Free antenna! - Diesel Forum

AJ'sDad · 11-21-2001, 03:05 PM

I'm replacing my factory antenna with a CB antenna so I'm giving my original antenna away.

I've cut it down to about 1" above the roof rack runners, the ball (scratched)is still on it.

It's a great way to tell if you can safely fit into a parking garage.

I was going to throw it away but I remembered people here talking about wanting a shorter antenna.

First person to respond positively to this post gets it. All I'll need is payment for shipping.

(To moderators: Since I'm not selling this, I thought it would be ok here.)

JasonRider · 11-21-2001, 03:11 PM

I don't need one, but was curious as to how you trimmed yours down.

AJ'sDad · 11-21-2001, 03:22 PM

I pulled the ball off by placing the antenna loosely in a vise and pulling it down to pop the ball off. (Be careful, that thing bounces all over the place.)

After that, I took some wire cutters and cut a hunk of antenna off. I reccomend you use something stronger than wire cutters though, that antenna wire is STRONG!

Once the wire was cut, I put the ball back on and hammered it straight on the pavement to make sure it was on nice and tightly.

I can't tell any difference in my reception here in and around town.

edex · 11-21-2001, 08:19 PM

If there was an award for modication of the month, this would surely win. I love it.

Tomorrow, I too will have an antenna 1" above the height of the roof rack.

B8mn1 · 11-29-2001, 02:18 AM

AJ's Dad,
I am interested in the shortened version antenna. I can try out the shorter length (listening for "gain" change) and still have the stock one. I live in Montclair, Ca, so let me know how much the shipping will be.

Thx Ben

AJ'sDad · 11-29-2001, 09:55 AM

Ok, sounds great. I'll run it by the mailboxes etc. store and see what they charge. Shouldn't be much at all.

DukeJH · 11-29-2001, 01:41 PM

Hey AJ's Dad ... did you manage to get the new CB antenna installed OK after removing the kickpanel? Just checking in. Since I don't have an X I don't get to this board very often.

AJ'sDad · 11-29-2001, 01:48 PM

The antenna wire was a piece of cake thanks to you.

Unfortunately, I learned that the factory zinc mount has a lower melting point than the aluminum alloy rod I was trying to braze it with.

I wound up making a custom mount out of 2 stacked plates of 16 gauge sheet metal.

The new antenna is angled a hair forward and to the left.

It works for me though.