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Message |
    
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 1580
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 1:58 pm: | 
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I just got my lug connected Predator mount for my Predator antenna. Now I will install it on my trunk lid. I noticed that the insulators are hard plastic and I am worried that they will not seal the hole up I drilled to install it. Has anyone used the Predator mount on their roof or trunk without it getting rain water leaking through? I may need to fab a seal or use silicon to prevent leaks. Any ideas or suggestions or users results are greatly appreciated! thanks
Hotwire |
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 1589
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 9:08 pm: |
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Well I hand cut some gaskets and I am in the process of cutting my 1/8 inch thick steel reinfornment plate for the underside. I am going to attach the coax shield to the steel plate with a stainless steel bolt through the trunk lid! Mega Ground! I am also going to apply a thin coat of silicon. That is if I am capable of using small amounts of any type of adhesive sealant. Will post pictures only if I can resist the urge to apply gobs and gobs on top of gobs of silicon! |
Alsworld
Senior Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 1009
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 9:16 pm: |
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Hotwire,
I use the Predator mount on the roof of my Silverado. I used a "waterproofing" silicone sealant between the nylon and aluminum top mounts, and again where it mounts to the roof (or trunk depending on your install). I found it at a typical auto parts store, in the sealant section. What I used was for repairing leaky windows (or window seals I think), made to seal the inside of the vehicle from the environment. It was clear and has been leak free for about a year. It's flexible enough for the mount to flex with the roof, but has been problem-free to date.
It has worked just fine. If I can find the tube, I'll post the name of what I used. I know I still have it here.
Alsworld
CEf 101 |
Alsworld
Senior Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 1010
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, July 23, 2006 - 9:20 pm: |
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Hotwire,
what I used was Permatex Weatherstrip Cement. It came in an orange tube with the number DCD-19. I think any good quality silicone may work.
Alsworld |
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 1591
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 1:15 pm: |
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Thanks Alsworld! I actually have some of that Permatex in my tool box!
I am curious about your install on the roof. Did you use a support plate? If so how thick is the plate? When you connect the 2 nylon insulators together you have about a qaurter inch gap between them. I may need to order the support blocks that are made for my application. I don't know yet. |
Alsworld
Senior Member
Username: Alsworld
Post Number: 1011
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Monday, July 24, 2006 - 8:13 pm: |
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Hotwire,
I used nothing on the (top of) the roof, but a metal backing plate underneath. I got a piece of scrap aluminum from work about 1/8th inch thick. I have seen where people have used blades from a circle saw underneath (inside the vehicles roof) and it works great. Anything to dispurse the stress point off the mount itself.
I did notice once I drilled the hole that my roof was double metal with a gap inbetween. Bummer, as I thought I had found a spot where it was either solid metal, or no gap. It was too late by then, so I just installed and tightened. My roof does have a bit of a sag at that point. Being it's on top of my truck, no one can tell. But, being it has the potential for a water collection area when sitting still, it has proven that the sealant has done it's job just fine. I haven't played with the support blocks myself, but if I was going to do it all over, I would research that avenue some more.
Alsworld |
Hotwire
Senior Member
Username: Hotwire
Post Number: 1593
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 11:10 am: |
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Man I know what you mean about the double steel! Seems like I hit it everytime.
Last night after digging in the scrap materials at work I had some brainstorms! My mount upgrade should come out a winner. Fabricating everything I need by hand I think its gonna look great. Looking at photos of Mr. Coilys mounts gave me an idea. As soon as I finish I will post pictures in the members pictures section! thanks for all your help Alsworld! |
