CONTUNUED FROM PAGE 1
5. Shim the top of the mount - Place the antenna mount body inside the stake pocket and check for space between the top of the mount
and the stake pocket. All trucks require some shimming at the top of the stake pocket. Pre-1999 Chevy and GMC trucks, and all Mazda
and Ranger trucks need only a small amount of plastic electrical tape wrapped around the top of the mount to obtain a snug fit at the top
stake pocket opening. The tape now comes in many colors, so if a little bit shows, it will not detract from the looks of the truck. The tape
need not protrude from the top of the stake pocket to work properly. Most other trucks have larger spaces at the top of the stake pockets,
and require additional shimming material (using sticky-back linoleum), which is provided. Shimming will include one or more layers of
the sticky-back linoleum, which is held in place with electrical tape. Cut each shim to slightly less than the length of the side of the
mount, and check for fit before sticking it in place. The shim material can be installed on only one side, or thicker on one side, to adjust
the mount so the antenna sits more vertical. (Vertical alignment of the antenna can also be modified by filing out the anchor bolt hole in
one direction, and using offset shims.) Use a small amount of plastic electrical tape to hold the shims in place, and to take up the last bit of
looseness at the top. Refer to the attached SHIM INSTALLATION DIAGRAM for additional help.
5. Secure the Mount - Secure the mount into the stale pocket with the 9/16" hollow bolt. The lock washer goes between the head of
the anchor bolt and the clean bottom of the STAKE POCKET to ensure a good ground connection. Check to be sure that the top of the
mount does not wobble in the stake pocket. If it does, loosen the 9/16" bolt and adjust the electrical tape part of the shim. When the
anchor bolt is tightened, use an ohm meter to CHECK ALLCONNECTIONS FOR GOOD GROUND AND SHORTS.
6. Route the coaxial cable to the radio location - Route the coax along the top of the truck frame, or any other convenient path to the
cab. I recommend trying to protect the coax from scraping by brush or other off road stuff. Secure it with zip ties. The cable can enter the
cab through a hole drilled in the floor, or by removing the plug from one of the existing holes in the bottom of the truck cab. These are
readily opened by removing the metal plug that you will see from the bottom of the truck. Rubber caps, or grommets, are available at
most hardware stores that will fit this opening, and the coax can enter the cab through a hole cut in the cap or through a grommet. One or
more coax cables can be routed into the truck through a hole cut in the same hole cap. You may be able to use a simple paper punch for
making the hole in the hole cap. When you have determined the final location of the radio and have routed the coax into the cab of the
truck, install the appropriate connector for your radio to the end of the coax.
Potential Problems
1. The stake pocket will not accept the antenna mount body - Try bending the interior flanges of the stake pocket opening slightly to
allow the mount to drop into place, or try another stake pocket. A piece of wood will minimize the potential for chipping paint. Stake
pocket dimensions vary a lot, as you may see if you place the antenna mount in each of the openings on your truck. If the mount will not
fit in any opening easily, you may not be able to use this mount without modification. Call us to see if there is a mount that will fit better.
Or, a metal shop may be able to mill a few thousandths off the body of the mount. The latter method will also remove the anodizing.
2. The stake pocket will not accept the 9/16" hollow anchor bolt - Use a round file, drill, or reamer to enlarge the hole so the bolt will
fit. Be sure to protect the paint on the upper part of the hole while filing.
3. The stake pocket has no anchor bolt hole - As mentioned in section 4 on page 1, you will need to drill a hole 5/8” diameter or larger
to accept the mount. Carefully mark the location of this hole with the antenna mount in place, prior to installing the 3/8”-24 connector in
the mount. One method of determining the location of the hole is to simply eyeball it to the center of the bottom of the stake pocket. If not
perfectly aligned, the hole can be enlarged later on, or drilled slightly larger to allow alignment of the antenna. Another method - I
recommend aligning the top of the mount parallel to the top of the stake pocket in the front to back direction. Then, I would suggest
sighting from the back of the truck toward the front, to align the antenna vertically from side to side. Trucks normally have a slight
forward slant to the top of the bed rail, the forward lean of the antenna when the truck is not moving compensates for the backward bend
of the antenna when the truck is moving. To mark the location of the anchor bolt hole, park the truck on a level surface and adjust the
mount so that the top of the mount is level from side to side using a hand level. You could also use a triangle or perfectly square object on
top of the mount to sight a vertical building or other vertical object. Carefully mark the center of the hole using a pencil or other
instrument and drill a 5/8” hole. Actually, a flat bladed 5/8” wood drill, like the one shown on Page 1, is pretty inexpensive and will cut
the 1/32” soft steel. These will easily survive cutting a few holes in the soft sheet metal of your truck. Extensions (as shown) are aksi
available, and will enable you to reach down to the bottom of the stake pocket. A5/8” chassis punch may also work.
4. Difficult access to bottom of stake pocket - Installation may be possible if you use a socket or ‘crow-foot’ wrench with several
socket extension sections (you may need to borrow from your friends). Also, it will be easier to install the anchor bolt using a socket
wrench if you route the coax out the side of the stake pociet. Most trucks have holes in the side or near the top of the stake pocket. This
will enable you to use a standard socket wrench without the coax running through the hollow anchor bolt.
5. No access through tailight opening - See item 4. Same techniques are recommended.
6. Alternate coax routing - If you don't want to use the hollow mounting bolt for routing the coax out of the stake pocket, you can use
the slot in the side of the mount to allow you to insert the mount with the coax exiting out an alternate opening, either existing or user
drilled, in the stake pocket. I recommend using additional chafing protection for the coax because of the sharp edges of the sheet metal in
the stake pocket openings.
Instructions for Installation - Model HF-1 & HF-2
For using any standard mobile antenna with a 3/8”-24 style screw base.
Pick-Up Truck Antenna Mount
P.O. Box 10822
Newport Beach, CA 92658
GeoToolGeoTool
GeoTool
PAGE 2
Phone: (949) 548-8885
http://www.geotool.com/antmount.htm
