power antenna

[bravekozak]

Here is a picture of where the bolts came out on the inside. I drilled through the bracket that supports the rear wiring harness connector. Ignore the rust spot at the corner of the plenum. I am going to weld it up.

[bravekozak]

Here is a picture of the antenna motor mounted on the inner fender wall with two M6 X 30 flange bolts. It was easy for me to mount it because I had my wiring harness out. I had no fear of accidentally drilling into the harness. The antenna goes up and down just fine. I have decided to mount the antenna switch in a spare slot just under the instrument cluster, and not down on the cubby. Too far to reach while driving.

There are power antenna motors on eBay Germany for sale, in case someone else wishes to try this project. I also have an extra antenna motor. You will however need to order an antenna mast from Four Green.

[bravekozak]

Does that mean if you don't pull it out all the way, it will have better FM reception? At least I will get the AM rush hour traffic reports on the ones, clear as a bell.

[FB71]

different markets around the world use different frequency ranges for FM radio transmission. Each frequency range requires a different length antenna, just as FestYboy said. Too long of an antenna can actually hurt reception, just as too short a mast would. Only AM bands like really long antennas. The longer the better for AM.

[bravekozak]

I drilled a 1/2" hole with a long drill bit. I started from the fender into the plenum gap and then into the A-pillar. I then ground off all the sharp edges. with a Dremel tool. I inserted an electrical fish wire and attached it with tape to the 3" of plastic gear cable with the antenna fully extended. I easily pulled the antenna through the newly drilled hole. Unfortunately the antenna lead would not go down to the other gap under the dash. It seemed to be hung up on an obstruction. I collapsed the antenna and pulled the antenna back to allow me to hook the fishwire to the antenna lead.
I successfully pulled the antenna lead into position. However the plastic tube end was not visible. I gently pulled on the plastic gear cable and it just fell out of the hole. I did not force anything. I cut the remaining cable flush with the end ferrule. It required a lot of cutting force. I concluded that the cable must have had a weak point. I will order another power antenna mast from Four Green. I will hang on to this Pride antenna so that I may bring it to Ohiostiva next year. I am sure someone will enjoy having a longer manual antenna. At least I have the entire wiring harness out to opreate on. I am removing all 40 ECU wires and connectors.

[bravekozak]

I removed the drivers fender. Unfortunately, North American Festivas don't have any bolt holes for Kia Pride power antennas. I think it fits in this position like this. Can anyone with a Kia Pride verify this?
I positioned the Pride power antenna and it extends only this much into the fenderwell.

The groove has to go into the clip on the motor, so I assume I will be drilling a hole in the upper seam above the power antenna motor. Can anyone with a Kia Pride verify this?

There is absolutely no margin for error on this install. The length has to be exact. I will drill the motor mounting holes into the area behind the firewall at the very last.

I am going to buy some plastic tube, and try to feed it through, before I install the new power antenna.

[DriverOne]

I like the Ford whip.

[bravekozak]

New Camry's don't have a fin. They have smooth GPS antennas.

[fastivaB6TG25MR]

IMO, power antennas are so 1970's.... rather antique these days dontcha think? I'd much rather have a shark-fin style roof antenna, like modern BMW's, etc.

ew! no way... shark fins are too stream line to look good on a boxy festy... on an aspire maybe...

[deathegg]

IMO, power antennas are so 1970's.... rather antique these days dontcha think? I'd much rather have a shark-fin style roof antenna, like modern BMW's, etc.

[darrenryall]

Driving down the road with that setups Festiva coming up behind a rig would visually look like a chihuahua trying to mate with a Labrador... >=)

[crazyrog17]

Man, the stock Festiva antenna is way too long in my opinion but dang, twice the length?!

What do I know...?

[FestYboy]

longer antenna USUALLY means better reception, BUT it also changes the antenna's tuned range...

[bravekozak]

Just so everyone is aware, the Kia Pride power antenna extends to double the length of the stock Festiva manual antenna. It is a two section mast. I don't know if that means better reception or not. Does anyone know?

[bravekozak]

Twistiva, please check the picture of my extra antenna motor in post #20 of this thread. Thanks for sending me the new power antenna mast from our group buy from Four Green. I will post pictures of the antenna and mudflaps when I get them. I was surprised that we bought the last two under seat trays in Kia's inventory for $4.32 each. Now I have to remove my left front fender to mount the motor. This will serve two purposes, as I am permanently removing all of the ECU wiring from the harness. I will ask Mirko for a power antenna switch for you.

Please confirm if there are any mistakes in the wiring diagram for the Kia Pride power antenna. pp 56-57. It's on the same circuit as the cigarette lighter. Even though there is no relay, I would like to install one. I am currently looking for an antenna relay from an RX-7.