My shopping list is being sated a little at a time, for my new-to-me S Cabrio...

More questions!

1. Can one buy a stubby antenna at an auto parts store like Advance or Pep Boys? I was going to order an Alta, but if I can pick one up locally, all the better.

2. Do the various saddlebag options that hang from the parcel shelf in the boot, fit the Cabrio parcel shelf as well? I'd love to get the jack bag and my "car tools kit" up off the floor, for instance.

Thanks!
Dave

 

You may find an antenna that will fit the stock threading at an auto zone/Reilly's/etc... but it will not be any shorter than stock, and frankly, most likely not at all what you want. A performance shop may have a workable product, but more than likely you'll want to go with a MINI parts producer. Shipping's a pain and I prefer to pay for something I then have in my hands, but be it Helix, Alta, whatever, I would probably stay away from the chain stores. Can't answer the other question though.

 

Thanks for the frank response, MaxMini - I'm usually all about e-shopping, but since I'm waiting for other Mini stuff to ship, I thought I'd see if I could get a little instant gratification in the meantime =0)

 

Some of the Honda antennas (and compatible aftermarket) will fit, like S2000 or Element.

 

I hate laying down my hard-earned cash without the immediate product possession, but whatcha gonna do. I didn't know that the Honda Element/S2000 antennas would fit, but Honda parts could certainly prove to be easier to find, but you'd still need a performance shop. Although finding Honda parts at a performance shop is like finding cereal at the grocery store, MINI parts are like looking for a 2x4 at the same place. In any event, good luck, my antenna was snapped off so I didn't have the option.

 

I don't we should be encouraging daveonbass to take an antenna from someone's S2000 or Element. lol

 

The S2000 antenna has been popular as a shorty in the MINI community. Actually the Element antenna is exactly the same part, but for some reason (I can't imagine why ) MINI owners don't want to say they have an Element antenna.

Toyota and I believe VW antennas also use the same threading, but I've heard it is different in 2nd gen MINI.

I am using one of these that I bought used from eBay:

 

As a follow-up, I was in Auto Zone last night and saw that the now carry stubby antennas. This location had 3, made by Pilot. A very short, an intermediate, and an extending aluminum model. They were between $8 and $15, and they come with multiple threadings to fit different cars. My car was all messed up so I just tapped it to a fitting size. Therefore I couldn't tell you for sure if it will fit. But, the quality isn't too bad. Check it out.

 

So, rkw, how much did you pay for her,.....umm, ....I mean the antenna? Or is it HER? Hmmmm, I'm confused,......what did you buy?

MaxMini81: By "Quality isn't too bad", are you referring to the fit, or the reception?

 

I ordered one from Richbrook in the UK. Took about 5 days to get here. Quality is better than stock and reception is just as good too.

 

I don't use my radio... At All... I have Sirius and my iPod, so I cant speak to its reception. I just meant that the construction was good and it seems pretty durable. The connection is a brass fitting threaded on one side for the antenna, and on the other for 3 different bases (3 different fittings come with). I pretty much just got it to fix the hideous snapped-off look I've been rocking. That all said, its $8 with no shipping necessary, someone with a use for it should check it out.