To mount? or not to mount?

[Fury853]

So I have been thinking about doing a ball mount for a 102' whip on the side of my 2000 montero sport! But I just cant bring myself to do it. I think about what happens if I dont like it after I mount it! or How to cover the holes if I have to remove it! Re-sale value? What do you think? Should I mount it or come up with something else? Give me some ideas and pics if you got something!

 

[n5ims]

Mount it. Re-sale value won't be an issue (the cost of a 10+ yr old car without an antenna mount is nearly the same as one with an antenna mount). With a little bondo, touch-up paint, and a few hours of careful work and nobody will know it was there if you decide to remove it (and taking care of all the little dings, scratches & scrapes at the same time may even raise your resale value!).

 

[RodStrong]

This is a question you could get many varied answers to, but I would recommend an NMO mount CB antenna on the roof.

Here is a link to one: http://www.wearecb.com/store/larsen-nmo27-low-band-27-30-mhz-cb-antenna-p-3299.html

Not as gawdy as a monster side mount antenna, less instrusive on the overall look, and arguably more durable than a fiberglass setup. I use one every day in my work truck (as well as others in my group), and they do just fine. Just a thought. Good luck either way.

 

[LtDoc]

Resale value has very little to do with antenna mounting, there just isn't that much (if any) differences. As already said, patch those holes, that's what the dealers do anyway and they can have it done much cheaper than an individual usually can.
Are there other options? Sure. Just depends on the particular antenna you want to use, and how much you 'think' you'll be saving by using some other type of mount.
I have definite opinions about the usual 'ball-mount' you find now-a-days, they just aren't what they used to be. I also think there are several sources so I'd have to see the particular 'ball-mount' to have an opinion about it. That's up to you.
Have fun.
- 'Doc

 

[reedeb]

Go with the ball mount, do it right . 102" steel whiip BEST antenna money can buy!!!

 

[KK5VN]

I wouldn't think twice. If I only had a pic of my old 1972 El Camino I would post it. I had a 102" whip that with a mobile tuner had no problems on 10 and 12 meters, a 5/8 wave mag mount for 2 meters, another antenna on the opposite side of the roof. If had known about Texas Bug Catchers back then , there would have been one of those too.
Antennas can be,, well,, metallic art.

 

[CoolCat]

Go ahead and mount it if that's the antenna you want to use.

As others have stated, I wouldn't worry about putting holes in an 11 year old vehicle (people in the market for older vehicles like that are looking for a cheap vehicle in good mechanical condition, cosmetic looks are not as important). The small holes can be easily filled in and painted, or you could just sell the vehicle with the CB and antenna in/on it (could be a good selling point ).

 

[krokus]

Mounting a K40, Wilson, or similar, antenna might be a better answer. The K40 on my Jeep has had minimal impact on the body, and given me excellent signal results.

Another option: If you have a brush or bull bar, go with an Aussie-style mount. You can remove the antenna mount, leaving the bar on the vehicle.

 

[Fury853]

Alot of good ideas here folks! I think I might go ahead with the ball mount idea! Im a big fan of the whip myself! The other thing worrying me now is the whip hitting the montero and scratching it. I have seen some whips rapped in black stuff to help protect everything. Is this black tape? or is there another trick?

 

[Mtnrider]

I have seen guys cover the hole with round stick on reflectors, you can use heat shrink if you think its gonna hit car and ground out i have seen that as well. black tape as well as the heat shrink adds to the weight and will make it not sit up right going down road. might have to tie it to roof. have seen that done as well over all they work better but as said on here maybe a NMO mount might be in order.....

 

[Fury853]

Yeah I have done a few NMO installs before like on my pick up. I dont wanna to that on this one. I was thinking I might tie the whip down to the roof rack. But the thing is if I have it tied down can I still use it while tied down?

 

[Mtnrider]

What i meant by "tie it down" is tie it so it cant "flop" back while driving......ya know mid section.....i have seen that. but always have a way to bring it all the way down just in case you need to go somewhere with less than normal hight

 

[Fury853]

Yeah I have a few off road buds that bind there whips all the way over. But I would think doing that would throw off the SWR and make it all wacky.

 

[hockeyshrink]

Bull/Brush Bar Mount Noise??

...Another option: If you have a brush or bull bar, go with an Aussie-style mount. You can remove the antenna mount, leaving the bar on the vehicle.

That's a cool install. I've always thought about doing that, but have been concerned about the level of engine noise that would be picked up by the coax. Anyone have experience with the bull bar mount?...Is it noisy compared to running to the back of the truck?