Well I inquired about swapping an RL fin for the TL's antenna. No luck. Would require massive rewiring. What do you guys think about one of these painted? Completely cosmetic.



Alternatively, what about an antenna?

 

Since we already have the satellite antenna bump on the back, I don't think that would look to good.

Dave

 

Every time I pass a BMW, I think how lucky I am to have a discreet bump instead of a lame ass shark fin on my car. I think they look like ass.

 

Agree ^^^^. IMO, all the BMWs are made less attractive by that shark fin antenna housing. The little square our TLs have is bad enough; it's at least discreet, compared to the sail-like antenna on the BMWs.

 

I don't like either the shark fin or the "discrete" bump. I wish Acura or some electronics wizard would develop an alternative "hidden" antenna.

 

that's what i think when i see an A4 with navi. it has a helmet

 

not a fan of the fin

 

Our antenna's could be as descrete as full size GM trucks.

 

They're hard to find, but I've kinda liked the fins on top of the is350's

 

It's really a shame, too. I have never cared for BMW's styling, but now they are giving them a little flair they are actually catching my eye.

I sure hope the RL fin is not a sign of things to come for the TL. I fully plan to replace my 2005 with a 2009 (or whenever the model refresh occurs). I think I would be willing to give up XM before having the fin.

 

The other alternative I was also talking about is an antenna...color matched of course

 

and make our cars look like Alfalfa from the little rascals?

 

Since you asked, I think the shark fin satellite antennas look terrible as well. The one you posted is hard to gauge proportions from the picture, but my initial impression is that I don't like it. However, take it with a grain of salt as I don't like the RL shark fin as well.

Keep in mind that, despite my reservation about how the satellite antennas look, that would not keep me from buying a car with one or not getting satellite radio. I hate FM radio far more than I hate the look of the antenna. I would still have bought my TL; with or without the shark fin.

Now if only Acura offered Sirius....but I digress.

 

I agree..the fins look terrible IMO. What I don't understand in the first place is why you would want to change the stock antenna? It's nice and discreet, one of the best I've seen in the newer generation cars..and it's smaller size has to generate a lot less air disturbance...why put on a bigger one with more drag and wind noise?

 

It's hard to imagine how good/bad this "new" TL would look like if you don't see it in front of you. I saw one black TL with the colorful antenna, it's not the fin, but the pillar. I have a dislike for it.

 

You said it well.............

 

From all the replies, I think you should stray from the shark fin Lee.

 

lol. Yeah I probably will. Was still interesting to throw it out there and see people's reaction

I'm still pretty curious to see a fin on a TL, even if its just a little tiny 1 inch fin on top of our current dome.

 

This link has an Acura TL with a Shark Fin in the photo gallery. http://www.visualgarage.com/Product_Gallery_flash.html

 

It reminds me of the tail from shallow hal.

 

I like our lil bump on the TL. It does not take away from the vehicle by no means..

 

i like the shark fin on the bmw a lot better than the TL.

 

This is another "to each their own" item. I agree w/ most here that it isn't preferred. To me, it tends to draw attention to it, as to say "look....I have a sattelite capable car". I would like to see Acura incorporate it into a body part or emblem.

With that said.....do what YOU want!

 

The grass is always greener....our 04-06 Canadian TLs don't have XM & fin antenna so they look like they are missing something compared to the US model.

Hey Leedog is that a pic of an aftermarket or RL fin ?