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Replacing the Power Antenna: Antenna X still the way to go?

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Old 04-29-06, 10:57 PM
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pjr
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Replacing the Power Antenna: Antenna X still the way to go?

I'm finally getting around to replacing the power antenna. Is the RX-7 antenna offered though http://www.antennax.com still the way to go? Or has something better shown up on the market?

Im using this old archived thread a my reference for considering Antenna X:

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-archive-71/stereo-power-antenna-seekers-look-here-445674/

Thanks!
Old 04-29-06, 11:00 PM
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I'm interested in this also, mine gets lousy reception and the power no longer works.
Old 04-29-06, 11:30 PM
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Not familiar with this one, but I fixed my power antenna with a new mast from Mazdatrix. that way I could keep it original. Its a finicky job, and the write up on their website sounds intimidating, but I had no real problem.
Old 04-29-06, 11:56 PM
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Shop around for that same style antenna. It's all the same. It's a standard part.
Old 04-30-06, 12:01 AM
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What actually works best for reception?
Old 04-30-06, 12:18 AM
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The Antenna X,if its the same as mine,is just a Radio Shack unit.It does fit right up and its pretty cheap.Mine has been in for a while now with no problems,although I do admit my reception isnt as good as with the stock,non-operationl power antenna.Could just be my cheap-ish head unit.
Old 04-30-06, 08:18 AM
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i will check but there was a link for step by step replacement of the power antenea with a standard unit available at any parts store. cost of 29.99 and you still use your stock mounting bracket. just have to tweak it a little. I did it about 3 months ago and it works fine. Powers on with the radio instead of when you turn the ignition, great if you take her through a car wash. I will do some digging and let you all know. reception is a little less than stock but very tolerable.

jim
Old 04-30-06, 08:29 AM
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heres the link.hope it works. I will tell you I did not do the bracket as he writes it up cuz the angle is too much for good reception. I instead drilled out a hole in the original bracket for the drain tube. I have slight angle but not as drastic as it was if you follw his instructions for the bracket.

http://www.jimrothe.com/mazda/antenna/index.html

you will probably have to copy this and paste, couldn't get it to give me a direct link.
Old 04-30-06, 08:50 AM
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Part of me says just screw the power antenna and get one of those normal non-power antennas like the one in Victoria British for $15.
Old 04-30-06, 09:14 AM
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Personally I would rather have the smaller flexible black rubber antenna. I'm going to be buying one soon since I'm getting a 5 or 6 disk CD changer that works via FM frequencies. Stealthily in my driver's side bin.
Old 04-30-06, 12:22 PM
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or you can be like me..and do something silly like epoxy a fuba, into the missing mast of the oem power antenna...I did that in the early days of owning my 7..was under the influence of a few beers as well...gets great reception though lol..


but seriously I'm going to replace that soon enough
I will be getting the oem power antenna again
Old 04-30-06, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Tranquil
Personally I would rather have the smaller flexible black rubber antenna. I'm going to be buying one soon since I'm getting a 5 or 6 disk CD changer that works via FM frequencies. Stealthily in my driver's side bin.
I tried one of those, and reception was crap (and it was mounted in the factory location). finally just replaced my mast with one from Mazdatrix.
Old 04-30-06, 09:49 PM
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has anybody used one of those internal FM antennas? (AM doesnt work on them) I'd like to do that and then fill and smooth over the hole left by the stocker.
Old 05-03-06, 07:19 AM
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I saw a Universal power antenna at PepBoys the other day that looked like it would work with a bracket transplant, but I've got 3 of the Radio Shack units stockpiled so I didn't buy, even tho it was only about $20.
Old 05-03-06, 06:21 PM
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I finally replaced my power antenna this past weekend with a Metra 44PW22. Most of the time I spent was trying to figure out how to use the original mounting bracket. I decided there was no way, because the tube for the mast was much shorter on the new one. The Metra did include a piece of what looked kinda like thick plumbers tape, which I was able to attach to the bottom of the antenna, and bolt to the inside of the car. Put a double spade terminal on the hatch light wire that has constant power. All in all it went fairly well, but trying to work through the removed taillight assembly opening is tough for anyone with big hands.
Old 05-07-06, 10:54 AM
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Whoa... how do even get the taillight out of an FB?
Old 05-07-06, 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by pjr
Whoa... how do even get the taillight out of an FB?
There's like 8 or 10 nuts, all of them 10mm.

Look under the carpet in the rear. They're gold colored.
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