Anyone ever dropped the headliner in a 17/18 SD? If so - care to share any tips? I read that the front will come down by just removing the flip-up visors.

I want to install an amateur radio antenna on the roof and I need access to the underside to get the mount in place as well as run the coax over to and down one of the pillars.

 

Make sure you use an anti corrosion compound between the steel connector and washers, and the aluminum roof, especially since you be passing current through the connector. If you don't it may cause the roof material to corrode quickly.

 

 

TJP249,

I'd like to install an NMO mount close to the center of the roof of cab (as close to center as I could get with whatever cross braces are in place). What else is involved in getting the rest of it to come down? Any tips would be appreciated. Do you have any pics or specifics you could share about where you placed your NMO mounts and how you routed your coax? I had also pondered taking out the dome light assembly over the back seat and taking a peak up there for ideas before dropping the headliner, although I couldn't figure out how to get it out.

Thanks!

 

Will the headliner come out of/go back in one of the door openings, or did you have to pull the rear window?

 

To get the entire headliner out you would need to pull both A- Pillar trims, overhead console, courtesy/dome lamp, and front door mouldings. There is a magnet almost dead center that supports the middle section. From there you need to ease it out from behind the B-Pillar trim pieces. There are two threads that may help you and one shows the entire headliner out (I forgot to take pics while I had mine apart). Search "2017 Upfitter". I only pulled it out because I was swapping headliners to support the upfitter switches.

That said, if you are only doing a single NMO dead center, this is how I would approach it:
1. Remove driver A-Pillar trim, door moulding, visor, and overhead console.
2. Work the headliner out from behind driver side B Pillar.
3. Remove dome light (probably not needed since it is in the rear, but might as well)
4. Find something like a broom handle and use that to create a working space between the headliner and roof for visibility and access. Headliner does not crease easily and is very forgiving, so you should be fine.
5. Identify safe area and drill your hole. I recommend the Ripley 3/4" limiting hole saw.
6. Feed cable out and down A pillar.

I do have a picture of the exterior

 

It will fit out the front passenger door with a little harmless bending & manipulating.