Abusive customers

[Waggoner5]

Have you ever had one of those people that want you to install something in a way that you know is going to take you all day to do, all the time knowing that there must be a more simple way?
This morning my wife(the customer) nuked my CB antenna idea stating that she didn't want to see an ugly old CB antenna mount on her cool a** 80. This lead me to staring at our 80 trying to figure out a cool hidden mount that wouldn't take me all day to install. Well 5 hours later, I have an antenna mount with an antenna that unscrews and the mount is pretty much invisable. The hard part was getting the cable through the pivot on the mirror so that you can still retract it without disturbing the cable. It runs through the center of the pivot and follows the mirror wires all the way into the truck. Maybe tomorrow I can get to the rest of the install if I can keep the customer out of the project.
G

 

[Waggoner5]

with antenna attached

 

[reffug]

.....................

.....................

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Very cool. Couple questions. Do you have to remove the facade of the mirror to remove the antenna? Are you concerned at all about the strength of the mirror housing under highway speeds and such? Are you concerned about the housing strength under 'wheelin conditions, such as catching the antenna on a branch etc.? I think it's an awesome idea and very well executed, but I am admittedly skeptical about the strength of the mounting location.

Ary

 

[Waggoner5]

I was skeptical also until I removed both mirror covers. The mirror is a really nice thick cast aluminum housing with all sorts of bracing cast in. No plastic. I am pickier than picky and am 99% sure thats is rock solid. Without the housings installed you can grab the antenna and pull it way over, way, way, over and let go and the mirror housing does not move at all. The antenna can be unscrewed and removed without removing the plastic housing, just like it was mounted on a ARB. The hole in the plastic housing is just big enough to slide the antenna out without touching.

 

[hobbes]

Waggoner, quick highjack. Can you get the back of the mirror off w/o pulling the door panel? I'm trying to chase wind noise that is entering through the mirror (I think).

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Awesome, I like it. Might have to copy that when I get around to installing my CB. How much of a bitch is it to get the cover off?

 

[cruiserman]

Does it work?

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

there's a button on the top left of the forum page(where all the threads are listed) that says "new thread"

 

[Waggoner5]

The small black cover on top of the door panel is removeable and will get you to the back of the mirror mount. (3) 10mm bolts hold the mirror on.

The mirror was actually easy to work with after I had a game plan and figured out how it came apart. The plastic housing is also easy. Fold the mirror back, there is one screw there to remove. Then under the mirror there is another screw that holds the glass in. Remove the glass, after removing the bottom screw, by sliding the glass straight up about 1/4 inch then pulling it out. Behind the glass is the 4 main housing screws that sandwich the 2 housings over the cast mirror housing.

 

[Waggoner5]

Cruiserman, I SWR'd it with an old mast that I have and got right at 2db. I figure I can tune it down to where it needs to be tomorrow when I get a new mast.

 

[hobbes]

Muchas gracias...

 

[Gold Finger]

This looks a very professional installation, if you mounted one on the other mirror as well it would improve transmission and reception, it would also look like one of those long distance Tractors or Riggs.

 

[the shed guy]

STICK & BRANCH MAGNET!!!

 

[Gold Finger]

Very subjective!!?

 

[Gold Finger]

"Its a fine line between a hero and a D*ckhead" sorry actualy I was replyig to this. I dind not see
"STICK & BRANCH MAGNET!!! " as the ANTENA poked my eye out.

 

[Kaderabek]

Very cool.

TJK

 

[Bob_Garrett]

Nicely done!

Might want to use some sealant or heat shrink on the coax to keep moisture from working its way into the coax.

Bob

 

[Junk]

Innovative for sure, but I guess you don't wheel in the woods?

 

[Waggoner5]

STICK & BRANCH MAGNET!!!

Only if you are that close to sticks and branches. I have other Cruisers for that. I will wheel this truck but not like the others in the stable. This is a soccer mom mobile for now. Besides the antenna will bend all the way back horizontal without hurting anything.
Gary