CB Antenna Mounting Location

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I'm about to mount a new CB antenna on a bracket off the front bumper. Can't mount it higher for clearance reasons. Any suggestions as to the best method of mounting a CB antenna? Thanks.


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'97 2500 CC 4x4 5spd 3. 54LSD all stock except K&N Air, EGT&Boost Guages - next Psychotty & 4" exhaust

 

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I've heard of people using an inside fender mount.
I have a bed mount. It may be a bit higher than you want, but it's built like a brick
s%*t house. It can take a beating. It actually holds my bedliner from moving!! (used to go "clunk" around turns)

[This message has been edited by The patriot (edited 09-25-2000). ]

 

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Jacktar, make sure you use a top loaded antenna. They used to make a bumper mt. It was made like a roller chain. Check at a CB shop, and ask for a bumper mt.
Larry.

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Y2K 3500 QC,SLT,4X2,White, 6spd,3. 54 lsd,Banks Stinger +,Pacbrake,Pilar mt. EGT & Boost,Amsoil air filter,all amsoil lube w/BMK-15 filter system,MagTec rear cover,putco boss rbs. w/ rear ext. &flaps,20K reese,100 gal. aux. fuel,fold up T cover,5K airlift bags w/comp. ,ranger 2950 cb pushing palomar 225 amp,phantom radar det.

 

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After much research into this I decided to go with the Firestik II antenna using a locally produced brushed stainless steel (fender) mounting bracket along with Firestik's coax cable, featuring the trick Firering connector. If you use the fender mounting bolt closest to the windshield, the antenna is hidden behind the A-pillar while driving. #ad


[This message has been edited by John (edited 09-25-2000). ]

 

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John, I've heard of that mount, but can't find one. I've checked truck stops and CB shopes all over the country. Will the fender mt. hold a heavy ant. such as the Wilson 2000?
Larry.

 

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yogibear,

Try this site for the fender/hood mount using the fender bolts.
www.firestik.com/CatalogFrame.htm

Click on "Mount and" accross the top and then scroll down to "stainless mounts" and click on "Dodge Ram mounts". If you need the cable also you will find it right above the "Stainless mounts".

John,

When I mounted my antennas (I run co-phased [2] antennas) I mounted them like you said, as close to the windshield as possible. I found that the one on the right and the radio antenna would interfer with each other and cause alot of static. I had to move my antennas to the next fender bolt forward. If you only run 1 antenna be sure you mount it on the drivers side to avoid this.

Sorry this is so long, hope this helps.

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"WHITE OBSESSION" 99 Quad Cab, White, SLT, 4x4, 5-sp, 3:54's LSD, Raven cap (cab high), Rhino liner, Stainless Nerf Bars, Stainless Rocker Panels, Tow package, Pro-flap mud flaps with Stainless Cummins "C" add to rear flaps, Valentine One, Uniden PC78LTW CB, Hadley Bully Air Horns, Psychotty Air Induction, Braided SS Fuel Lines.

Things to come;
285/75R16 Cooper A/T's, Pyro,Boost and Fuel Pressure gauges, 4" exhaust system(on the way).

NRA Life Member! (Need to protect our rights and FREEDOM!!)

[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 09-26-2000). ]

 

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Many thanks for all the helpful replies. I have a Firestik and the quick-disconnect socket. The bracket you are referring to is not available here but I can fabricate one out of stainless if it comes to that. Thanks again guys. Cheers, Pete.

 

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BIG BOB, if you run dual Firestiks you should use the next fender mounting bolts forward of the ones I stated in my previous post (as you stated you did). Firestik states that interference will probably result if the CB antenna is placed within 12" of the radio antenna. Using the next set of forward mounting bolts will place the CENTERLINES of your radio antenna and your CB antenna at 12. 5".

yogibear, I'm not sure if the Dodge Ram (specific), Firestik fender mounts (or any other similar clones) are compatible with any other antenna other than the Firestik. You may be able to determine this by checking out the Firestik website: www.firestik.com or by sending them an e-mail. The Firestik mount to buy would be the MK-184R (MSRP $20. 99). This includes the stainless steel mount, the Fire-Flex coax cable which features the trick Fire-Ring connector. I elected to purchase my stainless steel mount from another (local) company (through a local CB shop), as it looks as though it is of slightly higher quality and strength than the Firestik piece.

