How to Attach a Car Radio Antenna Through the Rear Defrost
The placement of a car’s radio antenna can aid or detract reception. Mount an aftermarket radio antenna to the back of the car to improve the AM and FM radio signals. The wire from the antenna can be routed through the rear defroster window without disturbing the defroster wiring. Tools that most homes have in their toolbox will be needed, as will supplies from a hardware store.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Magnetic base
- Antenna cable, 25 feet
- Silicone sealant
- Plastic putty knife
- Sticky pads
Instructions
-
-
1
Screw the bottom of the radio antenna into the magnetic base clockwise until resistance is felt. Insert the plug at one end of the antenna cable into the socket on the base. Run a bead of silicone sealant on the socket to insulate the antenna from the elements. Let the silicone sealant set for an hour before continuing. If the antenna cable is permanently attached to the base, ignore this step.
-
2
Turn the base so the cable is facing toward the front of the car. Place the magnetic base against the car just above the hinge of the trunk.
-
-
3
Run the cable into the seam at the bottom left corner of the back defroster window. Go into the back seat. Run the edge of the plastic putty knife beneath the right corner back edge of the pad that is on the ledge up against the back window. Raise the pad and grip the cord. Pull the cord through into the back of the car.
-
4
Run the cord down the side of the car to the baseboard. Run the cord along the baseboard and under the driver’s seat. Run the cord up from the right side of the driver’s seat and plug it into the “Aux” input on the car’s radio that is on the dashboard.
-
5
Remove the adhesive backing from the sticky pads. Place the glued side of the sticky pads against the cable to secure it to the side, baseboard and bottom of the car.
-
6
Push the pad down. Press the edges of the pad with your fingers to smooth it.
-
1
