Antenna Install on an F-150

gafd6913 · Post by **gafd6913** » Fri Dec 27, 2002 3:12 pm

I am helping a friend with mounting an antenna on his '00(I think) F-150. Neither of us have ever done a mobile install. We are using a 1/4 wave VHF antenna that was on a mag mount. He is wanting a hood mount antenna though. I was wondering if anybody had any experience with an F=150 or converting a mag mount to hood mount (this especially). Thanks!

fire-medic8104 · Post by **fire-medic8104** » Fri Dec 27, 2002 4:11 pm

First, you will have to get a "L" bracket that has a 3/4" NMO mount on it to go on the hood, and a NMO coax kit. As far as magmount to hood mount (I'm assuming when you say hood mount you are referring to a mount on the fender on a "L" bracket) you should be able to unscrew the antenna and screw it on the new mount considering it is a NMO mount on the bottom of the antenna. The downside to this would be the radiated pattern would be very poor versus a roof mount. If you are using a 1/4 wave antenna, I would put it on the roof being as the height would not be affected much.

If you decide to do a roof mount, use a 3/4" hole saw to cut the hole approximately 1-2" forward of the third brake light and centered on the roof. Then all you have to do is push the coax through the hole towards the driver's side rear pillar. Pull the rear of the headliner down and just off center towards the driver's side is a small square hole to pull the coax thru. Then it is just a matter of routing to coax to the radio. Remember to stay clear of moving or hot parts.

If you decide to do a hood mount, use stainless screws on the "L" bracket and there is an entry point just behind the brake booster so you can get the coax in and the power out.

If any more questions, just post, myself or someone here will gladly help you. Hope this helps.

gafd6913 · Post by **gafd6913** » Fri Dec 27, 2002 4:56 pm

Where is a good place to find an NMO bracket/mount? We went to the local Rat Shack but most of what they had was CB stuff. Is is possible to use a double male connector (the same size of the base of the antenna) bolted through a bracket? We're kinda looking for an el cheepo/simple-stupid method. Thanks!

apco25 · Post by **apco25** » Fri Dec 27, 2002 5:40 pm

Several of the guys on here are dealers for quality commerical antennas. The elcheapo/stupid idea is just going to ruin the performance of your radio and I wouldn't be happy with it on my truck if I were you two.

A simple NMO mount and fender L-bracket shouldn't really cost you more than about $25 less if its just the regular hole mount for the roof

Do it right the first time and it will last the life of the vehicle.

fire-medic8104 · Post by **fire-medic8104** » Fri Dec 27, 2002 6:21 pm

I would agree with apco25. If you do it right, it will last forever. There are plenty of guys on here that are dealers. If you want just look around, if not PM me, I have a VHF 1/4 wave antenna kit that has the coax and I have a L Bracket if you don't want to do a roof mount.

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Fri Dec 27, 2002 7:38 pm

The L-Bracket is very easy and the parts are cheap. Do yourselves a favor... DON'T GO EL-Cheap-O. It isn't worth. For the extra $5 to $10 you'll spend to do it right, you'll be much better off.

Here are 2 pictures from my truck. I know I am missing a screw so save the wise-ass comments

. The NMO kit I get from my local dealer (I forget which brand) is know as the "X-Mount". It comes with Coax, and all the parts snap into place on the bracket. I use it and many many vehicles in my FD use them for low band and scanner antennas for personal vehicles.

If height isn't going to be a concern (parking garages?), concider the roof mount. The NMO parts are all the same, you jsut have to make the hole in the roof.

fire-medic8104 · Post by **fire-medic8104** » Fri Dec 27, 2002 7:52 pm

I had to stop and read a second time. I thought about making a comment about the screw, but I'll pass this time.

nmfire10 · Post by **nmfire10** » Fri Dec 27, 2002 8:03 pm

I am going to have to photoshop a screw in there just for this board.

gafd6913 · Post by **gafd6913** » Sat Dec 28, 2002 7:07 am

That "X-mount" looks exactily what we had in mind. Is there anywhere online that we could order one? Thanks for all the replies!

jim · Post by **jim** » Sat Dec 28, 2002 8:17 am

If you are going to stoop to the level of installing an "L" bracket instead of body mounting, whatever you do, DON'T use TEK screws or self tappers to mount the bracket! You will need to tighten them monthly and the holes will eventually elongate from the antenna whippin' in the wind. Use 1/4" STAINLESS or STANDARD steel pop rivets (no aluminum). Using rivets properly, you will maintain constant tension on the bracket and nothing will come loose.
Tie the cable properly, too.

fire-medic8104 · Post by **fire-medic8104** » Sat Dec 28, 2002 11:49 am

Jim nailed it on the head. If you are going to use a L bracket remember to use stainless and tie the cable.