TRD Shark Fin on the Subaru BRZ

[ChrisJ]

I didn't like the OEM antenna on my 2014 BRZ and I was looking for a shark fin for about a year. I like to keep my car OEM. When I saw a TRD shark fin on Craigslist it was an easy decision.

The shark fin came in the natural plastic color so it had to be primed and painted. Cost was $90.

Then came a surprise. The BRZ antenna has a larger base than the FR-S antenna, so the shark fin wouldn’t fit.




As Johnny Chochran said, “If the fin don’t fit, then you must git. . . an FRS antenna. I picked one up from MarkOz on this forum. Thanks Mark.
Here’s the FRS antenna side by side with BRZ antenna by comparison.




There’s a very helpful video for how to remove and refit the antenna. It’s part of the installation of a roof spoiler.

How to install a roof spoiler on your BRZ FRS GT86
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxRmdXRukBI"]How to install a roof spoiler on your BRZ FRS GT86 - YouTube[/ame]

In a few words: Remove the three buttons on the back of the headliner, loosen the plastic C pillar caps, and prize up the headliner in the back until you can get a socket on the antenna bolt. When re-installing the antenna, don’t overtighten the antenna mounting bolt. It's attached to the think sheet metal of the roof.

There’s another good Youtube video on how to install the Shark Fin.
Subaru BRZ & Toyota 86 TRD Shark Fin Installation [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5kbmD15lCc&t=58s"]Subaru BRZ & Toyota 86 TRD Shark Fin Installation - YouTube[/ame]

I didn’t have the template, because the body shop tossed the box, template and cleaning wipe. There’s not much front-to back variability so the key is to get the fin straight front to back. I ran fishing line from the front emblem to the rear emblem, and taped the line down to the roof at the rear view mirror. When I had my center line, I fit the shark fin to the line and used masking tape on the roof around the fin to create an edge.

I couldn’t tell if the reception was the same or slightly worse. I also get a quick message to check the antenna when the head unit boots up.


With everything finished the job was completed for less than $200. Was it worth it? Does the TRD fin work with the BRZ spoiler? You be the judge.






At first the shark fin looked huge on the car but I’ve grown to like it. I wouldn’t trade for the Beatsonic or the OEM fin.
Job done.

[switchlanez]

I also don't notice much difference with reception but did lose the XM satellite signal (radio shows pop-up message to check the antenna every time it turns on). Got mine to match the various black pieces I tacked on for added rice effect and the branding goes with all my other TRD parts. Here's the best pic I got that shows it:




More current pics don't show it as well: