Part 1 (part 2 follows as the next post in this thread)
I have never been really happy with my GME AE4012K2 elevated feed whip mounted on a 'Z' bracket on the bonnet. The aim was to go as high as possible to get the best coverage, but aware of the aerial being 'wiped off' by low overhead objects. The solution, for my NS with roof rails was my fabricated 'layover' bracket.
The bracket was fabricated from 4 pieces of 40x40x3mm aluminium angle, each cut to 40mm long. One 'side' of the top clamp was cut back to 22mm to fit over the roof rail.
Image 1 'Layover Bracket with GME 4012K2 Whip' shows the completed product.
The aim was to keep the 'height' of the bracket to a minimum. This required some 'surgery' on the head of the hinge bolt - 3/8" x 3/4" UNC (Hi Tensile - because that's what was in my shed). The head 'height' was reduced to 3mm (thickness of the aluminium) and one hex side of the head was ground down to the thread line. The hole to receive this bolt is drilled next so the hex flat is held by the bottom of the aluminium angle and Pop riveting the top part of the bracket in place 'wedged' this bolt in place - you can't get a spanner in here when assembled. The bolt is then help 'captive' on its top and bottom surface. The pop rivet bases must be flattened to allow the hinge part of the bracket to clear.
Image 2 'Modified Hinge bolt', although a bit 'grainy' shows the result.
Image 3 'Hinge Bolt - modified Head'
The aerial bracket is fabricated next with a 3/8" hole for the hinge and a suitable hole to take the aerial base. The top part was 'rounded' to remove sharp edges. A spring washer and Nylock nut hold the two pieces together.
Image 4 'Forward view'
The top 'hook' section is then fabricated. The inner rail 'hook' part needs to be cut back to
22mm as the assembly will not otherwise fit over the roof rail (retain the 15mm off cut for later use). It is then pop riveted in position so that it forms a snug fit over the roof rail.
Image 5 'Lock Bolt - Hinge Bolt and Top Bracket'
(See also 'Modified Hinge bolt' above)
See Part 2 for final details
Cheers
Kim
I have never been really happy with my GME AE4012K2 elevated feed whip mounted on a 'Z' bracket on the bonnet. The aim was to go as high as possible to get the best coverage, but aware of the aerial being 'wiped off' by low overhead objects. The solution, for my NS with roof rails was my fabricated 'layover' bracket.
The bracket was fabricated from 4 pieces of 40x40x3mm aluminium angle, each cut to 40mm long. One 'side' of the top clamp was cut back to 22mm to fit over the roof rail.
Image 1 'Layover Bracket with GME 4012K2 Whip' shows the completed product.
The aim was to keep the 'height' of the bracket to a minimum. This required some 'surgery' on the head of the hinge bolt - 3/8" x 3/4" UNC (Hi Tensile - because that's what was in my shed). The head 'height' was reduced to 3mm (thickness of the aluminium) and one hex side of the head was ground down to the thread line. The hole to receive this bolt is drilled next so the hex flat is held by the bottom of the aluminium angle and Pop riveting the top part of the bracket in place 'wedged' this bolt in place - you can't get a spanner in here when assembled. The bolt is then help 'captive' on its top and bottom surface. The pop rivet bases must be flattened to allow the hinge part of the bracket to clear.
Image 2 'Modified Hinge bolt', although a bit 'grainy' shows the result.
Image 3 'Hinge Bolt - modified Head'
The aerial bracket is fabricated next with a 3/8" hole for the hinge and a suitable hole to take the aerial base. The top part was 'rounded' to remove sharp edges. A spring washer and Nylock nut hold the two pieces together.
Image 4 'Forward view'
The top 'hook' section is then fabricated. The inner rail 'hook' part needs to be cut back to
22mm as the assembly will not otherwise fit over the roof rail (retain the 15mm off cut for later use). It is then pop riveted in position so that it forms a snug fit over the roof rail.
Image 5 'Lock Bolt - Hinge Bolt and Top Bracket'
(See also 'Modified Hinge bolt' above)
See Part 2 for final details
Cheers
Kim
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