JackTar, ANY CB shop could order the stainless steel mount for you. A friend of mine purchased his (Firestik clone) at a local Radio Shack store. If you fabricate your own, be forewarned that it is NOT a flat piece. The mounting bracket has a joggle to effectively lower the antenna mounting plane (platform), allowing clearance for hood closure.

[This message has been edited by John (edited 09-26-2000). ]

 

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Hey JackTar,

Here's a good place to do business for CB stuff. http://www.bills2way.com/equip/antennas.html

I've ordered from them several times. Page down to SS-184 for the mount alone $8'ish or SS-184R for the mini-kit $17'ish

Mick2500
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2001. 5 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 4X4, SB, LSD, 3. 54, SLT+, Sport, Intense Blue PC/Agate, Tow Package, Camper Package, 'DC' Bed Cover, Sliding rear window. Totally STOCK!!
On Order 4/28/00
Arrived 9/14/00 !! #ad



[This message has been edited by Mick2500 (edited 09-26-2000). ]

 

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I'm hitting the road in a few days for the Rockies and need to do a temporary CB install. It't been recommended that I use a magnetic roof mount. I can see that the roof is a great ground plane, but what about the paint under the antenna. And what about it blowing off at say 70mph.

My buds say I'm worry to much. But whatta they know, they drive Z71's. I'm looking forward to getting those guys in some real hills. Fun, fun, fun.

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"95" 3500, 4WHD, Ext cab. SLT, 5 spd, 4. 10 LSD, Rancho 9000's PacBrake, running boards, Mopar mud flaps, Isspro EGT, 50lb. boost, TST #8, 215HP injectors,no cat, muff or turbo ring.

 

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Hey moparguy,

I've used the Mag Mounts in the past and never had one blow off under 90. #ad

Get some REPOSITIONABLE Clear Contact paper and put it down where you want to set the antenna. I know the K40 Mag mount was a great antenna but that was a LONG time ago.

Mick2500
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2001. 5 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 4X4, SB, LSD, 3. 54, SLT+, Sport, Intense Blue PC/Agate, Tow Package, Camper Package, 'DC' Bed Cover, Sliding rear window. Totally STOCK!!
On Order 4/28/00
Arrived 9/14/00 !! #ad


[This message has been edited by Mick2500 (edited 09-26-2000). ]

 

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Good coat of wax where the magnetic base will sit helps. Beware, the coax can very quickly rub the paint. My want to tape it down a bit. I have used a couple of magnetic mounts, never lost one from speed.

 

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I have had a magnetic mount blow off. But I was using a 3' Firestick. There was just too much wind resistance. So I changed to an antenna that had a coil about 12" off the base and a thin wire top. Cured the problem. I have since gone to the fender mount because of a few scratches from the magnetic mount. I also used the first fender bolt to hide the antenna from view. Overall I don't think the fender mount gets out near as well as the roof mount. There is so much static on the radio, the needle is into the red zone. Several CB shops have told me that the static is a result of sun flares or something like that.

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98 Properly Valved 4x4 SWB QC ISB A/T Metallic Red w/ tan cloth interior, DC nerf bars, DC two piece mud-flaps, 275 h. p. injectors, Monroe Gas Magnums, Armor Tuff spray in bed liner, Goodyear Wrangler ATS 285/75r/16, BD Heavy Duty Valve body. Walker 21468 thru flow muffler,
Cobra 29 NWST CB.

