TIL mounting antennas

[inuvik]

I'm still plugging away looking for the best compromise with my antenna.

My current attempts are using a slim all band antenna that uses a wander lead. It means I have to stop to change bands but maybe that is safer than playing with tuner buttons However, when fender mounted the antenna tip is about 9-10 feet from the road. There are lots of overhangs that are less than that. My tourist McDonalds is only 9 feet even.

When I use the mag mount my antenna tip is likely 12-13 feet from the road. Even worse problem for overhangs.

Here's a crazy idea, what about using the tow hook mount with the tow hook and weld a small plate to the eye, drill a mounting hole through the plate so the antenna mounts to the plate, run a ground to the chassis and you could run the coax through the firewall instead of on top of the car. This would eliminate panel flexing and body damage and would also lower your height to reasonable levels. The tow hook is going to plenty sturdy for a antenna. How would it look? Probably goofy but in theory it could work