Thanks for the response and the pics. I will probably do just what u did also. Question, can the antenna be plastidipped safely? Would it sacrifice function?

 

You can plastidip the antenna and the mount, but you must be careful that the connections between them are not coated however. Also make sure that the mount is making direct contact with the metal of the body. Scrape the paint off to make sure, and use those lock washers with lots of teeth around the edge to bite into the metal. You can hit it with a rattle can after everything is completely tightened up so it doesn't rust.

Here are a few closeup photos, I installed the AEV corner guards and the antenna is now mounted on it. Also, just as important is the antenna mount. I have this one, and it is the absolute best mount you can buy. https://breedlovemounts.com/CB_antenna_ballmount.html I also used the Breedlove Puck baseplate so no bolts are showing on the outside.

https://breedlovemounts.com/images/f...4e951a3c09.gif

 

I've used some of the Breedlove mounts. Best quality I've seen.

 

Yup, whips are bad for spotters.

 

Yes, if you insulate your antenna (ie. plasti-dip) the SWR will change. How much, I can't say. This is why those fiberglass model instructions tell you to put the cap on each time when checking the SWR, during tuning.

 

The resonance of the typical tunable fiberglass whip (Firestick) will drop in frequency by approximately 200 KHz if coated by a dense layer of polymer plastic. Almost nothing is "transparent" to RF and when placed in proximity to the close windings on the antenna shaft (there are two of these on the four foot Firestick). The material adds capacity to the circuit, reducing the resonance and increases dielectric losses (reduces the "Q") thus reducing efficiency. Antennas without these concentrated windings will not be affected as much.

Phil

 

Very nice detail...