One of the best things I did to improve the appearance of my Prius was to replace the stock whip antenna with a color
matched sharkfin type antenna. I got mine through the PriusChat.com accessory store. It uses a "fractal" antenna inside it.
So far I have had no reception problems after the switch. This is how Toyota should have done it.
Installation of the sharkfin was pretty easy:
VERY IMPORTANT: Clean your roof. Make sure there is no dirt. The adhesive will not get optimal
sticking if the roof is dirty.
1) Measure a couple of places and mark the exact center line of your roof with some masking tape.
2) Unscrew the stock antenna, and place the sharkfin on your roof. Adjust it until it is the perfect spot.
3) Outline the base of the antenna with some masking tape. You can just mark where the corners are, you don't need a
complete outline. Just enough so that you can take the antenna off and put it back in the exact same place again. Look at
it form several angles to make sure it is centered and straight.
4) Attach the antennas screw and wire to the base on the roof. Just screw it right in, and make sure it is snug.
5) You did clean your roof, right? If not, DO IT NOW! Now peel off the paper on the adhesive gasket. Carefully hold hte
antenna over the spot where it will be slowly and carefully lower the antenna into the correct spot. You really only get one
shot at this, so take your time.
6) Press firmly down on the antenna to insure maximum adhesion to the roof. Press down for about 30 seconds. The adhesive
will also stick a little better if the roof is warmer rather than colder.
7) Enjoy your spiffy new Prius.
