Firestik Install
05-12-2003, 01:43 PM
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Firestik Install
After a few weeks of deciding on where to install my 4' firestik I decided on placing it on the rear of the bed. Let me know what you think.
http://photos.yahoo.com/dbullock152000
http://photos.yahoo.com/dbullock152000
05-12-2003, 02:24 PM
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That looks nice! 
Unfortunately, I have those rear light guards and can't fit mine back there... still trying to figure out where to put it but still leaning towards the hood mounts like the writeups.
Unfortunately, I have those rear light guards and can't fit mine back there... still trying to figure out where to put it but still leaning towards the hood mounts like the writeups.
05-12-2003, 02:42 PM
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David,
Fantastic job there. Looks very professional. Got a question for ya:
How thick is the metal there?
I'm considering mounting my 4' Firestik either on the rear bumper or where you did yours. My concern is that the metal is thin where you mounted yours. The metal on the hood channel does not inspire confidence!
Thanks,
Bob
Fantastic job there. Looks very professional. Got a question for ya:
How thick is the metal there?
I'm considering mounting my 4' Firestik either on the rear bumper or where you did yours. My concern is that the metal is thin where you mounted yours. The metal on the hood channel does not inspire confidence!
Thanks,
Bob
05-12-2003, 02:50 PM
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Well it seems like there is two layers of sheet metal there spot welded together. So whatever the thickness of the sheet metal they use times 2. I took a good look at it before installing it because I was concerned about the same thing. Gotta have the structural integrity ya know.
Anyways, the way the bed is shaped at that spot with the bends it actually creates a pretty strong spot. I've put some force on in and the bracket starts bending and there isn't any deflection of the truck itself. Just make sure you put some washers on the back side to distribute the load and it shouldn't be a problem.
Another quick note: I tried running the firestik with heavy duty spring but the antenna was flopping around quite a bit at highway speeds. I wasn't really pleased with that so I just took it off and its great now.
Anyways, the way the bed is shaped at that spot with the bends it actually creates a pretty strong spot. I've put some force on in and the bracket starts bending and there isn't any deflection of the truck itself. Just make sure you put some washers on the back side to distribute the load and it shouldn't be a problem.
Another quick note: I tried running the firestik with heavy duty spring but the antenna was flopping around quite a bit at highway speeds. I wasn't really pleased with that so I just took it off and its great now.
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05-12-2003, 02:54 PM
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I'm starting to realize the same thing. For hwy. driving, the spring isn't really necessary. Off-road it is quite handy though, esp. when dealing with branches and the like.
05-12-2003, 03:40 PM
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pic's/write-up
Did you happen to take any pic's during the install? What is the model number of the bracket you used? Thanks for any info you could provide. I've been debating where I want to install my firestik. Looks really good...
05-12-2003, 04:09 PM
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I used model SS-204A (firestik part #). It is called a door jamb mount on the firestik's website. I then got 4 stainless steel nuts, bolts, and washers( the screws that come with it are sheet metal screws just toss them). Place the bracket as far as it will go up (directly under the "tail gate latch") and mark the holes to be drilled. When bolting it on I had to grind some flat sides on the washers in order for them to all fit because they are so close together. Before I bolted it in I drilled a hole in the bracket that lines up with the taillight screw (that way you can take the light out without unbolting the bracket).
In order to get the wire to fit behind the taillight you have to shave off a little bit of the tail light housing. Its very little and not a big deal. I wouldn't do this if it could be noticed if I ever where to remove the antenna. The wire then just fits behind the taillight and its hardly noticable. I'll take some close up pictures tomorrow and post them.
In order to get the wire to fit behind the taillight you have to shave off a little bit of the tail light housing. Its very little and not a big deal. I wouldn't do this if it could be noticed if I ever where to remove the antenna. The wire then just fits behind the taillight and its hardly noticable. I'll take some close up pictures tomorrow and post them.
05-13-2003, 12:07 PM
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I added 3 more pics of the install. You can see the hole I drilled to access the tail light screw for removal. Also you can see how I routed the wire behind the tail light.
05-14-2003, 05:15 AM
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nice job. i plan on doing the same thing to my 4runner. just plan on mounting below the brake light assembly and using either a 5" or 6" firestik to help clear the roof.
good job.
good job.
05-14-2003, 03:32 PM
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Curious to know where you mounted the unit? Also, did you run the coax the length of the body and bring it up through one of the firewall gromets under the hood? I looked for a good spot to mount the unit but can't decide where to mount it.
05-14-2003, 03:36 PM
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I mounted the CB in where the ashtray is. Fit right in there with a little modification. I think there is some info out there on the web with some pics on that. The antenna wire I just ran along the frame rail following the factory wires(lots of tire wraps). Run the wire through the grommet in the back of the cab and into the jack storage compartment. From there under the door sill and on to the radio. 18 feet of wire was a perfect fit with nothing to spare.
05-14-2003, 04:19 PM
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That looks great David! It will give me some good ideas for when I do mine. I'll have to check to see if I have that much material there to mount it on my 88. Thanks for posting the bracket part number, too.
That should come in handy.
That should come in handy.
05-15-2003, 08:11 AM
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Originally posted by beachtaco
nice job. i plan on doing the same thing to my 4runner. just plan on mounting below the brake light assembly and using either a 5" or 6" firestik to help clear the roof.
good job.
nice job. i plan on doing the same thing to my 4runner. just plan on mounting below the brake light assembly and using either a 5" or 6" firestik to help clear the roof.
good job.
I was thinking if it is a door jam mount I might be able to use it on the rear cargo door jam either side or on top? Which would be better?
I'm not sure what you meant by: below the brake light assembly.
Do you have a tailgate or the newer liftgate that swings up?
