Installing a S2000 Antenna
Author: CelicaSTX02
Overview
Replace your tall stock antenna with a sleek Honda S2000 antenna for improved aesthetics without sacrificing radio reception. This simple modification uses the S2000's shorter antenna design adapted to work with the Celica's antenna mounting system, providing a clean, low-profile appearance.
⚠️ Difficulty Level: Beginner
🕒 Time Required: 10 minutes
💰 Cost: ~$30 (S2000 antenna from Honda dealer)
🔧 Tools: Saw, strong adhesive, clamping pliers
🕒 Time Required: 10 minutes
💰 Cost: ~$30 (S2000 antenna from Honda dealer)
🔧 Tools: Saw, strong adhesive, clamping pliers
Required Materials & Tools
Parts Required
- Honda S2000 antenna (Honda dealer part ~$30)
- Alternative: Online purchase from Honda parts suppliers
- Stock antenna (for adapter piece)
Tools & Supplies
- Saw or cutting tool (hacksaw works well)
- Strong adhesive (epoxy or structural glue)
- Clamping pliers
- Clean rags
📡 Performance & Aesthetic Benefits
Visual Improvements
- Significantly shorter profile
- Sleek, modern appearance
- Reduced wind resistance
- Less prone to damage in car washes
Performance Notes
- Radio reception maintained at same level
- No signal strength reduction
- Honda OEM quality and design
- Compatible with all radio frequencies
Step 1: Stock Antenna Preparation
Stock antenna extension and cutting:
- Extend stock antenna to full height for easier access
- Cut metal antenna section at base using saw or cutting tool
- Make clean, straight cut to ensure proper fit
- Save cut-off portion for disposal
Disassembly for adapter piece:
- Carefully disassemble remaining metal antenna sections
- Select one piece large enough to fit over S2000 antenna base
- Piece should slide over S2000 antenna's bottom screw section
- Clean selected piece of any debris or corrosion
Step 2: Adapter Assembly Creation
Critical fitting process:
- Test-fit stock antenna piece over S2000 antenna base
- Ensure piece slides over bottom screw section completely
- Piece should fit snugly but not bind or crack
- Adjust fit if necessary by filing or sanding
Permanent assembly:
- Clamp stock antenna piece onto S2000 antenna base using pliers
- Apply generous amount of strong adhesive (epoxy recommended)
- Ensure complete coverage around junction
- Allow adhesive to cure per manufacturer specifications
Step 3: Installation into Vehicle
Initial positioning:
- Insert assembled S2000 antenna into car's antenna post hole
- Ensure adapter piece seats properly in mounting location
- Check for proper depth and alignment
- Antenna should sit flush without binding
Permanent securing:
- Apply strong adhesive around bottom rim of S2000 antenna
- Bond antenna base to car's antenna post carefully
- Use adequate adhesive for secure mounting
- Critical: Avoid getting glue on car's paint
Step 4: Testing & Verification
Reception testing:
- Turn on radio and test all AM/FM frequencies
- Compare reception quality to pre-modification levels
- Test in various locations (urban, highway, rural)
- Verify no dead zones or signal degradation
Physical inspection:
- Check antenna mounting for security
- Verify no movement or looseness
- Inspect adhesive joints for completeness
- Confirm aesthetic appearance meets expectations
🎯 Modification Results
Aesthetic Enhancement
- Dramatically shorter antenna profile
- Cleaner, more modern appearance
- Reduced visual height from side view
- Sports car aesthetic improvement
Practical Benefits
- Maintained radio reception quality
- Reduced wind noise at highway speeds
- Less prone to car wash damage
- Honda OEM reliability and quality
📸 Installation Reference Gallery
💡 Pro Tips
- Adhesive choice: Use structural epoxy for strongest bond - critical for highway speeds
- Paint protection: Mask surrounding area before applying adhesive
- Fit verification: Test-fit everything before applying permanent adhesive
- Clamping time: Allow full cure time for adhesive before driving
- Reception testing: Test thoroughly in different environments before final approval
- Parts sourcing: Genuine Honda S2000 parts ensure best fit and longevity
🔧 Technical Notes
- Reception maintenance: S2000 antenna maintains same reception quality as stock
- Reversibility: This modification is not easily reversible due to adhesive bonding
- Part availability: S2000 antennas available at Honda dealerships or online
- Installation permanence: Consider this a permanent modification