So the best Ham NMO antenna would be mounted on the left side of the JL hood with a crimp mount? 73...Ugh... you want to drag me into this conversation? LOL. I have been a licensed Ham Radio operator since 1978 and I have been in and around the world of Ham radios and CB's for 3 decades now. (Crap, I'm feeling old!) RF grounds and ground planes are not the easiest topics to convey. What the op intended, I believe, is that the Jeep, particularly near the rear, lacks reflective metal surfaces that would serve to improve the efficiency of a CB (or Ham antenna) by providing a more optimum ground plane. RF grounds are a lot different than an electrical ground, and you can't simply achieve a good ground plane by adding a electrical wire to the chassis. (Nevertheless it IS important that the base of the antenna achieves a good ground - hence or stainless design.) Anyway, for optimum performance, likely the best place for CB antenna would be smack in the middle of the hood. Performance wise it would probably be one of the best but from an aesthetics perspective, it leaves a lot to be desired.
For the last 30 years or so, I have also been an avid Jeep enthusiast. I have been on and even led many Jeep caravans in the mountains of Southern California as well as a dozen or so trips to Moab. All of my Jeeps throughout the years have had antennas mounted at the rear of the Jeep, and all of them functioned perfectly for the purpose intended - which is communication with the group of Jeep's you're with. Yes, if a fellow comes along with a center of hood mounted antenna, he's likely going to have more range capability and if maximum range is the highest priority for you, then this is the option you should look for. However, I expect that for 99% of Jeep enthusiasts, they are looking for their CB to keep them in contact with fellow enthusiasts, and the rear mounted antennas have done this for decades - and will continue to do so.
Do you guys sell the mic mount for JL separate? I noticed the mount from watching that install video, I literally just placed an order for the CB install kit but I already have my own CB but no mic mount.Thanks for everyone's patience with the website debacle! It was down for almost 2 days and then the web developer guys couldn't get the upgrade to work and so they reverted right back to where we started from. Grrrrr. Contracted another outfit.... for an arm and a leg, but they SEEM to know what they are doing. Hopefully we can get it upgraded in the next few weeks without an outage! Anyway, I apologize for the inconvenience.
A couple of questions here about the un-screwing the antenna when not using it. Frankly, this is what I typically do. Just grasp the antenna with both hands and un-screw it and toss it in the Jeep. Alternatively, you can use the Quick Disconnect.
Socceref - we are terribly delinquent to add the NMO option to our mount. We have intended to do that from the beginning but have just gotten sidetracked. We will try to get that done and available before the end of the month.
I have your All-In-One kit installed on my JL. Love it! I am now adding the Mopar reinforcement kit, can I buy the longer bolts separately? I don't see them listed anywhere. I really don't want to buy a new bracket kit.No problem at all... this is the configuration on our Rubicon. (See pic below.) I will be adding a pull-down to the website for this option as we do need to ship it with longer stainless allen bolts for this particular configuration. I'll get that done today and we'll have those longer bolts in stock by Friday. Thanks for asking!
I had the same issue. Emailed CoolTech's sales department and they sent me new bolts. Excellent customer service!I have your All-In-One kit installed on my JL. Love it! I am now adding the Mopar reinforcement kit, can I buy the longer bolts separately? I don't see them listed anywhere. I really don't want to buy a new bracket kit.
They just did the same for me. I offered to pay for the bolts, but they sent them out today for free. Great service!I had the same issue. Emailed CoolTech's sales department and they sent me new bolts. Excellent customer service!
Been looking for an NMO capable mount!Socceref - we are terribly delinquent to add the NMO option to our mount. We have intended to do that from the beginning but have just gotten sidetracked. We will try to get that done and available before the end of the month.