Self-drilling screws...

[Solid Snake]

Pretty soon, I plan on installing my CB into my truck. For the antenna mount, I will be screwing it in to the hood/fender channel (it will stick up between the hood and fender). There's no access underneath to use a nut and bolt so I'm going to use self drilling screws. Here's my question: should I use lock washers as well? Or will 3 to 4 self drilling screws hold just fine? I am concerned about vibration loosening the screws over time.

[aviator]

Don't they have a mounting bracket with set screws underneath so you don't have to drill your hood? I would not trust self drilling screws alone to hold an antenna with the vibration and wind, lock washers on the screw side will do nothing for you, they go on the nut side. But what do I know?

[Solid Snake]

Originally Posted by aviator

But what do I know?

More than me, but that ain't saying much.

[RTO]

Self drilling screws on body metal won't hold for long. If it is a pickup truck I'd use an 'L' bracket inside of the bed rail and use bolts & nuts with washers.

[Solid Snake]

Now I'm rethinking my mounting options. Luckily, I'm in no hurry.

[aviator]

Here is an idea: https://www.walcottradio.com/chevy-g...iABEgJGcfD_BwE

[aviator]

RTO used to be in the business, he can give you some pointers.

[Solid Snake]

Originally Posted by RTO

Self drilling screws on body metal won't hold for long. If it is a pickup truck I'd use an 'L' bracket inside of the bed rail and use bolts & nuts with washers.

What's the best way to run the coax from the bed into the cab?

[RTO]

Originally Posted by aviator

Here is an idea: https://www.walcottradio.com/chevy-g...iABEgJGcfD_BwE

That's a good mount as long as the antenna gets a coupla feet over the roof of the vehicle. It has a good ground plane and the SWR should be real low.

[RTO]

Originally Posted by Solid Snake

What's the best way to run the coax from the bed into the cab?

To keep from drilling a hole in the bed you could just drape the cable over the bed rail behind the cab, run it under the truck to a grommet in the floor. Most vehicles have grommets in the floor. Use cable ties to secure the cable to existing harnesses or hoses.

[44044]

Originally Posted by RTO

To keep from drilling a hole in the bed you could just drape the cable over the bed rail behind the cab, run it under the truck to a grommet in the floor. Most vehicles have grommets in the floor. Use cable ties to secure the cable to existing harnesses or hoses.

Some cabs have a grommet in the

back of the cab, also...

I had one with a magnetic base on

it years ago, too

[Solid Snake]

Originally Posted by aviator

Here is an idea: https://www.walcottradio.com/chevy-g...iABEgJGcfD_BwE

That's similar to the mount I had in mind, but in my truck, there's no way to get under the fender channel to use a nut/bolt. I'll probably go with an L-bracket attached to my toolbox.

[Boris]

I'm not sure exactly what you're looking to do but what about a Magnent mount? ,,I had a K40 magnent mount which handled my 250w linear fine,it reruired a little trimming but not much,,my SWR was somewhere in between 1 and 1.5

[RTO]

K-40 and Wilson make the best antennas, if they are still in business.

[JD Miller]