>After reading your email a few minutes ago, I went out for a walk
>looking for Cherokees to test the idea since I, too, would love to
>find an unbreakable antenna for my vanagon.
>
>I found six Grand Cherokees, all late 90s style.  All of their
>antennas broke right off before they could touch the hood.  Oops.  I
>must say, though, that they *did* bend more than I would would have
>expected before they broke off in my hand.

You're right Tobin, They do break off. I tried a few in the parking
lot on my way home last night. It could be my imagination, but it seems
there's a correlation between year and breaking point, to whit, the older
ones are stronger --- though they still break. I tried a few more this morning
and this theory seems to hold true --- though the sample size is still too
small. I tried a few Ford Explorers also. Same basic result --- the antenna's
break off eventually --- I may be starting to like this too much..........

Cheers,
Doug Alcock
'84 Westy
Toronto, Canada