Here's how I mounted my cb antenna. Mount was $8.95 and 18' cable was $9.95. I ended up swapping out the 2' ant for a 3' K40 superflex whip. The 2 footer was almost even with the top while the 3 clears it.
When I removed the tire carrier I could see a dirt line where the water and mud ran. I removed material INSIDE that line on the tailgate and tire carrier so I shouldn't have any water getting to bare metal. Sorry, I'm not very efficient with the paint program, may have overused arrows and words.

 

 

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nice write up... but what happens when water gets in between the carrier and tail gate?

 

It doesn't far as i can tell. when I removed it there was a distinct line where the water ran and the inner portion was factory fresh paint and powdercoat. Not even a little dusty or anything so that's where I ground the paint from. I may check it in the fall and if it looks like water has gotten in I'll run a bead of rtv along the top and sides leaving the bottom open so it could drain if water got in.

 

Man Sin,

You're my hero. I've been looking at different mounts for my antenna and had decided to go tire carrier because the ultramount and my tail light protectors don't go well together. Your info is perfect. I'm not grinding away paint or powder coat but the rest is spot on. I'll work out a less damaging way of grounding.

Thanks for spending the time and effort for the write up.

 

Thanks, I'm glad the write-up was helpful. As far as grinding goes the tire carrier doesn't even carry a good ground through the bolts. I found that hard to believe but even the threads are painted on the tailgate and the bolts. then I thought clean the threads on both sides but you also need to remove powdercoat around the bolt holes(exposed to the elements)which are amply bigger than the bolts so as not to guarantee a good ground. I thought of running a ground wire from the antenna mount to the actual frame of the jeep but I was told that can affect the cb performance.

 

if you live anywhere that salts the roads in winter do not scrape or even drill holes in your carrier. i did and its turned to powder in one winter. i scraped it up and painted it with anti-corrosion stuff but seriously it literally disolves very fast if left unprotected.
neat job anyhow

 

Good to know, maybe I'll seal it and paint the entire thing.

 

If you have a hard top and are thinking about doing your mount like this you better check the distance very close between the mount and the glass, even if it a ½ inch space after the install one good slam and seeya @ the dealer
other than that looks good hows the SWR?