DAB Antenna for Cars

[Glassman]

A commonly used DAB antenna is the glass mounted jobbie, like this:



When installed well, they can look decent, but I don't like them personally. In the context of removing/refitting/replacing the windscreen, you can't get the clear sticky bit to look good. Plus, the plastic box is too close to trim and can affect how they too are refitted.

I always recommend a new antenna, but hate leaving the car with the old one looking borked. I've half a mind to keep a float of two or three, but would rather not be giving myself more work to do (although I can't help myself). What alternatives are there out there?

Sometimes I have taped the gubbings behind the A-pillar trim and it will still pick up a signal unless the trim is - like on a Porsche 996 - reinforced with metal.

Suggestions, please.

Ta.

[JoshSm]

£15 part? Might as well keep some spares. Either offer one for the customer to fit, or do it yourself, or leave it.

The time is the expensive part.

Biggest issue is weaning yourself off trying to fix something that almost certainly isn't OEM and isn't really your job. It's costing effort (money) you probably aren't getting back.

If fitting a new one is trivial then do it otherwise...

[Glassman]

JoshSm said:

£15 part? Might as well keep some spares. Either offer one for the customer to fit, or do it yourself, or leave it.

The time is the expensive part.

Biggest issue is weaning yourself off trying to fix something that almost certainly isn't OEM and isn't really your job. It's costing effort (money) you probably aren't getting back.

If fitting a new one is trivial then do it otherwise...

Can't argue with this.

Sometimes the way it was fitted previously might be ste: cables just stuffed behind the trim or the unit itself is on the squint. The same applies to dashcams. I've never been that guy to move it all out of the way and hand the car back smiling with a 'this is you problem'. Most of the time I get a release of dopamine by making a nicer job of it. There are also some customers who expect it to be put back and won't even show their appreciation. Thankfully, most of the people I work for are very appreciative and will often tell me not to worry or focus on the issue.

Re-sticking a glass-mounted DAB antenna is one thing but tracing it back to the head unit and covering your route there and back is a job in itself.

[Mr Pointy]

JoshSm said:

Biggest issue is weaning yourself off trying to fix something that almost certainly isn't OEM and isn't really your job. It's costing effort (money) you probably aren't getting back.

This is EXACTLY the wrong attitude & I suspect you don't work for yourself, or if you do you chase work on price. The biggest advantage when you work for yourself is you have a good reputation & be known for doing a bit extra, cleaning up after yourself & leaving a good job. The you get recommended for work & you can raise your rates because you don't need to be the cheapest. You just need to be the best.