For those of you with the Dodge Ram style fender antenna mounts, I have two questions:

First, do you recommend a specific COTS bracket? In another post (can't find it right now) reference was made to a Larsen TMB34D bracket, see http://www.tessco.com/products/displayProductInfo.do?sku=15042&eventPage=1. Is there one of these that works really well?

Or is it worth going to a shop with a water jet cutter and a sheet metal brake? It doesn't seem like it would cost too much to fab something up that fit just right.

Second question: How are you routing the coax? Are you just tucking it between the hood and the fender? It doesn't look like there's much of a gap.

Or is it worth drilling a hole, painting it for corrosion protection, and inserting a rubber grommet? That would be better for the cable, it would seem. Other than the PITA factor I wouldn't mind the hole.

???

Here is a reference to the Dodge Ram mounts:

http://dodgeram.org/ki4cy/ramradio/antenna.htm

There seem to be quite a number of similar mounts.

[Edit] p.s., this would mostly likely be for a ham antenna (need to get a license!). I'm leaning towards the AdamisAdam / Tokyojoe solution for a CB antenna. That's supposed to be my project between Christmas and New Year.

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2003 Liberty, ARB bumper w fogs and KC SlimLites
Front Franky II HD, rear OME948 w Rancho RS9000/XL shocks
LT245/75R16C Duratracs on Moabs
4.10 gears, front & rear ARB lockers, Boulder Bars, AFE Stage 2 intake
Surco rack w BajaRack jerry can holder
Cobra 75 WX ST

06 LJ Rubi, 3.5" RE SA and 33" BFG KM2s, GenRight tank

I don't understand most of your questions. I ordered a stainless steel Dode Ram bracket and a Fire Stick antenna. There's already a hole in the fender up by the headlights and I grabbed a big nut and bolt and mouted 'er up... been there for 3 yrs with no problem and no brain damage.

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2006 CRD http://www.UtahPowderCoatings.com/ http://www.gorecon.com/ I'm kind of a big deal.
RL rear bumper, ARB front bumper, Mile Marker winch, Power Tank, Skids by Mopar & Skid Row, RL Super Skink Sliders, 235/85R16 MTR, Air Flow Snorkel, DTT, 4.10 gears, Frankenlift II, Katskin leather, JL Audio stereo, Rosen video.

Oh, I thought the mount was attached farther back, in one of the three holes that already has a fastener in it.

The fender top is essentially flat at that forward-most, squareish hole. So the mount must sit flush against the flat top of the fender, bend down to get under the lip of the hood, and then go out straight. I didn't see how that could work with the other holes as they go through facets that are recessed rather than the top surface of the fender.



The second part of the question regarded the routing of the cable to the engine compartment. I didn't see how there was enough of a gap between the hood and the fender to route a cable, at least near those aft three holes. But the forward-most, squareish hole is so close to the headlight that I'm guessing you routed the cable in the gap between the fender and the grill. It would be a little tight, but I can believe a coax could be pressed into that gap without compressing it too much.

Maybe that doesn't make sense, but the bottom line is I think I get it now.

Thanks for the speedy response!

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2003 Liberty, ARB bumper w fogs and KC SlimLites
Front Franky II HD, rear OME948 w Rancho RS9000/XL shocks
LT245/75R16C Duratracs on Moabs
4.10 gears, front & rear ARB lockers, Boulder Bars, AFE Stage 2 intake
Surco rack w BajaRack jerry can holder
Cobra 75 WX ST

06 LJ Rubi, 3.5" RE SA and 33" BFG KM2s, GenRight tank