How about on a lip mount towards the top on the side of the hatch?
Something like the Comet RS-720 that is adjustable on 3 planes.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/comet-rs-720-medium-duty-lip-mount-no-coax-so-239/111802128550?hash=item1a07ed18a6
Pair that with a dual band antenna that has a hinge, like the Comet CA-2x4SR, so you could lay it over and velco the mast to your roof rack when going into parking garages.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COMET-CA-2X4SRB-Mobile-antenna-2m-70cm-UHF-40in-/111802127179
I also saw a really nice cable that is necked down where it would pass through a door opening without getting pinched.
Tried a quick search, but couldn't find it. Perhaps a local radio store near you might have it.
In any case, there may be a rubber grommet in the hatch jamb area, you could run it through.
Good luck with your install. :beer:
I have a lip mount on the back of the hood. Might be a little difficult for you since the hood looks like it's at a pretty good angle. You may be able to run a "S" shaped bracket that mounts to the inside of the top of the fender (under the hood) and sticks out between the hood and fender.
View attachment 430646
If you have the cross bars for your rack, Comet does make a clamp on bracket (you could even make one yourself).
http://www.nevadaradio.co.uk/antenna-accessories/mounts-and-masts/comet-rs-660u
Diamond makes a fold-able antenna as well as a few others. Tram is also well respected from what I've *read* (no first hand experience with them).
Not sure if you would need ground plane radials with the Comet CA-2x4SR, but I'm willing to bet Nevada Radio could tell you what you'd need, and probably have it available to ship out to you. There is a ground plane kit for dual band mobile antennas. It has 3 radials and fits between the mount and the antenna if it's needed.
I can't remember who makes it. Thought it was pretty cool, because it was made specifically to fit the different connectors, like NMO & PL259.
Should have bookmarked the page, because now I can't find it...
Hope you'll post what you come up with, and how it works out. :beer:
ETA: If you go with a dual band mobile, depending on the radio, you can do crossband repeat, which would allow your hand held to reach the car, and the mobile in the car could be set to higher power to reach out further.
That mount is pretty adaptable.
If the mast is at the same level as the pillars it will definitely affect the radiation pattern towards the front.
Could you mount it to the lip of one of the rear doors, near the top?
This would be similar to the idea of the hatch, only move the mast up above the roofline.
How about a magnet mount, with a shorter dual band, like a Tram antenna.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tram-1185-Amateur-Dual-Band-Antenna-Black/dp/B0045EQUBK I've read some pretty good reviews on this antenna here in the states. It is also pretty inexpensive.
Match that with a nice used radio, and you could be all in pretty cheap.
Would also make a great back-up antenna, as you upgrade gear, down the road.
I think Hidden antenna will build you a custom ant. I have one on my Super-duty and it looks like a stock antenna. It works really well.