my mind, if you could maybe take a few photos of the entire car with the mod. Like a monet, things might look better from far away. Here's my post on the mod I tried.. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ns-please.html