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

  • 9 1/2" Piece of 2" X 1/8" Steel

  • 3/16" Rubber Washers (3)

  • 3/16" Metal Washer (1)

  • Rubber/Anti-skid Furniture Leg Pad

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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