Shark Fin Antenna Question

[firedawg911]

Does anyone know if the shark fin antenna on the new 2009 CTS will retrofit and work on to 2008 models? The color matched antenna looks awesome!

[ngiardina]

It has to. Same antenna, same technology, different housing. I am thinking the most it could be is enlarging the hole that the antenna cables pass through, and maybe not even.

[firedawg911]

Thanks for the reply, Nick. It is worth looking into. I would definitely like to have one. The shark fin definitely looks better than the 2008 OEM antenna. I am like you in believing we can retrofit especially if we have the latest technology bluetooth enabled vehicles manufactured after April 24th. If anyone finds out for sure will you please post on this forum and let us know.

[The_Judge]

Originally Posted by firedawg911

Thanks for the reply, Nick. It is worth looking into. I would definitely like to have one. The shark fin definitely looks better than the 2008 OEM antenna. I am like you in believing we can retrofit especially if we have the latest technology bluetooth enabled vehicles manufactured after April 24th. If anyone finds out for sure will you please post on this forum and let us know.

Please post whatever you learn, including the price of the part.

[ngiardina]

If it doesn't fit, I wil make it fit.

It is larger than the 08 antenna, so any nastiness underneath will be covered by the new, larger one. If connections are different, I will figure that one out, too. Most cell antennas in cars use either an SMA, SMB, or TNC connection to the coax. I don't know if it is an issue. I am waiting for Lindsay parts to get back to me on approx cost of the part....

[firedawg911]

I received the following information from a very reliable source. He talked to GM Technical assistance and found the ’08 and ’09 antennas are interchangeable within the vehicles that have the same radio system. My source looked at the antenna base for each car and found each uses a different mounting system. On the ’08, the antenna twists into place and on the ’09 the antenna goes straight into the base. He could not say if the bases are interchangeable. They are definitely physically different but not sure if they are different “under the skin” and use different wiring hookups. I am trying to find out the cost of the color keyed shark fin. If anyone gets any further info please post.

[The_Judge]

Sounds complicated and probably expensive. Since they use different bases, I wonder if you would have to remove the headliner to make the switch.

Perhaps someone will market a shell that will simply fit over the existing antenna. I've seen such things for BMWs.

[PJL]

Originally Posted by The_Judge

Sounds complicated and probably expensive. Since they use different bases, I wonder if you would have to remove the headliner to make the switch.

Perhaps someone will market a shell that will simply fit over the existing antenna. I've seen such things for BMWs.

How about paint that does not interfer with the reception? Anyone have any ideas on this?

[ngiardina]

Originally Posted by The_Judge

Sounds complicated and probably expensive. Since they use different bases, I wonder if you would have to remove the headliner to make the switch.

Perhaps someone will market a shell that will simply fit over the existing antenna. I've seen such things for BMWs.

Look in your back seat. You will not have to remove the headliner, because the rear vanity lights are directly under the antenna. I am pulling mine apart tonight, if there are any curveballs, I will post pics.

[Workaholic]

Does anyone have a good pic of the fin? I have been googling for it but can't find anything thats a really decent pic of size and shape (or color)

[The_Judge]

It's probably the same as the fin on the 2009 CTS-V, which you can see here: http://www.cadillac.com/09ctsv/

[firedawg911]

Thanks for the video. The shark fin looks really great IMO. I know if anyone can make it work it will be Nick. He has done some awesome upgrades to his CTS. I don't think the headliner should have to be pulled. I believe that once the existing antenna is removed from the top of the car the wires that hookup to the antenna should be protruding through the hole already drilled in the 08's roof. Once the existing antenna is removed it will be a matter of figuring out how to incorporate the base for the 09 shark fin. Nick, thanks for taking on the challenge. I will keep working on getting a price for the shark fin for those who want to do the changeover. I hope the shark fins are available already.

[ngiardina]

I called my dealer today, and as of yet, the 09 parts DB is not online. As soon as it is, I will get it done. It is too cool to pass up on.

[ngiardina]

Bad News-

I took apart the overhead console and removed the antenna.

Here is what I found:

The antenna is fed by three coax wires, so it is onstar, xm, and something else, I am assuming GPS. Once my service manual arrives tomorrow, I will understand better.




Anyway, the antennas feeds are captive, so the headliner has to be removed to swap out the antenna itself.



Not a roadblock, merely a hurdle. The biggest problem is going to be getting a hold of the new antenna for a reasonable price in a timely manner.

[ddawson]

Originally Posted by ngiardina

Bad News-

I took apart the overhead console and removed the antenna.

Here is what I found:

The antenna is fed by three coax wires, so it is onstar, xm, and something else, I am assuming GPS. Once my service manual arrives tomorrow, I will understand better.




Anyway, the antennas feeds are captive, so the headliner has to be removed to swap out the antenna itself.



Not a roadblock, merely a hurdle. The biggest problem is going to be getting a hold of the new antenna for a reasonable price in a timely manner.

You are amazing.