900SAAB.com: Viggen Antenna Install

900SAAB.com: Viggen Antenna Installation

Another of the many small problems with my 900 was lack of a functioning power antenna. The previous owner had replaced it with a generic manual antenna. While adequate, the antenna was ugly and it's reception range wasn't as good as I thought it should be. While exploring options, I decided to install a Viggen-style antenna from SpeedParts. I picked up the antenna and the stock Viggen body-plug from GenuineSAAB for less than $50.

Installation of the antenna was straightforward enough. I chose to install it over the rear dome-light to prevent dropping the headliner. I measured the approximate location of the dome lamp, verified roofline center, applied a layer of protective masking tape and drilled a 3/8" hole in the roof. I then coated the antenna seal with silicone and installed the antenna through the new hole. The wiring for the antenna is attached, from the inside of the car, with a nut and lock washer.

To route the wiring beneath the headliner and trim, I used a small-diameter wooden dowel. I fished the dowel above the headliner, attached the wiring to it with tape, and pulled it through. I then routed the wires under the driver-side c-pillar trim and back to the trunk, where I plugged it into the stock connector.

For the plug, I painted it with appropriate-colored touch-up paint, buffed it and installed it. I sealed it's underside with silicone to prevent water leaks.