One of the biggest challenges to running HF mobile
is the installation of the antenna. The smaller monoband whips generally
don't represent a big challenge, but when you move into the class of bugcatchers
and screwdriver antennas, mounting choices seriously decline. Coupled with
the compactness of most automobiles, the problems end being not worth all
the hassles! ALL IS NOT LOST! With some ingenuity, guts, and a couple of
sharp drill bits, it is possible to design, fabricate and install a heavy
duty mount, not leave any visible holes and cost next to nothing! Here's
how you do it:
Notice that I had some tough curves inside the tail light assembly.
The template on the left is the backing that braces behind the body for
the mount. The backing template is rightside up BTW. The one on the right
is the actual mount that fits inbetween the tail light and the body. It's
backwards and upside down tho'. The right side of the mount is what goes
inside the body, and the left will be outside. Keep trimming and it will
be evident on where to mark the holes to be drilled for the bolts.
Doing the actual installation is the fun part! If
you were careful in designing your templates, then there shouldn't be any
surprises when trying to install it into it's final resting place. When
choosing bolts, nuts, washers, etc. I went for broke and used only stainless
steel hardware. The mount went through a rather wet Southern California
winter just fine. Also, when tightening it for the first time GO SLOW!
Don't crank it all the way tight too fast, you could end up creating creases
in the body. From time to time, check to make sure that it isn't working
it's way loose. Once it was installed, I could actually stand on it and
it would support 195 pounds! Not too bad for $2! With some additional aluminum
angle brackets, I was able to have it fully articulated. That way I could
be sure the screwdriver antenna was plumb. Also, since all the holes in
the body were hidden, when the mount was removed, there was no indication
that anything had been installed.
Here's some more pictures: