FireStik Installation Ford Ranger

[Shadetree Mechanic]

I just wanted to share some pictures of my installation on my 2000 Ford Ranger. I replaced my Sirio 5000 on a Wilson mag mount because it was giving me RF in the TX audio. The radio is a Q6Pro, and I almost thought it was wrecked until I figured out what happened.

The antenna mount fit perfectly inside the latch striker bracket like it was designed to go there. I ditched the sheet metal screws and used 1/4-20 bolts instead, then I trimmed the edge of the tail light for the coax to pass. The coax is 20 feet, I should have done 30 so I could make an ugly balun.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

This is the mount that I used:

FireStik SS-204A Adjustable Stainless Steel Vertical Door jamb Mount https://a.co/d/2OM3o6p

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

This is the RG142 Teflon coax that I used:

Superbat High Power CB Coax Cable 20ft PL-259 UHF Male to Male RG142 Jumper 50 Ohm Coax Cable for HAM Radio CB Radio Antenna Analyzer Dummy Load SWR Meter https://a.co/d/ftmfVPN

 

[secret squirrel]

Nice setup. I have similar on my Rogue. Just have the 3 footer on so I do not hit stuff. I used to have the 4 footer, but I torn the tip cap off on low trees a couple of times.

 

[secret squirrel]

Tram (208) - BigCat Heavy Duty CB Stud, Standard 3/8in-24 Thread Size to UHF Female, Mobile Antenna Mounts

Tram (208) - BigCat Heavy Duty CB Stud, Standard 3/8in-24 Thread Size to UHF Female, Mobile Antenna Mounts in Mobile Antenna Mounts

www.bobscb.com

I did change the standard Firestik stud to the bigger TRAM stud from Bob's CB. Mainly just for looks with the Firestik spring. I purchased all the pieces so I was at Bob's CB at the time and noticed the heavy stud.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Nice setup. I have similar on my Rogue. Just have the 3 footer on so I do not hit stuff. I used to have the 4 footer, but I torn the tip cap off on low trees a couple of times.

Thanks for checking it out, the Sirio mag mount got lots of looks going through the drive through, and scraping the awning at the pickup window always made me cringe. The FireStik is a lot lower and I think looks way better too. I wasn't sure if the aluminum frame on the hatch window would interfere with the RF, but the SWR tuned at 1.2 without adjusting the tip so I will call it good. I was hoping to try my 102" whip, but the mount flexes a lot with the FireStik so maybe not.

 

[Eldorado828]

I just wanted to share some pictures of my installation on my 2000 Ford Ranger. I replaced my Sirio 5000 on a Wilson mag mount because it was giving me RF in the TX audio. The radio is a Q6Pro, and I almost thought it was wrecked until I figured out what happened.

The antenna mount fit perfectly inside the latch striker bracket like it was designed to go there. I ditched the sheet metal screws and used 1/4-20 bolts instead, then I trimmed the edge of the tail light for the coax to pass. The coax is 20 feet, I should have done 30 so I could make an ugly balun.

View attachment 73701View attachment 73702View attachment 73703View attachment 73704View attachment 73705View attachment 73712

It looks good where you put it. It looks like it belongs on that little truck.

I once ran a 5 foot Firestik in a bed stake pocket mount behind the cab of a quad cab ram pickup and it worked great for me too. The firestiks really are good antennas.