2007 Toyota Tundra Installation Report by WileETundra

2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 5.7L V8 Limited
Pyrite Mica, Standard Bed, 20" Alloy Wheels

Owner: WileETundra

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Installation Report: Shortened Radio Antenna

Project Description
The factory radio antenna is the same as many other trucks however the tip is pretty high due to the length and the extra height of the Tundra. I have a carport which is high enough for other trucks but the tip of the Tundra antenna would always bang on the carport each time I parked so I had to do something. I looked at all the local auto parts stores for replacement antennas but most of them were the same length as the factory whip and the shorter models were not my style. Many of the replacements also required changing the factory mounting block and cable and I didn't want to do that. So I came up with the idea of cutting the factory whip down a bit, but then I didn't want to risk cutting it in case it didn't work out or I wanted to switch back to the original factory configuration for some other reason. I ended up finding a black coated metal replacement whip at the store which was identical to the Tundra whip so I figured I would get it and cut it down as an experiment.

Photos
(click on any photo to see a larger version)

Parts & Cost

Auto Zone black coated metal FM antenna whip, designed as an exact factory replacement, was $9.99. I don't have the part number but will post it here if someone can find it and send it to me. You can probably find this same whip at many other stores. It is the whip only with several thread adapters for various vehicles, one of which just screws down into the Tundra base like a glove.
Chrome and clear light-up antenna topper from Walmart: found it in the auto parts aisle for $7.94.
Small metal nut just big enough to screw down over the cut portion of the antenna mast.
Black electrical tape.

Tools
(just the major items, not a complete list)

Box wrench
Hacksaw with metal-cutting blade

Install Process

Measure the factory whip to determine the desired height of the new whip.
Open the replacement whip and screw on the appropriate thread adapter to match the Tundra base. Make sure it is screwed on firmly.
Mark the proper height on the new replacement whip making sure to subtract about 1" for the topper.
Cut the replacement whip with the hacksaw being sure to go slow and easy so you don't chip or roughen the edges.
Unscrew the topper and place the bottom half over the top of the replacement whip.
Screw the metal nut onto the cut end of the replacement whip until it is flush with the cut end. The nut doesn't have to be super-tight but the threads in the nut should be tight enough so that it is a snug fit.
Remove the battery protector from the topper LED to activate the lighting circuit. See the topper instructions if you are not sure how to do this.
Place the top portion of the topper over the metal nut and screw both halves of the topper together so that it closes around the metal nut. If the topper is loose when it is fully screwed together then take it apart again and wrap the nut with a thin layer of electrical tape. Repeat until the topper makes a snug fit on the whip and shake it around a bit to test it.
Unscrew the factory whip and replace with the new shorter whip.

Total Time: ~1 hour including prep and cleanup

Comments

Why the Topper?: I added the topper to prevent the tip of the replacement whip from fraying or rusting, and to prevent someone from getting speared in the eye or armpit while they are washing or servicing the truck. The nut was necessary so the topper would have something firm to hold onto.
Motion: I was initially worried that the wind or rain would loosen the replacement whip or knock the topper off at high speeds but I have driven around for months, occasionally in heavy rain or at speeds in excess of 90 mph, and it has not come loose at all. The shorter length makes it move a lot less than the factory whip did, and no more banging on the carport.
Reception: I have tested reception with both whips while parked and found that the shorter whip doesn't make any appreciable difference at all. Sure, it doesn't pull in quite as many weak signals but I never listen to weak long-distance FM stations anyway. The shorter whip works perfect for all local and semi-local stations, at least in my area of the country.
Looks: I like the look of the shorter antenna better and the topper looks slick when it lights up pale blue at night while you are driving down the road.
Batteries: I am disappointed that the lithium battery in the topper only lasts a few months at most. It has a light and motion sensor so it automatically shuts off during the day or when the truck is parked but the battery still doesn't last very long. I am currently thinking of replacing the topper with a large LED that I will hard wire to avoid the battery issue altogether. I just need to find the right LED which is large, not too bright, and enclosed in a weatherproof housing. I will update this report when I eventually get it done but for now the topper works fine.

Disclaimer: this information has been shared for entertainment purposes only. The ideas, methods, parts, and products represented may not be compatible or safe for your vehicle or driving circumstances. The author is not responsible for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, misuse, etc. No guarantees, warranties, or support are provided or implied. Use this information at your own risk.