Shark Fin Antenna Question

[ngiardina]

Not really. Just motivated. This is really nothing, the car culture I come from (Japanese Sport Compacts), is mod driven. I hope to get the CTS GenII crowd to the same level, as long as Dubbed Stealth keeps doing the same.

[firedawg911]

Nick, thanks for showing us what you did. About how long did it take you to take apart the overhead console and loosen the antenna? It definitely looks like it is possible to do. I will do my best to find a source and a price for the shark fin.

[Dualcams34]

Well this is a special one. Yes the09 base is totally different then the 08. However, you can interchange the base between the two years 09 on a 08 but the wiring changes are the big draw back. The three leads are indeed for Onstar cellphone antenna, onstar GPS and xm. Blue tooth does not have anything to do with this system. Blue tooth received an updated onstar module and the bluetooth antenna is part of the onstar module which for 09 is mounted under the dash above the glove box. So needless to say, it probably is possible to switch out 09 antenna base on a 08. But you have to understand how to change the coax connector leads to match the said 3 leads. Good luck e mail if you need help. Don't rip your car apart just yet. I can get part numbers and pictures if anyone needs them.

[ngiardina]

Thank you sir. I don't forsee the connections being a problem, more the part numbers. Can you advise? Are you a GM employee?

[firedawg911]

I received this info for my crystal red (U89) CTS from Lindsay Cadillac:

The pricing for the 2009 antenna and base are as follows:

Antenna (U89) (P/N 25831341) List $55.10 Sell price - $38.57
Base (w/U2K option) (P/N 25861955) List $81.61 Sell price $61.20
Base (w/o U2K option) (P/N 25831387) List $63.84 Sell price $44.69

The radio option (U2K) can be found on your option label or, if your VIN is provided they can decode it and find out what base you will need. Unfortunately both the base and mast are on backorder and GM is not saying when they will become available. A national search was done and there are no stocking dealers either.


So, the price is not bad at all. Just need availability and correct wiring connections.

[The_Judge]

That's reasonable, but I wonder what installation would cost. Lacking Nick's skill and experience, I ain't about to try it myself.

Also, is your understanding that the fin is already painted to match the car? Or is that another expense?

Thanks.

[firedawg911]

From my understanding the shark fin is already painted. In my case, Lindsay Cadillac gave me the price for crystal red which is paint code U89. I am not sure about the installation cost. Based upon the pictures Nick posted, it looks like it wouldn't be that hard to do, especially, if the wiring connections on the 09 are the same as the 08 antenna.

[ngiardina]

outstanding

[firedawg911]

I received a little more information on the shark fin. The base for the antenna is not visible once the “shark fin” Is installed. There is still no official word as to the release date for the base and the antenna. The latest message from GM is “currently testing product for quality assurance. Follow up date is the week of July 23rd.”

[firedawg911]

Dualcams34:

Thanks for the info. You mentioned that one would have to understand how to change the coax leads. Are you saying that the three wiring connectors to the 09 shark fin antenna are different than the three wiring connectors to the 08 antenna? Based upon my VIN I was informed I have the U2K radio in my vehicle. Also, you stated you could provide numbers and pictures to us. That would be greatly appreciated. I have Lindsay Cadillac to let me know as soon as the base and antenna become available.

[ngiardina]

keep us posted

[Dualcams34]

Yes sir. This change can be done. I check one out today and what happen is that with the change in the location of the onstar module to the glove box area, the cables are changed. So instead of running to the rear shelf on the 08's the coax's for the onstar cell phone antenna and gps run ontop of the head liner. The new antenna base fits right into the same hole as the 08, no change in the hole. The antenna mounts just like the 09's The part number on the box on the assembly line is 25931739. We get the fins from a sequencer so as of yet, I do not have any numbers, but I am working on that. As for the terminal changes, any good repair tech can figure it out. Basically all you have to do is change the connector ends from the old to the new. If you have any questions please email me at the said e mail address

[firedawg911]

Dualcams34:

I just wanted to say thanks for looking into the shark fin antenna issue of making the 09 work on the 08 models. I think I am pretty clear on what to do to make the conversion besides having to change the connectors to make the hookup to the 09 antenna. Can you tell me for sure if the wiring color coding and functions are the same for both models. Based on the photos Nick posted it looks like there are 3 cables going to the 08 antenna: blue, black and tan. If you get a chance can you confirm the colors are the same on the 09 antenna. If they are, I think I will be in business. I looked on the GM parts direct web-site and it does show the part numbers I posted earlier are valid. Another question: You said that the OnStar module for 2009 models was moved to the glovebox area. Is the OnStar module for the later 2008 models with bluetooth also in the glovebox area? The connectors should not be a problem once we get a chance to look at the shark fin.

[Dualcams34]

The 08 onstars modules are all on the rear shelf. I also have part numbers for the fin but left them at work.

[firedawg911]

Thanks!