Ordered the IPF 968 Series Driving Light Kit and the Smittybilt 7690 Black Light Brackets which are down and out to the side as opposed to up and down. Will I need to bend the antenna with this combination or will the antenna be fine? I have read some lights do not require you to bend or replace your antenna. Looking at a Stubbie Antenna but still wondering if it's worth the extra $14.99 + S&H. And as always, anyone have this combo? Photos, thoughts? Quality of the Stubbie and thoughts on a proper length if I decide to order one? Thanks guys! -Jon

 

Mind you I do know it comes with a bracket that will retain your antenna to the side, Im just not a big fan of it. Thanks! -Jon

 

The antenna you have pictured there is really rigid and not a good replacement in my opinion. I personally have the 14" one from shortyantennasource.com. No problems with reception. There are a few members on here who have stabbed their stock antennas with no issues.

 

I'm running the same brackets with Hella 500's mounted on them. I just cut my stock antenna down to 8" total length (not including the threading) and it clears the bottom of the light by an inch or so.

I used a bench grinder to cut it and shape a point on the end so I could reattach the little ball to the end of it and then put some black heat shrink tubing on it. Total cost...prob about $0.73 and 15 minutes of my day.



The above pic the antenna is 10" long. I did the initial chop before I installed the windshield lights and then shortened it up again after I got the lights installed but you get the idea. Also I should add that I haven't once noticed any major loss in radio reception over the stock length if that is a concern

 

Wow, so far I like what I see! Definately liking the photos and ideas! Its getting hard to decide what route im wanting to go now . Right now im still using sirius but I dont plan on continuing after my free year is up so radio would definately be nice for traffic and weather at least. Thanks for all the ideas, photos and personal experiences, you guys have been more than helpful

 

I did the same IPF 968 lights, MMRB brackets and stubby antennax antenna.

 

found a great off road stubby on e bay cheap





and it goes perfect with my KC mounts and KC slim lights

 

Got the stubby one off of ebay...love it

 

You can cut your antenna but it will become out of tune and the reception quality will be reduced. When you buy a shorter antenna it has more of a load so it acts like a longer antenna. Load= tightly wound insulated wire, may show up as a fat spot in the antenna or will be in the base. Antennas are not expensive.

 

Thanks for all the positive feedback on our antennas!! We are now a Supporting Vendor on JK-Forum.com so if you have any questions about short replacement antennas just let us know. We are also a fellow Jeep enthusiast and own a 2010 unlimited.