so where to get replacement .. is it difficult .. and while I'm at it, is the stock one the best? Do I just need the antenna rod?

Edit: Answered my own question - the top unscrews.

Easy peazy.

Now to find replacement.

 

ECS, Pelican, other sponsors, Amazon, or used from the forum. I've read a lot of opinions on the necessity of the antenna... some say factory is the best for reception, and others say it doesn't make a difference. Some have even made their own "shark fins" by using a rubber cap, or a bolt from the hardware store.

Maybe borrow an antenna and see how the reception is before buying. Also, try running without yours to see if somehow cutting the antenna "shorted" something and is making the reception worse. There's at least one wire going up the antenna, if not more, and cutting it might have made things touch that shouldn't have.

 

Good idea .. I will try removing it and let you know. If that don't work, I will also try borrowing one.

 

Well....you need an antenna...
The one you have is toast...you basicly have a mast and a broken wire...wonder if the prior owner used a phone/iPod for tunes and chopped it off as a cheap/free cosmetic mod....so look for a jack to plug YPU phone in...might be in the glove box.
I'd look on market place here on the site...
Anybody who replaced theirs with a stubby might sell you one for $5.....usually they get tossed in the trash...
They just screw in...easy peasy!!

Stock gives you the best reception.... Shorty's are for style, but reduced functionality. Your choice.
I kinda found the OEM one almost cute cause it sticks up kinda like a remote car look....
Little car, BIG anteana.... Naww....my car wasn't making up for anything size wise!! Lol

 

I'm guessing the PO did exactly that - there is an iPod kit (peripheral) hidden in the right rear storage compartment - and the iPod hookup runs to the front dash via the shift tunnel.

Regardless, I will most likely be upgrading the radio too - so that I get USB and Bluetooth. Antenna is added to the replacement list. I'm thinking I may go back to the stock antenna - I'm a big RC car fan.

 

If you shoot me the last 7 digits of your vin I should be able to get you the replacement that you need.