You can also consider the aftermarket one, save a few bucks. For one C900, I got a non-motorized antenna from a local auto shop for $10, solved the problem.

 

Maybe you want to keep it as simple as possible, but if you want to make things more complicated you may wish to consider upgrading to a center roof-mount Viggen-style whip antenna. I plan to post links on what sources I've found there for this little project. Seriously, your motorized antenna is a complicated little beast, and will eventually die on you.

http://www.saablink.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1305&highlight=antenna&page=3

 

To replace just the antenna mast (this is from memory):

You could probably find just the antenna mast on eBay for $20. Dealer charged me $75 for it a few years back. To replace: turn your car ignition to turn on your radio. Then tuck the plastic end of the antenna into the hole at the top of the motor and push it down as far as it can go. Then turn off your radio, and the motor should suck the antenna down. It would probably be better to have somebody feed the antenna and hold it while you turn off the radio to suck it in.

 

ok this will help. the only thing I'm thinking of is going through a car wash and breaking the one that stays up all the time, clean off. Will this happen?

 

Unfortunately, that does happen on occasion. The whip antennas can be unscrewed, though. New vehicle antennas, like my Subie, have a roof-mount that rotates and so can be pushed out of the way easily.

 

How hard is it to install a little shark fin antenna? I like the look of those. Can I just use the same antenna hook up in the back?

 

ok, what about those little shark fin antennas?

 

Here's what I know about the shark fin antennae: they don't perform quite as well as the masts, but they appear on the 2001 9-3s so it must be possible to install an OE shark fin. As for a viable aftermarket part, I have no idea.

 

My question, that relates to this is, how can I disable the power antenna. I'm going the cheapo route right now by listening to my phone through a fm transmitter, and well all I know is on my 99' 9-3 it was better when the antenna was down. But it doesn't seem as simple as pulling back the cover in the trunk and undoing a wire.

 

pull back the cover in the trunk and undo the wire. Easy.

 

so, can anyone else give me some advice on putting a shark fin antenna on it?

 

do people still listen to the radio? Just push it down and unplug the motor...

 

I do cause I love music, I do love the sound of a 16-valve 4 cyl SAAB engine though too.

 

could I spray some WD-40 on the antenna and just move it back and forth till it gets lubed up? Basically the section just stick to each other which is the problem.

 

ya just do that if its just getting abit sticky....