CB Antenna Mount (1 Viewer)

[Ebag333]

I've looked at a lot of different mounts. Previously, I had a simple mount bolted onto my passenger side gutter, which worked pretty good though I wasn't totally happy with the location (too exposed). The SWR was decent, at about 1.5 across the range.

After my shortie center loaded CB antenna lost most of the antenna, I needed a new one and wanted one mounted on the back. I didn't want to mount to the bumper, and wanted it placed fairly high. The top mount for the struts on the lift gate seemed to be the perfect spot.

I used the 62" bottom loaded steelie from Radio Shack, which was a whopping $20. I had to trim the antenna shorter as it was very biased towards the low range, interestingly trimming it brought down the SWR for both channel 1 and 40. Initially it was at about 1.5 for 1 and 2.5 for 40, with careful trimming I was able to bring to to just above 1.1 for 1 and just below 1.2 for 40.

The antenna clears the roof quite nicely, if I open the hatch too fast it'll tick a couple of times against the roof but it's not bad at all.

I had the steel laying around so the only cost was the new antenna and time. I do need to strengthen the steel that the antenna is bolted to, the flat sheet extends past the gussets and will flex. I'm probably either going to extend the bracing, or simply double the thickness for the top.

All in all I'm happy. I haven't tested transmitting yet, but for receiving it's noticeably better than my old one (which was much shorter).

 

[Brentbba]

Nice home brewed mount! You may want to consider a stiff spring to add to that mount too. If you do, you'll need to recheck your SWR readings.

This thread may be headed to Electronics despite it being a mount on an 80 series hatch.

 

[Ebag333]

Nice home brewed mount! You may want to consider a stiff spring to add to that mount too. If you do, you'll need to recheck your SWR readings.

I don't think so, it's low enough that the whip will bend quite a bit.

This thread may be headed to Electronics despite it being a mount on an 80 series hatch.

It's mostly about the mount itself. I dunno why there aren't more out there like that.

 

[Brentbba]

I don't think so, it's low enough that the whip will bend quite a bit.

I've got mine on a diamond mount at at about the same place and I'm glad I have the spring on it. Just food for thought.

 

[BenMara]

im think about usin this ball mount
Flat Top Swivel Ball Mount

 

[gbell210]

That whip looks familiar I decided to mount mine lower to not deal with the cable bending from opening and closing hatchs.

Do you have any issues with the cable or how do you not let it get pinched? Also, if you park in low areas, I hook the tip of my whip on the ledge above the rear sliders.

And after that picture, I've put some heatshrink on it in the areas where it tends to hit the body.

 

[Ebag333]

That whip looks familiar I decided to mount mine lower to not deal with the cable bending from opening and closing hatchs.

I seriously considered mounting mine lower, but wanted to have it as high as possible for the best possible SWR.

I'm really digging the Radio Shack steelies. The price is fantastic, and they get great reception.

Do you have any issues with the cable or how do you not let it get pinched?

It gets pinched a bit. Not real bad, I can easily slide it around if needed. On my old mount, it exited just below the corner to wrap around to the mount, much tighter and got pinched much more there, can't even tell where it went through on the cable though I do have some tiny wear marks where it's worn through the paint.

Also, if you park in low areas, I hook the tip of my whip on the ledge above the rear sliders.

I can do the same to the roof rack if needed. I very rarely park in low areas though, with 35's and OME Mediums + spacers I won't clear a lot of 'em anyway.