Shark Fin Antenna Question

[Loveldos]

Have many of you guys made the '08 to '09 antenna switch? Are the new shark fin antennas still on back-order? I'd sure like to make this change soon.

[firedawg911]

As of last week the shark fins are still on national back order and have not been released for sale by GM.

[ngiardina]

Everything is on national backorder. I want my damned fin.

[Toronto Owner]

Any update on shark fin availability?

[kylooch]

Ordered my parts early this year, picked them up within days.

Installed on Sunday morning now that some warm weather has arrived. Easy to do... remove the map lights, disconnect plugs for the lamps and RPA (if equipped) loosen the LR C-pillar garnish to allow for extra vertical movement of the head liner. Do not bend and crease your headliner, you will be greatly annoyed and will probably not get the crease out. FYI I work for a manufacturer so I have had experience dropping headliners and removing garnishes, you name I've probably done it, so I might be more comfortable doing the work required than most. It's not a hard job though. Remember to seal up the OEM antenna location net hole in the roof as it will not be required with the new antenna and is not protected from the elements with the new antenna base. Clear silicone works fine.

Tip... If you do not feel like changing the fakra connector from the new antenna base - the "Leaf green" connector on the car's harness is different than the "yellow" connector supplied on the specified STS antenna base used for the conversion, you can use a small file and grind off the 2 tabs on the side of the yellow plastic fakra connector. The different combinations are only used to "idiot proof" the connections. IE, different shapes only go together with a corresponding male->female connector (and match colors). I am not sure if the 2009 CTS antenna uses a leaf green fakra connector in place of the STS's yellow connector.

[spaceman78]

i will pass i will keep my black antenna lol

[Loveldos]

I had the dealer change my antenna to the "shark fin" back in December. I'm glad I made the switch--the old black antenna stood out on my White Diamond beauty!

P.S.--the only other visible change I detected is the lack of front door locks on my car, compared to the '09's . . .

[928S]

Originally Posted by Loveldos

I had the dealer change my antenna to the "shark fin" back in December...

Pardon me for asking ... how much did your dealer charge for the "shark fin" parts and labor?

TIA.

[Loveldos]

Parts minimal--labor came back more than estimated, because they had to enlarge the hole through the roof (but cut it carefully)--the total was $403.xx. They loaned me a brand new '09 CTS (330 miles on it) for the day (while they worked). The car looks exactly like an '09 now.