Antenna delete (replaced with Tune Trapper) - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

HAWAIIZR-1 · 03-23-2013

Unlike a lot of folks, I actually do like listening to some FM stations in Hawaii so I decided to remove the antenna in lieu of just putting a switch in to control it. I also did not like the way the car looks with the antenna up (rephrased to said I hate, hate, hate it). I looked into a good lightweight antenna that I could easily hide and found the Tune Trapper so I thought I would give it a try (TT-1E/end feed). I would recommend the TT-2C-2 with center feed and 2 ft cable after thinking about Ted's question and 6 feet is way too much cable.

http://www.tunetrapper.com/Hidden_Car_Antennas.html

I tossed the center mount piece as it was not needed for my install by removing the end cap, sliding it off and put the cap back on.

After removing all the interior rear deck pieces and cargo cover I was able to pull back the foam protecting the wiring and slide the antenna unit into the area and close it all up. The excess cable is placed into the inner fender area on the side behind the cargo cover slide mount and simply plugged into the RCA jack on the left side.

In lieu of shaving and painting the hole left by the removed antenna, I simply found a black rubber plug from the local hardware store and pressed it in for a nice fit. When and if I ever paint the car I will shave it for a clean look.

I did not post photos of removing the power antenna and used a 5 part series YouTube video that showed me what I had to do to take out the antenna by removing the inner fender well and just a few bolts, then wiggle it out. The hardest part of the project was getting the grommet with wiring out of the body and that is a tight seal (replaced with a 1 1/4" body plug).

The Tune Trapper antenna seems to work awesome and maybe even better than the OEM based on good reception in the concrete garage. I was not really interested in weight savings, but this did shave 2.6 pounds of weight for those that want that benefit with every pound counting. Total time for this project was about 1.5 hours not counting the down time to find a body plug and antenna hole plug.

Craig

DaveK · 03-23-2013

Looks like a great solution, thanks for the write-up Craig!

HAWAIIZR-1 · 03-23-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveK

Looks like a great solution, thanks for the write-up Craig!

Dave,
You're welcome! Not a mod for everyone, but thought I should share it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corbusa

Great write up !! I too hate the antenna's . even playing the CD's it sticks up. I was tempted to put a switch , but now with you enlightening me

I do believe I'll go this route.. Thanks

Thanks and you're welcome! I thought about the switch route too, but then can't stand the look when up and just not COOL to me so that was my solution.

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

Craig, where is the car side antenna plug that you plugged the tune trapper into? I am considering doing the same thing and my rear trim is still out of the car.

Jeff,
The antenna is plugged in on the left side about half the distance of the rear hatch area. When you remove the track for the cargo cover (for lack of a better name) on the left side, the antenna cable from the front joins around that area between the shock tower and rear speaker. Some folks will put the antenna under the dashboard, but it seemed like hell to get it under there and I had to disconnect the antenna to remove it complete anyway so did it from the rear. Sorry, I should have taken a photo of that connection.

Craig

Corbusa · 03-23-2013

Great write up !! I too hate the antenna's . even playing the CD's it sticks up. I was tempted to put a switch , but now with you enlightening me

I do believe I'll go this route.. Thanks

-=Jeff=- · 03-23-2013

Craig, where is the car side antenna plug that you plugged the tune trapper into? I am considering doing the same thing and my rear trim is still out of the car.

tf95ZR1 · 03-23-2013

Thanks for the info and write-up, Craig.
My antenna stays up 1/4" when off that
drives me crazy. Maybe instead of a fix,
I'll DELETE IT! Hint, Hint, Dynomite!
I went to the Tune Trapper website.
I assume a 2' cord is sufficient?
Thanks again,
Ted

PS "Body plug"? Hummmmmmmn

HAWAIIZR-1 · 03-23-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by tf95ZR1

Thanks for the info and write-up, Craig.
My antenna stays up 1/4" when off that
drives me crazy. Maybe instead of a fix,
I'll DELETE IT! Hint, Hint, Dynomite!
I went to the Tune Trapper website.
I assume a 2' cord is sufficient?
Thanks again,
Ted

PS "Body plug"? Hummmmmmmn

Ted,
You're welcome. Hey, let me check it out further since I have not button it up yet and I'll take some measurements today. The problem with the mid feed and 2' cable is it might not reach the connector and I wish there was an end feed with 2' cable that would be perfect. I'll post my findings and also show you the "Body Plug" (ha, ha!) and the other plug that I used to plug the other hole (ha, ha!). I'm sure there is a fix for the antenna staying up 1/4" if you want to try to fix that instead of the DELETE.

secondchance · 03-24-2013

Thanks Craig. I had been wondering how well the tune trapper worked. Now I know.

HAWAIIZR-1 · 03-24-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by secondchance

Thanks Craig. I had been wondering how well the tune trapper worked. Now I know.