 

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John,

I do not have Firestiks, I have Power Stiks! They are not made any more but are loaded antennas full of copper and rated up to 1500 watts each (not that I'm running any power). They just talk well. The fender mounts I used were after market not firestiks.

morparguy,

I suggest that you get a fender mount and mount your antenna permanently. Check out Mike Brolin for a CB mount. You will find many uses for the CB after you return. Smokey reports, emergencies, road and traffic conditions, accident reports, time of day, or just convoying with other TDR members to Dyno Days or other events.

Ram-Kowboy,

That's why I run co-phased (2) antennas (one mounted on each side of the truck mounted on the fender mount). Doesn't matter where a single antenna is mounted the co-phase antennas will out talk them.



[This message has been edited by BIG BOB (edited 09-27-2000). ]

 

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I have the Firestik with their fender mount. Very high quality and excellent design.

Dave.

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99 QC SB 4x4 Auto
Factory Ordered
Most Options

 

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Dave

Which CB unit do you run with the firestick? I am using a temp Wilson mag mount on the roof with the Cobra 25. It gets out good and picks up good with very low SWR. I would like the fender mount with the 4' firstick but wondering if I will lose any quality with my set up.

Also, I am off road quite a bit and was wondering if anyone uses the quick disconnect socket from firestick?

 

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If youre using the magnetic mount, keep it clean, waxed, and dry under the magnet.
Pull it off once a day, and wipe the magnet with a wet paper towel. You'd be suprised.
I had a magnetic mount blow off a few times. That was in my 1987 Grand National. Speedo was pegged (only went to 85 !!) I was going substantionally faster. Funny thing, to look in the rear view, and see an antenna following you #ad
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98 Quad cab 4X4 2500 12 valve,5 speed,3. 54 rears, 8' bed. Boost and egt gauges but basicly stock except for a "properly adjusted" AFC. Uniden HR 2510, Texas Star 1200 amp. 55,000 Mi as of 8/21/00.
NRA life member. High power/IDPA.

 

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Being the son of a truck driver a C. B. is a must have in any vehicle. Before I bought my Dodge I drove a 92' Camaro with a Wilson 1000 4' metal whip mounted on the top lip of the rear window. Got lots of funny looks but could out talk them all!

I was runnin' co-phased 4' Wilson fiberglass mirror mounts, but recently went to the Wilson 5000 roof mount. I know, nobody wants to put a hole in the roof of their truck. I had second thoughts myself. But it talks so much better, farther, and stronger. The Wilson also comes with a nice feature that allows you to unscrew the antenna base and screw a small plastic cap over the outside part of the mount. This leaves only a round plastic cover about the size of a . 50 cent piece.

Todd

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99' 3500 SLT Med. Red Metallic 163" W. B. Cab & Chassis with custom haulin' bed, sleeper, rear light bar, stainless runnin' boards, stainless cow catcher on front, 4" turbo back staight to 5" dual stacks behind sleeper, hadley "bully" air horns, galaxy 44 c. B. with texas star 350 and wilson 5000 whip, enough lights to see who's on either side of me any time of night, etc... ... (can be seen in readers rigs, pg 6)

[This message has been edited by cuminspwr (edited 09-27-2000). ]

 

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Inline6-

I have their 3' scanner antenna and fender lip mount. I was really commenting here about their mount more than anything else. I can tell you though that I get very, very good reception on my scanner. I got the package with the coax cable and the install was a breeze. I keep two open end wrenches in my console to take the antenna off when needed. I can just loosen the antenna from the mount and leave the mount and cable in place. Very quick and easy.

Dave.

 

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I went to a local machine shop and had two L-shaped brackets made out of stainless steel. Bolted these brackets to the front of the bed in line with the side of the cab. Used detachable mounts so I can get into my garage. Looks and works great!

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2001 Ram 3500 dually, 4:10, auto, SLT+,anti-spin,custom side paint, Custom pin striping,Advanced Thermal Products Sound Blanket Kit, Smittybar nerf step,Geno's stainless wheel well trim, tonneau cover, air dam, chrome monster tip, mud flaps/chrome tips,pyro-trans-boost gauges, Bosch 275 Injectors, Van Aaken.