[SMCARA] Antenna Mount Advise

[Dave Q]

Dan, I mounted my antenna using a NMO mount and it wasn't really that
hard.  My son and I did the whole thing in about 4 hours.  I think I could
do a truck like mine it about half the time now that I've done it.

I used a ⅜" mount because, in my and my machinist son's opinion, it allows
for more support.  The disadvantage is that the headliner must be removed.
With the ¾" mount you may be able to snake the coax through the headliner
because you can install the NMO from the roof side.  My F-150 has a channel
running from front to back to add support/strength to the roof and would
have had to drop the headliner no matter which mount I used.  The headliner
on a F-150 is attached at the center with magnets.

I have the "drill bits", machinist have the real name for them, for
drilling which won't grab and drill through your head liner.  They aren't
step drills but can't remember the name.  They drill a perfect round smooth
hole.  A step drill would work which I also have.

You mostly have to remove the moldings, sun visors, any coverings for the A
and B pillar on a super crew cab, mirror, dome light and anything else in
the way.  The only issue I had was removing the seatbelt assembly at the B
pillar due to needing a LARGE torx socket.  I was able to drop only one
side of the headliner and reach everything.

I'd be glad to help.

73
Dave - W3DLQ


On Sun, Nov 16, 2014 at 11:00 AM, Daniel Metcalf <kb3uun at gmail.com> wrote:

> Good Morning All,
>
> I have been driving my truck around back and forth to work because it
> has been easier on my back. I think it is time to install a transceiver.
> Right now I can't decide between my ft-857d or my ic-2820. I am leaning
> towards the 2820. I have had a radio in this vehicle before (back when I
> owned a ft-2900) with a mag mount antenna that my wife was notorious for
> running through tree branches and dropping the antenna into the bed of
> the truck. This time I have been considering a permanent (drill through
> the cab) antenna mount but I am unaware of the pros and cons to this
> type of mount. The obvious first con is the amount of work to install
> the mount. I would have disassemble the interior of my truck to install
> it but I do think it might be worth it. Any advice or thoughts?
>
> Are there any mounts the one would recommend or steer away from?
>
> Thanks,
> Dan -- KB3UUN
> c. 301 769 1111
>
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