So I go out to my car today (04GT), and see that some douche bags stole my antenna. That get's me thinking that my replacement will HAVE TO be a hidden antenna, or a retractable. I always liked the idea of that sleeker look, and now this "confirms" the need for it. I did a search, here and google, and read the posts. People seem to be concerned on if it's possible, which it is. The antenna motor on the universal kits can usually be hooked up to the vehicle ignition. Not so sleek. Every time your car is on, you're antenna is up!
Now I had a neighbor with a 99-04 Cobra (not sure what exact year), and he had a retractable antenna. I never talked to the guy, so I'm not sure it that was stock for Cobra's or what.
Now here's where it get's tricky. Like I said, the kits hook up to ACC, or if you want, the remote out on your aftermarket radio. Anyway, I like the stock Visteon radios (because I dont listen to CDs), also I have a Mach 1000, so I'm not gonna be swapping this to aftermarket. I have some wiring diagrams, and from looking at the harnesses 2 weeks ago, I cant find a remote out lead. It's gotta be there. Something tells the amps to turn on. Then again I dont know the theory of operation for the Mach 1000, and if all 4 amps are just for the Mach mode, or are 2 always running, or what? So I guess I'll be digging around some more to see. Maybe I'll go to a dealership and see if they'll let me copy some shop manuals.
But still, that leaves me with an antenna that's up as long as my radio is on, which is pretty much when my car is on. As someone who listens to sat radio a lot, I want that antenna down when it's not needed. So now that means I gotta get some visteon shop manuals, and see if there's a way (inside the radio) to tap into something that will tell the antenna to rise, when the tuner is selected. This is gonna be fun.
Why retractable? Cause I'm a geek, and I like seeing metal things move on their own. I know a hidden antenna with a booster will be much easier. Oh well.
Now I had a neighbor with a 99-04 Cobra (not sure what exact year), and he had a retractable antenna. I never talked to the guy, so I'm not sure it that was stock for Cobra's or what.
Now here's where it get's tricky. Like I said, the kits hook up to ACC, or if you want, the remote out on your aftermarket radio. Anyway, I like the stock Visteon radios (because I dont listen to CDs), also I have a Mach 1000, so I'm not gonna be swapping this to aftermarket. I have some wiring diagrams, and from looking at the harnesses 2 weeks ago, I cant find a remote out lead. It's gotta be there. Something tells the amps to turn on. Then again I dont know the theory of operation for the Mach 1000, and if all 4 amps are just for the Mach mode, or are 2 always running, or what? So I guess I'll be digging around some more to see. Maybe I'll go to a dealership and see if they'll let me copy some shop manuals.
But still, that leaves me with an antenna that's up as long as my radio is on, which is pretty much when my car is on. As someone who listens to sat radio a lot, I want that antenna down when it's not needed. So now that means I gotta get some visteon shop manuals, and see if there's a way (inside the radio) to tap into something that will tell the antenna to rise, when the tuner is selected. This is gonna be fun.
Why retractable? Cause I'm a geek, and I like seeing metal things move on their own. I know a hidden antenna with a booster will be much easier. Oh well.