2018 Headliner drop?
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2018 Headliner drop?
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.
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.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Weatherford Texas.
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.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Davidsonville, Maryland
Yes, totally dropped and replaced my headliner as part of several projects (upfitter switches, cab lights, and 4 NMO antenna mounts).
Yes, for the front area you should be able to get access to what you need by just dropping the visors and A pillars. Where on the roof do you plan on mounting the antenna? What type of mount does it use? If using an NMO Mount I would not be concerned about corrosion. These are usually brass and sealed quite well. Unless there is moisture getting to where there is metal to metal contact corrosion is not an issue. I have been installing NMO mounts on Aluminum paneled vehicles for a long time. Crown Vic’s had Aluminum trunk lids for 20+ years ago and no one ever had issues with galvanic corrosion.
Yes, for the front area you should be able to get access to what you need by just dropping the visors and A pillars. Where on the roof do you plan on mounting the antenna? What type of mount does it use? If using an NMO Mount I would not be concerned about corrosion. These are usually brass and sealed quite well. Unless there is moisture getting to where there is metal to metal contact corrosion is not an issue. I have been installing NMO mounts on Aluminum paneled vehicles for a long time. Crown Vic’s had Aluminum trunk lids for 20+ years ago and no one ever had issues with galvanic corrosion.
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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!
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!
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 386
Likes: 48
From: Davidsonville, Maryland
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!
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!
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
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2017
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From: Davidsonville, Maryland
It will fit out the front passenger door with a little harmless bending & manipulating.
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