Onstar Antenna Poll

[fastball]

Originally Posted by PA FAST

I would prefer they integrate it into the body, as long as it doesn't upset the reception. If they painted it I would have no issue really, but the question is will they paint it?

I think that's what everyone is saying..... why not just make it better material and paint it the same as the body color and I think everyone would be happy? Even me

If it was body color, I wouldn't even think about removing it. And I doubt you'll be able to paint it nicely without the paint cracking and falling off over time - the plastic GM uses is more of a boot than a cover. It's flimsy, soft, and, well, cheap in comparison to those found on even cheap Toyotas and Hondas.

[skipj3]

does BMW paint their antennas or is that just colored plastic?

[fastball]

Originally Posted by skipj3

does BMW paint their antennas or is that just colored plastic?

It's painted. They match the body color perfectly, even the multi-layer metallic colors.

[PA FAST]

Originally Posted by fastball

I think that's what everyone is saying..... why not just make it better material and paint it the same as the body color and I think everyone would be happy? Even me

If it was body color, I wouldn't even think about removing it. And I doubt you'll be able to paint it nicely without the paint cracking and falling off over time - the plastic GM uses is more of a boot than a cover. It's flimsy, soft, and, well, cheap in comparison to those found on even cheap Toyotas and Hondas.

You don't think this antenna could be painted? Can it be replaced with a more high end shark fin, while maintaining the reception?

[fastball]

Originally Posted by PA FAST

You don't think this antenna could be painted? Can it be replaced with a more high end shark fin, while maintaining the reception?

The material is flimsy, you could almost tear it like a piece of paper. It's the same that GM puts on all their cars, and my Mom's 2007 Lucerne has it. She even asked me if I could paint hers silver to match the car. So I went up there and played with it for a little, and came to the conclusion paint would not last very long. Due to it's flimsiness, the paint would eventually crack and/or peel and flake off.

The only thing that might work is removing it, and multi-coating it with sealers and primers because the cover is very rough and porus, and then puting a few coats of paint from the factory on top of that.

But I still think that due to the flimsiness of the material that paint will not hold up long if it goes through a car wash a few times.

They need to make hard, thick plastic shells for the antenna. (and I hate to say it, but it's the truth) Just like Toyota, Honda, and BMW.

I would equate it to the Endura bumper material GM used on the late 1960's Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles, only thiner and more porus.

And I do remember GM having to come up with a special flexible paint process for those too because when pressed, the regular paint would just flake off.

[PA FAST]

Originally Posted by fastball

The material is flimsy, you could almost tear it like a piece of paper. It's the same that GM puts on all their cars, and my Mom's 2007 Lucerne has it. She even asked me if I could paint hers silver to match the car. So I went up there and played with it for a little, and came to the conclusion paint would not last very long. Due to it's flimsiness, the paint would eventually crack and/or peel and flake off.

The only thing that might work is removing it, and multi-coating it with sealers and primers because the cover is very rough and porus, and then puting a few coats of paint from the factory on top of that.

But I still think that due to the flimsiness of the material that paint will not hold up long if it goes through a car wash a few times.

They need to make hard, thick plastic shells for the antenna. (and I hate to say it, but it's the truth) Just like Toyota, Honda, and BMW.

You think a body shop can do that thing with the sealers and primers? I wonder if someone sells a shell for this shark fin that can be placed over it?

[EllwynX]

I'm indifferent, so I voted 'Like'. It doesn't matter to me either way. It's certainly better than the old tall antennae that used to stick up like 3 feet from the front or rear fenders.

[JiXeR'z DoDgE/FoRd KiLLeR]

I've had a change of heart towards the Antenna. I actually don't have a problem with it since today I seen two of my friends cars that had similar antennas

[KILLER74Z28]

Now that some have seen it up close has your opinions changed?

[djpheer]

I think it looks horrible. I have one on my Lexus IS350 and it makes the car look better I would say. Its classy when its painted to match the car. For GM not to match the paint of the antenna on this car is a horrible mistake. One of my first mods will be to have it removed and filled by a body shop if they dont end up painting it. =(

[camaro5]

I would like it body-colored or hidden, like the Corvette has it in the outside mirrors.

[99b4c]

I will not have that on the roof of my new Camaro, I plan to use RPO UE0 to delete the Onstar equipment. I dont understand why any company would make a monthly service standard, the car payment/insurance will be enough for me after the first year. People who say it cant be deleted dont know, if you can delete it on the 2009 Aveo, you should be able to on any model.

[Roadster]

My opinion, the antenna looks dumb and sucks on the roof. It looked dumb on my '05 Vette where it was for XM. It was a bump then and not a shark fin. In '06 Chevy moved it, to inside the mirrors! And no, the antenna didn't need to have a large metal ground plane to work as someone suggested. The Vette is plastic and XM and OnStar work fine. Sure wish they put it in the mirrors like the Vette. Maybe that is how GM will get some folks to buy 2011's. Move the antenna and add blue to the SS line.

[Sizzox]

They could atleast make an antenna to look like the challengers that wouldnt be as bad