Shark Fin Antenna Installation Tutorial

[vRS Carl]

This tutorial is for an Mk2 Octavia but i would imagine the process is similar in the golf.

Also usual disclaimer

NEITHER I NOR MK5GOLFGTI WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE IF YOU ATTEMPT THIS YOURSELF. YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

Ok here is the OEM shark fin Antenna - Part no. 1K0 035 507 J



To install this firstly remove the trim from the C pillar and then across the back of the rear windscreen. Oh and that's not muck on the headlining its cos my hands are dry etc from this week so its actually my skin   oh and it was raining hence the wet bit as one hand was wet.





Carefully then pull the headlining down to reveal the bolt holding the antenna in.



Now all you do is undo this bolt (you require a 22mm socket/spanner). Disconnect the wire. Put the other antenna in its place. Connect the wire and fasten up the bolt. Remember only do it up hand tight then half a turn.

End result is









When finished. Carefully return headling back and re attach trim. Took me all of 20 mins and that was taking pics aswell.

Carl

[JPC]

very nice mate. are you doing it the proper way and taking the headling down or just pulling and hoping for the best?

i changed mine to a shark fin when i was doing a headliner install, so it was simply a bolt and done! lol

[vRS Carl]

I'm not taking the headlining off completely but it will be moved down so i can get access to the bolt and then re-fitted.

I have had it down before in that area when looking for the best position for the GPS Antenna Puck.

Quick question. Is there a specific torque setting or anything like that or is just literally hand tight?

Carl

[holepunch]

I have just fitted a DAB aerial for my RCD 510 DAB . I followed a guide I found on another forum which was a great help and would certainly recommend purchasing replacement airbag clip/logos along with a few trim clips (white plug type) for the C pillar.

There’s not a lot of room up there due to the curtain air bag system (disconnect the battery).

I was unable to get a socket on the 22mm (guess) nut and ended up using an open ended spanner.  Although you’re right it doesn’t need a lot of torque saying that I probably over tightened mine. 


Just take your time over and go steady as a crease in headlining would be a real PITA

[Rob GTI]

How much was the aerial and got a p/n. I was under the impression you needed an amplifier to go with this as well??

[vRS Carl]

Part no. is 1K0 035 507 J (thats is for the FM/AM version). Was a Shade under £35

If you want one for Telephone and Satnav (these have to be factory installed not retro-fit afaik) then replace the J with a K.

I am led to believe it is a Straight swap but will find out tomorrow or friday and if i need the amplifier i will see if i can remove it from the one i take off but looking at base sizes etc i imagine its already in there.

Carl

[paulk]

looking forward to the results

[danishmkvgti]

Part no. is 1K0 035 507 J (thats is for the FM/AM version). Was a Shade under £35

If you want one for Telephone and Satnav (these have to be factory installed not retro-fit afaik) then replace the J with a K.

I am led to believe it is a Straight swap but will find out tomorrow or friday and if i need the amplifier i will see if i can remove it from the one i take off but looking at base sizes etc i imagine its already in there.

Carl

why's that??? 

[vRS Carl]

Im led to believe that if you don't have them factory fitted (i.e you retro fit yourself) you wont have the correct wiring to plug into the base of the antenna.

Don't shoot the messenger  . Its what i was told when i rang up to order the part

Carl

[vRS Carl]

All done and complete

Carl

[Hedge]

Looks good Carl.

How is your radio reception?

[vRS Carl]

Erm 

Not sure yet as i kinda let the battery in the car go dead    so it's on charge will find out tomorrow.

Im sure it will be ok but will see tomorrow 

Carl

[vRS Carl]

Bit of an Update

The Radio reception is Spot on. No different (well not sat outside my flat) to the OEM antenna

Here are a couple of daylight pics further back





Carl

[danishmkvgti]

Im led to believe that if you don't have them factory fitted (i.e you retro fit yourself) you wont have the correct wiring to plug into the base of the antenna.

Don't shoot the messenger  . Its what i was told when i rang up to order the part

Carl

so if i have the intire wiring from a car with sat nav fitted, i just have to do some sherlock and free the proper wires?? 
I'm glad i ought both the wiring loom for engine and cabin, at the time i i wasn't sure that i had any use for it, but now it'll come in handy 

[vRS Carl]

Well i seem to have been a bit premature on the signal quality of the Shark Fin

It seems as soon as i leave my drive it no longer works.

Going to ensure i connected it up properly then will have to take apart and see if i can swap gubbins over from old to new

Alternatively any idea if you can buy  a signal booster?

Carl