Hi all.
The car I bought used (an '04 SS Intimidator) has this mount for an antenna on the rear glass. The antenna is gone but the mount is still there. I have a feeling that the antenna would look like this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CELL-PHONE-S...QQcmdZViewItem

Am I safe to assume that it is indeed a cell phone antenna and not part of the OnStar system? If it's the cell phone antenna, I will try to remove it from the glass but I just want to be sure.

Thanks in advance.

 

I'm pretty sure the glass mounted antennas are used for the onstar system, they call em cellphone antennas because all the on star systems use the old analog cellphone towers to communicate. Now, however, they're going to digital which requires a different antenna totally. So if you plan on getting Onstar, skip on that antenna, you'll probably need a new onstar box and antenna.

If it hasn't already, the cellphone towers willsoon becompletely dropping analog connectivity.

 

My '04 still has the analog antenna mounted on the glass like yours. If you look closely at the picture in my sig, you can see it sticking up from my back window. When I bought the car from the Chevy dealership in august, they told me that if I wanted OnStar I would have to get the analog system replaced with the new digital system. The new digital antennas mount on the roof. Not sure if I'd want a bunch of antennas mounted all over the car.

 

Ok... that helps a lot. Turns out that the dealer I got the car from had the antenna removed... when I asked about it, they thought it was a cell phone antenna, not part of the onstar system. I didn't know any better and the antenna could not be found. I now have to decide whether or not to find an antenna or just get rid of the mount from the glass entirely, if they are going all digital that is.
Thanks.

 

I think you may be stuck with it. There's a hole through the glass for the antenna. Unless you cover up or seal the hole with something less obvious or ugly lookin. The black antenna mount looks less obvious if the back window is tinted. But admittedly looks kinda stupid with the mast portion of the antenna unscrewed. That's the reason I left it on, even though I don't use it.

If the outside part is badly weather and sun faded, and looks really bad, you could try putting a little flat black paint on it with a small artist brush. Or quickly tape some paper to the window around it, and give it a couple shots with a can of flat black spray paint to make it look better.

 

The only thing that got replaced with the digital upgrade was the box in the trunk. The antenna is the same. Roof antenna is the XM monster. Plus I have a Sirius antenna just in front of the rear window.
If you are using Onstar, you need that cell' antenna. Otherwise, leave it off.
Wayne
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2319272

 

Nope, there is no hole in the glass. Mine fell off the back of my car on US 41 and I didn't bother to jump into traffic to get it. It is just glued on more or less and is safe to take off.

 

Ok ppl. If the digital system requires a new antenna, why does he need this one?

4 different ppl, 4 different answers... lmao

And if you're not getting onstar... then no worries.. .get rid of the box too... use the button for a horn or something.... lol

 

Ahh they are pretty much the same. There are 3 antenna on our cars.

1. The radio. - built into the rear glass.
2. XM radio - The triangle hockey puck on the roof.
3. Onstar - The cell phone antenna on the rear glass.

Like I said, the glue/adheasive just let go and mine fell off on the highway and there isn't any hole. I think the car looks better now.

Oh and it is more aerodynamic and less weight to help in the 1/4 mile. =D

 

The digital receiver is ONLY the box in the trunk. The antemnna is the same one.