I finally got around to washing the car this weekend and I decided to test out how waterproof the s2k antenna conversion kit is. It's always been one of my concerns so I tried to duplicate the worst case scenario and spray the antenna directly with the hose numerous times. After drying off the car, I took off the necessary body panels to get to the antenna's threaded mast. The mast was wet but not to the point that it was dripping. That was enough for me to take it off and put the stock antenna back on.

I haven't given up on the antenna because the stock ones really annoy me for some reason. I'm currently devising a way to make it more waterproof but I think I'm lacking in "invention genes." Maybe some of you will question my installation but I'm sure I had it on there nice, tight, and secure. Anybody have any ideas to make it 100% waterproof?


[Modified by CPR, 11:49 AM 12/3/2001]

 

I don't understand, who cares if it's wet? The most it will do is lower reception. This isn't a power antenna, right?

 

I think they guy doesn't want any water in his rear panel.

To 100% water proof it, just go buy some silicon paste used on bathtubs.

 

it also has do to with how you have seated the antenna in the whole

I tried diffrent angles to get a firm fit for the antenna

also, i made a design that allows you to tighten a nut on the bottom of the mast to tighten down the antenna to the body

If you are worried about water, you could also try getting some type of epoxy, or silicone and glue the antenna to the black part that the antenna sits on. (the part that sits on the body)

 

I was worried about it getting so wet that it drips onto the metal panels. Maybe I'm paranoid but I got to thinking that it might make something rust.

 

Ah I see
to me

 

Interesting! I've never had a problem with this happening on my own unit. I would say spraying the antenna with direct force would be considered excessive, but your point is taken. Did you determine where it was leaking? On top of the base(antenna-base connection) or under the rubber base(base-chassis connection)?

Did you use the supplied washers that go between the antenna and coupling? These allow for a lot tighter fit due to the metal/metal contact. A silicon/epoxy compound may help, but I think it could be potentially messy. I think a simple solution would be to go to a local hardware store, take your antenna & base, and find a small O-ring that would suit your needs. Probably cost you less than $.50 too. If you can find one of those, a plastic washer might work as it would crush when tightened. Another cheap idea would be use a piece of rubber to create your own seal; ie. cut a bicycle tube to the inside diameter of the base. Punch a hole for the antenna threaded mast and screw back together.

Let me know how it works out!





[Modified by RStoR, 1:02 PM 12/3/2001]

 

I believe the leak was between the seal of the antenna and the base (antenna-base connection).

Yup, I used both washers.

Maybe I was cut out to be an inventor because you're idea of cutting a bicycle tube and punching a hole through it came to mind. I also had another idea of finding a waterproof sleeve...sort of like what Allen Iverson wears on his arm...and putting it over the antenna and base so that it covers the seal between them. Maybe I'll do both since I'm so ****.

Thanks for the tips Chris.

 

Easy fix: Just remove your interior panel and saturate the joint between the antenna and body with SILICONE. If you need to push it around with your fingers to get a good seal, be sure to dip your fingers in soapy water first.

 

I think I'm going to pass on the gooey stuff since I'll probably make a mess if I went that route.