Fabricating a Simple CB Antenna Mount for a 2004 Jeep TJ Rubicon
In general, the higher you can get your CB
antenna the better your reception will be. Well, a TJ with a soft top
doesn't afford many "high" places to mount an antenna. The answer, in
many cases, is a mounting bracket.
We chose the driver's side rear taillight as our mounting area.
Tools Needed
-
Drill
Press (A hand drill will work but not as well.)
-
3/8"
Drill Bit
-
3/16"
Drill Bit
-
Phillips Screwdriver
-
Flat
Tip Screwdriver
-
Nut
Driver
-
Propane or Acetylene Torch
-
Bench
Vise
-
2 lb
Sledge or Ball Peen Hammer
-
Square
-
Compass or Circle Template
-
Hack
Saw or Jig Saw with Metal Blade
-
Flat
File or Grinder
-
Rat
Tail File or Dremel Tool
Parts & Supplies
Instructions
1. Remove the four
Phillips head screws from the taillight lens and gently pry the lens
out with a flat tip screwdriver.
2. Remove the three hex head screws that hold the taillight to the body.
3. Place the taillight lens on the 9 1/2" piece of steel and mark the
spots for the outside-lower and top body screw holes on the steel.
There should be at least 3/8" on either side of the two holes.
4. Measure 3/4" from
the opposite end of the piece of steel and mark the spot for the 3/8"
hole that will be used to mount screw-on mounted antennas. Measure to
the center of the piece of steel (1") for the cross line of the 3/8"
hole.
Illustration #1: Holes Drilled for
Taillight and Antenna
4.
Drill the holes as marked.
Tip: It is easier to drill the holes before the steel is bent.
5. Measure 3" from the end of the piece of steel with the single, larger
hole (where the antenna will mount).
6. Using your square, mark a line across the piece of steel at your 3"
measurement.
Illustration #2: 3" Line
Marked on Steel
7. Place the piece of steel in your vise with the 3" end down. Be sure
you accurately line up the marked line with the jaws of your vise. This
will be your bending point.
Tip: Double-check your bend direction before you begin to heat
the piece of steel.
8. Heat the steel for about 2 minutes if using a small propane torch or
until it begins to glow red.
9. Using a combination of hand pressure and hammering, bend the steel to
a 90° angle.
Caution: Always use heavy
gloves when handling hot steel.
10. Using your compass or circle template, mark a half circle on the
short end of the piece of steel. We'll round the exposed end so it
doesn't catch anyone walking by the vehicle.
Illustration #2: 3" Line
Marked on Steel
11. Cut off the excess
steel using your hack saw or jig saw.
12. File down any rough
edges or drilled holes.
13. Paint to suit.
14. After your paint has
thoroughly dried, attach the rubber/anti-skid furniture leg pad. (We
purchased ours at Home Depot. It came in a flat sheet and could be cut
to any size or shape desired.)
Photo #1: Side View of the Antenna Mount Showing the Rubber Pad Near the
Top
15. Slide all three hex
head screws into the taillight assembly and carefully slip the new
bracket over the screws.
16. Place rubber washers
over the two screws that run through the new bracket.
17. Place a metal washer
and then a rubber washer over the third screw.
18. Tighten the hex head
screws hand tight. Do not over-tighten or you may crack the plastic
taillight housing.
19. Re-install the lens.
20. Mount your antenna
per the manufacturer's instructions.
Photo #2: Side/Above View of the Antenna Mount with a Cobra AT-35
Magnetic Antenna Mounted
Photo #3: Rear View of the Antenna Mount with a Cobra AT-35 Magnetic
Antenna Mounted
Photo #4: Rear View of the Antenna Mount without Antenna Mounted
Note: If your antenna requires more space below
the bracket, simply use a longer piece of steel.
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