D2 antenna mount locations

[brushogger]

Last night I started mounting my Yaesu 2m rig in my " new" D2. I had planned to use an NMO lip mount on the rear edge of the bonnet (did I just say bonnet?). This won't work due to the way it seals to the cowl area. I then considered using an "L" bracket on the top edge of the wing (did I really just say wing instead of fender?). Just looking for ideas that involve drilling as few holes as possible.

 

[David Harris]

Actually, if you can accommodate it, the best place for an antenna from a technical standpoint is in the very center of the roof.

 

[brushogger]

Actually, if you can accommodate it, the best place for an antenna from a technical standpoint is in the very center of the roof.

The only problem with that is the roof is fiberglass and there is no ground plane. I really hate drilling holes in the roof and having it in the way of mounting a rack in the future.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

The roof is not fiberglass. I believe it's aluminum.

 

[brushogger]

The roof is not fiberglass. I believe it's aluminum.

Sorry about that. Thanks for the correction. I was tapping on it and it sounded different than the sides and assumed it was 'glass. I guess that's What I get for assuming.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Does aluminum work as a ground plane?

 

[David Harris]

The roof is not fiberglass. I believe it's aluminum.

I thought the roof was steel, at least on the D1. I assume it's the same on the D2? After all there is a noted problem with rust around the alpine windows. Must be steel.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I can't remember which metal it is, but I know it's not fiberglass.

 

[dstuder]

It is steel, same as the D1

 

[AxeAngel]

Have you considered the rear tire carrier? It's where a lot of ppl mount CB antennas.

If you removethe tire carrier, invert it, drill new holes and notch it which many do, you can accomodate 33" tires on it. At the same time install your antenna mount.

Or for $50 you can buy mine ready to go since I have a rear bumper with swingaway.

-Sam

 

[11b4v]

I used a comet or diamond roof rack clamp style mount for my diamond sbb-7 dual band antenna. clamped it to the factory roof mount as far back as possible. the coax simply runs down and into the gutter and to the back of the truck and enters through the back cargo door. no drilling.

since it's a 5/8's wave antenna, no ground plane needed.

Ill take a pic of it later this evening.

 

[lwg]

D1/D2 roofs are steel as mentioned, the hood is AL. On RRC the roof is AL and the hood is steel.

I mounted my Ham antenna on the passenger side of the hood. Works fantastic, is out of the way of low branches and actually looks kind of like a stock radio antenna.

And for those who question the range there, it's fantastic!

 

[brushogger]

D1/D2 roofs are steel as mentioned, the hood is AL. On RRC the roof is AL and the hood is steel.

I mounted my Ham antenna on the passenger side of the hood. Works fantastic, is out of the way of low branches and actually looks kind of like a stock radio antenna.

And for those who question the range there, it's fantastic!

Wow! That's exactly what I ended up doing. Exactly the same location and bracket. I havent tried it out yet. My son broke my SWR meter and I've got to track down another. I like to check it before transmitting. Glad to hear the location works well.

 

[X-plorenow]

?

Sam, what are you selling for $50?