first antenna?

crazyboy · Post by **crazyboy** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 12:42 pm

ok. i will probably be installing my first antenna. i have a frew questions.

1. is the antennes 3/4" hole saw good to od the job? cna i use it witha regular cordless drll?

2. Where in the roof should the mount(s) go? i mean in rleation to the structural support and things? does it matter?

3. to put in the nmo mount you drop the headliner. then drill the hole pop the bottom in and then screw the top piece on? am i right?

thanks.

kb0nly · Post by **kb0nly** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 1:20 pm

AS long as your hole saw is the type intended for this use your good to go. A cordless drill is possible, i have done it with a good 18v drill. But some of the cheapos don't have enough torque to get the job done.

Go slow when drilling, take your time. If you can have someone else help with a small can of cutting oil or even wd-40 and keep the saw lubricated. Also, the main reason for going slow is to keep from building up to much heat, if you do that your going to cause damage to surrounding paint, and even the saw.

I saw one guy leaning on a drill to make it cut faster, bad idea, for a lot of reasons including bending or distorting the roof or trunk surface.

Pull down the headliner and have a look, obviously you want an area of flat metal with nothing in the way, supports, wiring, etc. The best place to put a mount in my opinion is dead center of the roof, this gives an equal ground plane in all directions.

Take your time, and your sure to get it done right.

crazyboy · Post by **crazyboy** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 1:29 pm

ok thanks exactly the info i was looking for. I guess my ryobi 9.6v wont cut it? what type of drill do you use? i plan on gettingt the antennex brand saw. im going to be putting in a scanner antenna on one. i was alos thinking of throwing in another one for anything that is later to come or to hook up my handheld dualbander on. how far apart would you put them? thanks for all you help.

NodrogCop · Post by **NodrogCop** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 2:08 pm

What I did the first time I put an antenna in was to pull out the dome light, and drilled right up through there. No need to drop the headliner. Worked very well. If you're going to drill a second hole, then drop the headliner.

Another thing to consider is to have a shop do it for you. Call and ask around for pricing. They'll do it quicker, better, and can handle the blame if something should go wrong. Just a thought.

If you're intent on learning - go for it. You'll get no better range than with a roof mount. Also, DON'T use the 9.6v drill. Use a corded one, if necessary. As kb0nly pointed out, go slow and make a nice, smooth cut. You'll need plenty of power for it.

Good Luck!

Gordon

thebigphish · Post by **thebigphish** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 2:14 pm

the ryobi 9.6 won't even come close. i prefer a nice hi torque corded drill like a dewalt or something, but if you have to go for a cordless one, anything less than 18 is a sin.

crazyboy · Post by **crazyboy** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 2:33 pm

ok thanks everyone for all your help.

FFParamedic571 · Post by **FFParamedic571** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 3:17 pm

I personally prefer the DeWalt 14.4 ..I found the 18v to be too heavy. Try hangin on to one upside down on your back in an Impala trunk...

giguchan · Post by **giguchan** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:08 pm

Hey gang...
I know we have all done it.. (use a drill)but my vote is for a chassis punch... yes it's a wee bit expensive but i get a clean hole with no burrs or anything..
try it.. you won't ever go back to drilling..
Gig

BDB · Post by **BDB** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:16 pm

I'm a dyed in the wool punch man too. I use a hole saw when I have to. but not as a preference.

giguchan · Post by **giguchan** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:43 pm

ya know what?
I figure it like this.. i'm going to have more than 1 radio and more than one vehicle(all god willing) i want a clean hole-everytime it more than pays for itself in appearance.... no burrs no screwed up paint...
just need a place for my radios.... hahah..

crazyboy · Post by **crazyboy** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:44 pm

what about the unibit?

giguchan · Post by **giguchan** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 4:47 pm

that you see on a late night infomercial..... slices dices it julliannes(what is that anyhow?)
no thanks.... gimme a chassis punch everytime..

BDB · Post by **BDB** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 5:19 pm

Unibits punch a clean hole but require care to keep from going too deep (wide).

giguchan · Post by **giguchan** » Thu Feb 10, 2005 6:27 pm

I see...
no thanks sounds too complicated..... thnaks for the explanation.. ONLY have one sizehole to drill don't need "uni "anything... sounds like there is margin for error.... I'm a bad installer to begin with.. I don't need any extra help!
thanks gig

wheelman · Post by **wheelman** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 7:32 am

When I am drilling for a roof mount, I remove the dome light and insert a cap from a can of spray paint facing up directly under where I am going to drill. This does two things:
1.) prevents any damage to the headliner from the drill bit and
2.) catches all of the metal filings that would otherwise make a mess.
Just my .02.
WM

KitN1MCC · Post by **KitN1MCC** » Fri Feb 11, 2005 9:50 am

just a few notes

i found a hole punch if not done 100% correct can dent the sheet metal

i have found that the Mikita 7.8 volt right angle work like gang buster plus the right angle offes alot more control that and straight

that little drill packs a bunch

first antenna?

first antenna?

why not try a chassis punch?

yeah man i hear you..

sounds like one them gadgets...

Hole drilling trick...