60 series antenna mount rocks

[Spook50]

Working on installing my 4' Firesick using Kevin's mount tonight (thank God for a wood stove in the garage. 20 degrees F and dropping outside), and this thing, for as simple as it is, is great. Only problem I'm having (unrelated to the mount) is the black rubber "base" grommet that sits on top of the fender keeps wanting to slide down the side and compress the neoprene sleeve on the threaded rod against the sheet metal. My concern is that over time the edge of the sheet metal will work through the neoprene and contact the rod, shorting out the antenna. I'm thinking if I can find a nylon sleeve that I could put on the rod in place of the neoprene (held up by a nut to keep it from sliding down I'm thinking) that'd be the best, most stable way to go. Since this is an issue cause by the grommet that Toyota put in place and not Kevin's mount, I attribute it to an unavoidable setback

 

[kevinmrowland]

Actually Spook it sounds like you don't have the OE antenna grommet, what you are describing is the typical setup for aftermarkets, designed to accommodate different fender angles.
The rod needs a solid bumper around it or the fender will cut through the foam like you mention. I see what you're saying about a plastic collar and a nut to hold it up, that would work just fine, let me know if you need a nut and washer (a fine thread stainless steel nut in that size wont be readily available.
Before that though, I would just see if you can get your hands on a junk OE part, will be a better fit & finish.

KR

 

[Spook50]

Actually Spook it sounds like you don't have the OE antenna grommet, what you are describing is the typical setup for aftermarkets, designed to accommodate different fender angles.
The rod needs a solid bumper around it or the fender will cut through the foam like you mention. I see what you're saying about a plastic collar and a nut to hold it up, that would work just fine, let me know if you need a nut and washer (a fine thread stainless steel nut in that size wont be readily available.
Before that though, I would just see if you can get your hands on a junk OE part, will be a better fit & finish.

KR

Did the grommet on your factory antenna have a lip or flange of some kind that kept it securely in place in the sheet metal's hole? Mine didn't, but always fit perfectly with OEM antennas with no issues. I found a good fix for my setback though and took some pics. I'll post 'em as soon as I find my SD card reader.

 

[kevinmrowland]

Yup, the OE ones have a lip/collar that keep them centered in the hole, the foam isolator then keeps the rod in the center of that.

If you just make or find a plastic spacer that goes over the rod and inside the grommet that is on there, hold that up with a nut and washer like you were describing you would have a perfect fix.
Just let me know if you need a nut and washer.

 

[Spook50]

Yup, the OE ones have a lip/collar that keep them centered in the hole, the foam isolator then keeps the rod in the center of that.

If you just make or find a plastic spacer that goes over the rod and inside the grommet that is on there, hold that up with a nut and washer like you were describing you would have a perfect fix.
Just let me know if you need a nut and washer.

I managed to find a nut and washer at the local Ace (stainless too) that fit the rod, but ended up not needing them because of finding a flanged plastic grommet. The grommet I found isn't a perfect ID for the rod, but with a bit of electrical tape and shrink wrap on it (the rod), it was a nice, tight fit. Should be a good many years before that plastic gets brittle and breaks up. Have yet to wire up power for the CB and find out if the Matchmaker is going to work (no date of MFG on it anywhere to verify it's a recent one), but hopefully it won't be a dud.