Ok, so to recap:

1. New radio, didnt help. (I needed one anyway, I didnt buy it just to help
reception.)
2. New Antenna. Regular stock style Tiawaan style, from Bus Depot. - didn't
help.
3. New Antenna to radio cable - BINGO.

that was it. just the cable from the antenna to the radio and instantly I
have much much better radio reception than I even thought was possible.

Thanks for all of the tips everyone. If your ever trying to track down bad
reception, I guess the cable itself can be a major factor.

best,
chris.