Question for Stubby Antenna People

[drewfaulk]

I bought the builtright stubby antenna. Noticed more static on FM. My 2023 didn't come with AM.

My work garage is 7 feet and I think I have a couple of inches clearance, maybe 3". Never really got out and checked.

Might put the original antenna back on. I'd say it's only worth the money if you really like the stubby look. Although it does make the lightning appear less old school. I think the stubby look matches the lightnings overall appearance more than the stock one.

I didn't put locktite because I'm still deciding. Either way hand tightening it should be enough.

Do you happen to have pictures of this antenna on your Lightning? It sounds crazy, but Builtright's own website has a picture of an ICE F-150 on the Lightning antenna page that they say they designed especially for the Lightning (the antenna bases are not the same). I just want to know how well the Builtright antenna mates with the base before I buy one.

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[Pullsmyboat]

(I either listen to Sirius or stream from my phone and never listen to AM radio. FM reception in my town is fine without it. I took the antenna off and screwed in a 1" bolt. zero cost solution.

What's the threading?

 

[Jseis]

Put this on a year ago. Works fine though I live in the sticks so to speak. ~$25 on Amazon. Note the carbon fiber wrap !

 

[Mach Turtle]

What's the threading?

I was surprised to find that a 1/4"-20 stainless button head screw fit mine just fine. I never expected such a modern vehicle to use old imperial/SAE threads!? But there it is.

 

[RLXXI]

Literally the 1st mod I did after getting my truck last year, it has seen a years worth of auto washes beating it around (main reason for getting it) and still looks like the day I installed it, saw a photo of an OEM antenna that got ripped off by a carwash and took a big hunk of the aluminum fender with it. Wasn't a Lightning, was a regular F 150 but same aluminum fender more or less and that was enough to sell me.

My old truck I did it for aesthetic reasons, this one I did it similarly but more to prevent serious damage should the auto wash go rogue so to speak.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HSHCP1X?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1

 

[ScubaSteve_TheReal]

Yes this one

I bought for various reasons over 3 years ago for looks and car washes. Radio still works great.

Rydonair Antenna Compatible with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MJKMGY4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[Turbo Dizzle]

I completely understand your concern as I used to use it as a gauge as well if I had enough clearance in some parking garages I mean I looked up but it was just additional confirmation. On my lightning I’ve gone for the stubby antenna and am just extra cautious looking out the window and trying to park on the street where I can instead of underground parking. On a recent trip to Ottawa where my plan was to charge at the hotel I found I was too tall and had to park down the street and supercharge on the way home that was also my first Tesla supercharging experience which made me understand why people by the Teslas. It was so quick to charge it had the fans going on the truck at the speed it was charging so quickly very impressive

 

[RickLightning]

I completely understand your concern as I used to use it as a gauge as well if I had enough clearance in some parking garages I mean I looked up but it was just additional confirmation. On my lightning I’ve gone for the stubby antenna and am just extra cautious looking out the window and trying to park on the street where I can instead of underground parking. On a recent trip to Ottawa where my plan was to charge at the hotel I found I was too tall and had to park down the street and supercharge on the way home that was also my first Tesla supercharging experience which made me understand why people by the Teslas. It was so quick to charge it had the fans going on the truck at the speed it was charging so quickly very impressive

The fans were due to any fast charge and the temperature. In fact, Tesla is no faster than EA or Pilot / Flying J.

 

[davehu]

What's the threading?

standard 1/4-20. I since bought a Stubby

 

[Discwizard70]

I put a one of those 50 caliber bullet stubbies on mine. Am, Fm both tune like stock. Looks good, no problems with installation, just screws right on. It was about $20 on Amazon. No issues with clearance heights, just take a tap measure and remember your truck height measurement from the tallest point.

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