Yun,
Glad to help give some feedback. I hope to drive around next weekend, but need to get temp tags and only can go by garage reception.

-=Jeff=- · 03-24-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAWAIIZR-1

Ted,
You're welcome. Hey, let me check it out further since I have not button it up yet and I'll take some measurements today. The problem with the mid feed and 2' cable is it might not reach the connector and I wish there was an end feed with 2' cable that would be perfect. I'll post my findings and also show you the "Body Plug" (ha, ha!) and the other plug that I used to plug the other hole (ha, ha!). I'm sure there is a fix for the antenna staying up 1/4" if you want to try to fix that instead of the DELETE.

That would be great!! I think a 3 ft end connection would be perfect.

I am installing a new headunit so this would be a good time to do it. I need to install the GPS antenna and a Hands free Mic too

03-23-2013	#1
HAWAIIZR-1 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Japan Posts: 3,581	Antenna delete (replaced with Tune Trapper) Unlike a lot of folks, I actually do like listening to some FM stations in Hawaii so I decided to remove the antenna in lieu of just putting a switch in to control it. I also did not like the way the car looks with the antenna up (rephrased to said I hate, hate, hate it). I looked into a good lightweight antenna that I could easily hide and found the Tune Trapper so I thought I would give it a try (TT-1E/end feed). I would recommend the TT-2C-2 with center feed and 2 ft cable after thinking about Ted's question and 6 feet is way too much cable. http://www.tunetrapper.com/Hidden_Car_Antennas.html I tossed the center mount piece as it was not needed for my install by removing the end cap, sliding it off and put the cap back on. After removing all the interior rear deck pieces and cargo cover I was able to pull back the foam protecting the wiring and slide the antenna unit into the area and close it all up. The excess cable is placed into the inner fender area on the side behind the cargo cover slide mount and simply plugged into the RCA jack on the left side. In lieu of shaving and painting the hole left by the removed antenna, I simply found a black rubber plug from the local hardware store and pressed it in for a nice fit. When and if I ever paint the car I will shave it for a clean look. I did not post photos of removing the power antenna and used a 5 part series YouTube video that showed me what I had to do to take out the antenna by removing the inner fender well and just a few bolts, then wiggle it out. The hardest part of the project was getting the grommet with wiring out of the body and that is a tight seal (replaced with a 1 1/4" body plug). The Tune Trapper antenna seems to work awesome and maybe even better than the OEM based on good reception in the concrete garage. I was not really interested in weight savings, but this did shave 2.6 pounds of weight for those that want that benefit with every pound counting. Total time for this project was about 1.5 hours not counting the down time to find a body plug and antenna hole plug. Craig __________________ Craig "ZR-1 NO KA 'OI" "ZR-1 ICHIBAN" 1995 #228 Black/Black with Dunn Heads ZR-1 owner since September 2003 ZR-1 Net Registry Founding Member #0074 NCM Lifetime Member #2048 Last edited by HAWAIIZR-1; 03-24-2013 at 03:18 AM.

03-23-2013	#2
DaveK Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sudbury, Ontario. Canada Posts: 1,538	Re: Antenna delete (replaced with Tune Trapper) Looks like a great solution, thanks for the write-up Craig! __________________ 1991 #1516 Black/Black davidmkelly.com "Speed is often confused with insight." - Johan Cruijff

03-23-2013	#4
Corbusa Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: TN Posts: 581	Re: Antenna delete (replaced with Tune Trapper) Great write up !! I too hate the antenna's . even playing the CD's it sticks up. I was tempted to put a switch , but now with you enlightening me I do believe I'll go this route.. Thanks

03-23-2013	#5
-=Jeff=- Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bartlett, IL Posts: 7,169	Re: Antenna delete (replaced with Tune Trapper) Craig, where is the car side antenna plug that you plugged the tune trapper into? I am considering doing the same thing and my rear trim is still out of the car. __________________ 1990 Corvette ZR-1 #1051 Watson Headers (2" Primary) - Flowmaster Cats - Borla Catback Late Model IH - Plenum Coilovers - 4.10s Custom Interior NCM Lifetime Member #978

03-23-2013	#6
tf95ZR1 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Northridge, CA Posts: 1,461	Re: Antenna delete (replaced with Tune Trapper) Thanks for the info and write-up, Craig. My antenna stays up 1/4" when off that drives me crazy. Maybe instead of a fix, I'll DELETE IT! Hint, Hint, Dynomite! I went to the Tune Trapper website. I assume a 2' cord is sufficient? Thanks again, Ted PS "Body plug"? Hummmmmmmn Last edited by tf95ZR1; 03-23-2013 at 11:28 PM. Reason: Wanted 2

03-24-2013	#8
secondchance Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: McLean, VA Posts: 3,723	Re: Antenna delete (replaced with Tune Trapper) Thanks Craig. I had been wondering how well the tune trapper worked. Now I know.