CB Antenna Mounting

[Eric_N]

Im getting a Firestick antenna for the Cobra CB im ordering next week, and I was looking at the mounting for the antennas, and I have no clue what im looking at. Can anyone help me out with some info so I know what to get? Im thinking about mounting it in my bed like kind of near the rear sliding window. Any comments/suggestions welcome.

[Ted]

The best place for an antenna is on the roof of the truck. That makes for the best groundplane, plus it’s the highest point on the truck.

With all that being said, I first mounted mine on bed behind just behind the cab. But, the “L” shaped mount would always come loose. I got fed up with that , and welded a tab on the shock tower, and used that for the mount.

Since you don't have a shock tower, I think your best bet would be getting a bed bar like on Kyles truck. Then mounting it to the bed bar. If your bed is made of composite material, you need to find a good ground for the antenna. With out a good ground, it’s never going to work well.

[Eric_N]

I like the idea of a bed bar, and i really like how Kyles truck looks with his, but the only place that makes one that I know of is Demello, and its way to expensive. I do have the composite bed too, so id have to run a ground either to the frame or the cab, which wouldnt be a hastle because I have to run the coaxial cable from the antenna to the CB anyway. What im really confused about is just mounting the antenna. I was looking at the mounts on the firestik web site, and I really didnt see how the mounts work. Like, with the bed bar, does the antenna include a nut so that i could just mount it on the bed bar or do I still have to get a mount from firestik?

[Ted]

For the bed bar, you just need a flat tab with a hole in it. Then you can unscrew the antena, and mount it. I could take a pick of mine later to show you want I mean.

[gtrsnax]

I like the idea of a bed bar, and i really like how Kyles truck looks with his, but the only place that makes one that I know of is Demello, and its way to expensive.


does the antenna include a nut so that i could just mount it on the bed bar or do I still have to get a mount from firestik?

Yea, Kyle likes the Demello too, but not the price either. He got his from RockDustFab. It's pretty nice, and much more affordable! Im sure he can tell you more about it. I think it was somewhere in the 2 bills range.
The Firesticks come with a threaded post as the bottom of the whole stick assembly. This allows you to drop it into a hole (i.e. the tab on the bed bar) and thread a nut (with the coax on it) from underneath.

[PrezidentRedz]

or you could go hard core and get the 9ft whip like mine with a spring ball mount.

[Eric_N]

Yea, i was looking at the Demello one, and it would cost like $20 in supplies to make it, so I think we'll just make one of those too when we build the bumpers

[LifeJacket]

Eric you could get a tool box like my brother has and mount them on the side, man dude im 5 min away and work on anything why dont you just call me or somthing, or you could just get a portable one like i have, its cheaper and saves a lot of room and you can take it out of the truck when you dont want it, its about the size of a big walkie-talkie

[LeN]

I was able to fabricate a mount that uses one of my fender bolts and comes up between the hood and the fender. It has held up nice offroad thus far.


http://www.hobbykeep.com/stuff/antenna/Img_0605.jpg

http://www.hobbykeep.com/stuff/antenna/Img_0606.jpg

http://www.hobbykeep.com/stuff/antenna/Img_0607.jpg

[BeaterToyota]

Im thinking about mounting it in my bed like kind of near the rear sliding window. Any comments/suggestions welcome.

My first antenna was hard-mounted there and a low-haniging, ice-covered tree branch broke it off.

My new one is spring-mounted, but in the same place. The only problem I have with it is that it slaps the back of the cab quite often when off road. I guess I need to stick a tennis ball down over it to keep it from hitting the cab so hard. :roll:
http://www.midatlanticttora.com/uploads/forums/hi-lift0003-1.jpg

http://www.midatlanticttora.com/uploads/forums/hi-lift0002-1.jpg

[plusdome]

Heres various mounts (http://www.pepperelectronics.com/acatalog/Antenna_Mounts.html) for the firestick

[hecull]

I started off with a mag-mount Wilson 1000, which might be your best option. Centered on the roof, that thing could really get out! The only problem is, I couldn't clear anything solid under 10' without taking the mast and coil off; which it just screws off and you leave the base in place. That's a BIG pain if you have to get in and out of parking garages like I do. It works off road, but makes a lot of noise as it bangs on tree limbs, that's why I ditched it.
I really like Len's setup, but was told by the only radio shop in town that it's not DOT legal (In VA anyway.) I tend NOT to believe that, as a lot of commercial radios are mounted like that, and Len's never been hassled for it.
DO NOT buy the Demello Bed Bar. I say that just on principal. He may have good products, I don't know, but I do know he charges WAY too much for everything he sells.
I actually got my bed bar from rockdust fab (http://rockdustfab.com), but did get my sliders and t-case skid from Stubbs (http://stubbswelding.com). I would recommed either, especially Stubbs, though he doesn't make bed bars yet. I don't think Rockdust has a bed bar for '05's yet either, but you can email him, he might be able to make it. Half the price of Demello, and mine works great. He'll also customize it as you wish, i.e. my side mounted lights were custom additions.
A lot of guys who don't want a permanent CB antenna just get a cheap Radio Shack mag mount, and stick it on when they need it. That's an option too if you don't need the radio full time.
Last option I've got is just to drill through your rear bumper and use a stud mount. If you clear the pastic decking around the mount it works pretty well. I've had good results that way.
Hope all that helps,
Kyle

[LeN]

I really like Len's setup, but was told by the only radio shop in town that it's not DOT legal (In VA anyway.) I tend NOT to believe that, as a lot of commercial radios are mounted like that, and Len's never been hassled for it.

Yeah it passed State Inspection at the Toyota dealership no problem.

[paulwhat]

Yeah I had my Firestik hard mounted like Beater's on my bed and I broke it off this weekend at Paragon, so I wouldn't recommend mounting one there.

[fourwd1]

http://www.midatlanticttora.com/uploads/forums/hi-lift0002-1.jpg

How much did that high tech welding cart set you back Jason?












:smt003

[BeaterToyota]

How much did that high tech welding cart set you back Jason?

It was free, and totally ghetto-fabbed. :lol:

They were out of carts when I bought my welder. I got it home and realized that carrying it around the garage sucked, so I built that beauty of a cart. I didn't have to cut a single piece of wood; all the scraps and the wheels were already sitting around the garage. I just screwed it all together.

[Donkey]

You are a Booty Fab King!!!!!!!!!!!