Metra 44-US07R Top Or Side Mount Rubber Antenna

The antenna cable in our 2004 Ford E 450 RV cab was accidently cut during rerouting its vacuum line through firewall. Since full exposure behind passenger knee panel and the dash vacuum heater/air-conditioning switch was necessary including sliding the engine doghouse back, replacement of the antenna and its connecting cable was necessary. Ford does not make original equipment beyond 7 years, so none through that source or cross referenced could be found to install in the original passenger fender mount location. This was the only after market antenna I could locate that could be modified to fit into that location. The manufacturer of this product did not advise it would fit, and all local auto parts stores denied having any source for one that fit. It was made to fit by grinding the fender hole larger, pulling its attached coaxial cable through the fender taped to malleable wire, then pulling it through the pasenger compartment wall enlarged rubber grommet hole gromet, and routing it to the back of the original Ford factory radio without modification of the cable. Epoxy putty beneath the deployed antenna retainer solidified its mount, and Plumber's Goop sealed it. Many more FM stations are pulled in than with the original equipment. Only one of the six AM stations in our location can be obtained.

If you own a vehicle that came with a roof antenna, chances are you have very poor radio reception. My 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe has this antenna design which is why I ended up hunting for a roof or side mount replacement antenna. There are so many sizes and shapes of aftermarket radio antennas and I was tempted to go for one of those cool-looking shark fin antennas but there are mixed reviews on those. People also recommend antenna boosters but something about their cheap price told me they were a waste of time. So I said I'll just go with traditional design antennas that have never failed, and I chose this one. Metra is a quality but affordable brand. It's not difficult to install and looks great, almost as if the vehicle came with it. I bought an extension cable cause I thought the length of cable that came with this would be too short but it was actually enough for the installation location I chose. Reception is really strong and I'm glad I chose this one. I recommend.

Reception is not Well

Item is furnished WITHOUT INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. It is useless without instructions. My vehicle has a fiberglass body. There is no way this will work without modification. Modification always voids any warranty.

A little bit of a pain to install however, it does the job it was meant to do.

This antenna works great for all of the radio stations I listen to. The signal receptions are strong and there are rarely any dropped signals, which have only occurred when I went through freeway tunnels -- but that's usually the case for most antennas. The installation is pretty simple but it could have been better. The area where the base of the ball is fitted into could have been better designed to allow a true 360 degree orientation because I am unable to have the antenna oriented vertically. Instead, for my car at least since my car has an oval shaped hole, I have to tilt the antenna horizontal with my car, otherwise it'll be sticking out at angle and could possibly hit things while driving. Still, even with the antenna horizontally oriented it works great. Overall, great antenna for its price.

Fixed my radio not having AM and sketchy FM. Although, Metra, if you are going to make a special reduced screw at least include two that have different lengths. The provided screw barely passes the rubber base. I get that the antenna cable screws into the base of the mount and that is supposed to stick out of the car. But with my Chevy HHR I had to go to Tacoma Screw (Washington base Co. I recommend for specialty screws, equipment, and customer service.) to get one screw specially grind down to it the questionable design.Also, the head of the screw provided is specially designed to allow the antenna piece to come together. Any other round screw that is correct number and thread won't fit without modification.

For those who have installed an antenna before, it's a breeze. However, I myself had to ask for help from Amazon Users and needed a third hand thanks to my 5'2" short stature. Once I figured out how to install the antenna, it was easy! Girls might consider using a drill if you are petite. Or perhaps ask a guy pal to help make sure the screws are tight. Optional. But after it was all put together, OMG I have a solid radio signal again!!!! IT works great!! I now have stations I wasn't able to get before and no more static!!! I am super happy so far with this purchase and would recommend it to any of my friends.

After my standard antenna broke off from hitting a branch I needed something to replace this normal metal antenna. Since I go offroading in my Landcruiser, I needed something that is: Robust (can take hits from branches) Affordable (so If I break it again it won't be too upset) and also needed it to work (Bring in the stations) since I go in the back country away from the city I need it to actually function good.This antenna appears to meet these qualification.It was easy to install. The antenna all breaks down for mounting into a tight space.The cable is "just" long enough for my Landcruiser. (Midsize vehicle) If you had a full size vehicle you will probably need an extension cable.The only "Con" to this Antenna is adjusting the angle. It only has predefined notches. My fender is sloped and I cannot get it perfectly vertical. Not a big deal but I wish it had a couple more "notches" to fine tune the angle a bit better.Happy with the purchase.

Positioned correctly, antenna on sloped fender, sits straight up. Perfect! Other positions can also be accomplished like parallel with windshield if wanted.Had to slightly grind off plastic spacer as the screw was not long enough when positioned on curve, but now it seals perfectly and is very sturdy.Reception on radio has out performed OEM antenna.Take your time, and do a good install, and this antenna will work perfect. Side note however, in the 2002 grand cherokee, the wire ended up a bit short, so for some units an extension might be in order.

What you expect for this $$$, definitely made on china quality

Good replacement.

This came as described its perfect my 80 Z28 is going to love it