Prado Roof Rails - UHF Connection
Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 21, 2009 at 21:25
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margro
Hi Everyone
I'm planning to attach a UHF antenna to the roof rails of my 2005 Prado (I only have the rails, not the crossbars), but can't seem to find anything on the market to clip into the rails. Has anyone else had this experience, or have come up with an alternative solution?? If you have, I'd be really happy to hear how you did it...
Cheers Mark
Reply By: Member - Matt H (SA) - Wednesday, Jan 21, 2009 at 22:09
Wednesday, Jan 21, 2009 at 22:09
Hi Margro,
Having 2 such vehicles in the family (and one is for sale!), this is what is did.
I got a "Z" shaped stainless steel bracket from Tandy (or Dick Smiths) and mounted it on the left hand side of the Prado, in
the gap between the bonnet and mudguard. There is just enough room to run the co-ax between the bonnet and guard without undue rubbing.
I then ran the coax and plug through the large grommet on the firewall near the were I mounted the antenna.
The result being, the coax and plug entered the cabin up under the dash approximately behind the glovebox compartment.
As I didn't want to drill holes in the vehicle, the CB sat on the centre of the dash on a 3mm piece of that non-slip matting (available from Clark Rubber), and wedged it up against the windscreen.
12 volt power was supplied via the cigar lighter on the lower console.
Worked a treat, and no extra holes in the car!
Cheers, Matt
AnswerID:
345445
Follow Up By: margro - Wednesday, Jan 21, 2009 at 23:13
Wednesday, Jan 21, 2009 at 23:13
Thanks Matt - your antenna setup is the one I had in my car, but found that the bracket and cable had started rubbing paint - so I've taken it out pending another option! Cheers Mark
FollowupID:
613425
Follow Up By: Grungle - Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 08:44
Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 08:44
Wrap a couple of layers of electrical tape around the Z-Bracket right where the bonnet line is to stop damaging the paint. We do this on all our installs and works a treat.
Regards
David
FollowupID:
613453
Reply By: Member - Footloose - Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 07:47
Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 07:47
Does it have to be a permanent install ? What about a magnetic mount? They will stay put unless you knock them with something.
AnswerID:
345469
Follow Up By: howie - Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 11:07
Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 11:07
i was also going to suggest a magnetic.
with one of these in the middle of the roof, you would only need a relatively small antennae for a very good performance.
FollowupID:
613466
Reply By: Cruiser .- Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 09:48
Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 09:48
Margro,
Even if you get something, how do you plan on getting the antenna cable up to the roof rails.
Cheers,
Cruiser
AnswerID:
345481
Reply By: margro - Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 17:12
Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 17:12
Hi Cruiser...I was thinking either via the back or front doors, under the black rail bit...do you think this wont be possible?
AnswerID:
345533
Reply By: Member - Matt H (SA) - Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 22:16
Thursday, Jan 22, 2009 at 22:16
Margro,
A follow up on my original response is that it didn't rub on my paintwork, but maybe your panel fit is better than mine!
Another option is a on-glass antenna system. Probably not quite as good, but unobtrusive and no holes. I think I've seen 6 db gain ones on the market for <$100.
Cheers, Matt
AnswerID:
345569