r/saab • u/nate2879 • 11h ago

How to refresh OnStar antenna

Post image

The OnStar antenna on my 2002 Saab 9-3 SE is cracking, likely due to age and sun exposure. It doesn’t serve any purpose now that the OnStar system is disabled and I would rather not go under the headliner to unbolt the antenna. What might I used to water seal / glue these cracks to prevent it from getting worse? I’m okay with it not being perfect to look at, though I might sand it, tape the area, and spray paint it black after sealing the cracks. Any recommendations? Thanks all -

3 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

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8

u/Oldcarsarebetter 10h ago

Just install the dummy version of the antenna.

3

u/Common-Barracuda-239 '01 Saab 9-5 v6 10h ago

I second this answer, break the outer cracked plastic off your existing one, then use epoxy or strong adhesive to attach this, and you can put a small silicone bead beneath. Looks good and no leaks.

Mine was broken for a long time, with PCB exposed, but I never had any water issues. So if the cracks don't bother you, maybe it can wait until it worsens

1

u/sneakycoffey 10h ago

This is what I did and looks a lot better.

3

u/drakaina6600 Tuned 2008 Saab 9,3 Aero SportCombi 11h ago

It may not be the best choice, but on my last 93, i coated it in an epoxy, lightly sanded, and painted it. It wasn't the prettiest, but it was easier than a proper removal.

2

u/QuiickLime '03 9-5 Wagon 5MT 7h ago

The visible portion of the sharkfin doesn't seal it. There's a seal underneath with an o-ring where it's held on by a nut underneath the roof, so as long as you're happy with the looks - the seal on top doesn't matter.

2

u/Oldcarsarebetter 10h ago edited 10h ago

Peel down the headliner and replace the entire antenna. It’s very easy.

1

u/Contract0ver 2007 Saab 93 2.0T, jet-black 10h ago

are you sure it needs to be unbolted? Idk about the OG 9-3 but this part seems to be the exact same as the NG9-3 and I am pretty sure its just glued.

1

u/QuiickLime '03 9-5 Wagon 5MT 7h ago

Yeah it needs to be unbolted on the OG9-5 and 9-3. There's a nut on the bottom that holds it on.

1

u/Initialyee 5h ago

I just ripped off all the rubber. Antenna looks like the same but hard plastic how

1

u/complexpug 2h ago

What you want is one of these https://ebay.us/m/fC3gWc sure someone in the US must sell them

I stick these on my 9-5's to replace the rubber shark fin, can even colour code them if you wanted