Hi everyone,
Just got the "VW/Audi" adapter in from Crutchfield, and it works!! :)
The connector is threaded on the outside, but there's a sheath on the Subaru antenna cable that fits over the threads, and the center coax pin goes right in where it belongs. Hooray!
Haven't heard from my wife on how the reception is, but I'm guessing this closes the case.
BTW, thought I'd mention the kit from
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was about 30 bucks, and the adapter piece from Crutchfield was about 7, with shipping another 5 or 6(!), so total cost of the repair was about $45... plus my time.
Some advice on installing the replacement antenna (actually says "Radio Shack" on it)-
The mast on the replacement antenna has 5 pieces on it - exterior: a silver screw-on cap, a rounded chrome piece, and a gasket that is intended to sit flush on the outside of the car; interior: a half-circle piece and a smaller rounded piece.
I tried taking off the three exterior pieces and using the Subaru factory screw-on cap, but the threads didn't match - when the antenna came up, it literally came right out of the car and fell over! So, using the original thru-skin fitting didn't work. What I did was just use the screw-on cap that came with it, and tossed out the rounded chrome piece and gasket, as well as the interior pieces.
It sits nicely in the remaining Subaru gasket, and most people will be none the wiser, so long as you attach the antenna securely inside the car...
To install the antenna in the car, I had to take out the "base plate" that the factory antenna was screwed to - I moved the electrical grounding strap over to the new antenna, and used the mounting strap provided with the new antenna to secure it to the car instead. Don't forget to put the drain line on and put it in the receiver!
If you're looking for a much easier install, buy the factory replacement from Subaru - you can have it replaced in 5 minutes flat, I'd bet, as the old antenna came out like it was greased. If I had an identical replacement, back on the road in no time.
The AntennaX replacement was a kludge, but it worked with a little bit of effort. I'd chastise AntennaX for making it seem like it would be a more precise fit...
Remember, this was done on a Subaru Legacy Wagon, so I have no idea how it would work on other Subarus, but I'm guessing it's a similar operation on Outback wagons, etc.
Good luck everyone!