Roof Mounting Point - Mounting an antenna

[MattBW]

I am not looking for roof bars but I am looking for something that can be installed without full roof bars create a mounting point via the roof rail tracks to install a small radio antenna.

I've had a good search around but having a set of VW roof bars the rail system seems relatively simple, something must be out there I could use to create a mounting point on the rail? T bolts may be good but what size would work and are they firm enough?

Any thoughts?

 

[sapto]

I just found a thread on the German Caliboard and nice homepage about CB radio. Maybe it helps:
https://www.gaskutsche.de/tipps_cbfunk_antennen.php

https://www.caliboard.de/topic/17232-cb-funk-antennen-montage/

Maybe to fix it:
https://www.thule.com/de-de/de/roof-rack/fit-kits/kit-3057-fixpoint-xt-_-183057

 

[ArunAlec]

I am not looking for roof bars but I am looking for something that can be installed without full roof bars create a mounting point via the roof rail tracks to install a small radio antenna.

I've had a good search around but having a set of VW roof bars the rail system seems relatively simple, something must be out there I could use to create a mounting point on the rail? T bolts may be good but what size would work and are they firm enough?

Any thoughts?

Have a look at KariTek and their canoe carrier. They sell various fittings designed to adapt the roof carrier to fit various roof tracks.
The carrier I have came with standard fittings but I bought a set specifically for the Cali. The photo shows both, left is the Cali version. The 2 bolts at the bottom screw down into the plate, just visible, which slides into the track.

 

[MattBW]

That karitek one looks ideal, can't seem to find it on their website though. Perhaps it only comes with the full kit?

 

[MattBW]

Is that square t track bolt 20mm by any chance?

 

[WelshGas]

That karitek one looks ideal, can't seem to find it on their website though. Perhaps it only comes with the full kit?

Yes, it would seem the Roof Kits are Universal or Vehicle Specific and the California is one of the Specified Vehicles. Probably worth giving them a Call as you might be able to just buy the California Fitting Kit.

 

[Loz]

How about the foot pack only from the Thule roof bar kit.?

Or an old Gutter mount for a CB antenna?
This will slide into the roof track; Check out Tall Gutter Mount for CB Radio 3/8 Fitting Antenna Aerials https://ebay.us/BmIuEZ

 

[ArunAlec]

That karitek one looks ideal, can't seem to find it on their website though. Perhaps it only comes with the full kit?

They do sell the fitting kit as a separate, although not shown as they would normally be ordered as an option when buying the carrier..... but it’s not cheap! They are really helpful so worth giving them a call. The only problem maybe just getting a single bracket as they come as a set of 4. I didn’t need to buy all the plates and bolts as I had those with the carrier.

Just spotted @WelshGas ..... already said as much.... I concur!

 

[MattBW]

I’m going to try a tall gutter mount first and if not I’ll give the other options a look.

Thanks all.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MattBW]

Coming back to this as I tried a gutter mount and it didnt work sadly as it was too wide for the track. May try the Karitek option unless I can figure a way of using T bolts.

 

[MattBW]

This is ideal but soooo expensive but a little cheaper (but not much) than a karitek option.

Folding Aerial Sand Flag Bracket Roof Rack for MOST AERO VORTEX SPORTS WING BAR | eBay

The bracket also has the option of perpendicular or parallel mounting.Made of robust fabricated steel for maximum durability and with large internal space for protecting cables and hardware. Not only does it suit the Rhino Rack Vortex, Sports & Aero Bars it will also fit the following Makes &...

www.ebay.co.uk

@Martin

 

[MattBW]

Hmmmm
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004B9TIO0/?tag=eliteelect-21

 

[Lightning]

I am not looking for roof bars but I am looking for something that can be installed without full roof bars create a mounting point via the roof rail tracks to install a small radio antenna.

I've had a good search around but having a set of VW roof bars the rail system seems relatively simple, something must be out there I could use to create a mounting point on the rail? T bolts may be good but what size would work and are they firm enough?

Any thoughts?

You could try asking Roger who does the solar panel kits, as they mount in the roof bar channels. I think he is on holiday at the moment though.

 

[WelshGas]

Hmmmm
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004B9TIO0/?tag=eliteelect-21

As @Lightning said. Roger’s Solar Kits just use a large bolt, I’m not sure of the size 4 or 6 mm , the head fits Into the wide area of the roof channel and slides forward into the actual channel. The threaded portion just fits through the roof channel opening.
Maybe my poor attempt at a drawing on my iPad might help.
the Metal plate could be bent/shaped and then used to attach an aerial.

 

[MattBW]

I've been trying some T bolts out this weekend to get something working, but its proving quite a challenge to get something that gives enough clearance for the bracket and cable etc .

I've tried bar brackets on roof bars but they just don't go wide enough for the massive VW roof bars. I could use longer bolts but I think it may not last as they are quite thin. You are right on the plate with the T track seems the best approach. The plate is the hurdle to cross now I think.

Once the T track is in place I would need to source a metal plate bent into a U (or more accurately C?) shape. Turned on its side, bottom bolts onto the track and top with a hole for the antenna mount to go through.

 

[MattBW]

Or now I think of it, flat bottom, straight up vertical and then across horizontal at 90degrees. Z bracket.

Why do they only seem to make these things in australia lol

 

[Calimili]

https://shop.vwcamper.de/zubehoer/calicap-ersatzteile/91/dachkederstein-m6?c=12

Is this what you are looking for?

 

[Calimili]

A bit cheaper : https://www.california-camping.de/v.../zubehoer/c-schienen-adapter-dachschiene.html

 

[Calimili]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07J9N8BFL/?tag=eliteelect-21
There

 

[WelshGas]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bus-Boxx-T5-C-Rail-Adapter-Pack/dp/B07J9N8BFL/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bus-Boxx+T5/T6+C-Rail+Adapter+Pack+of+2&qid=1580760445&sr=8-1
There

Good find.

 

[sapto]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07J9N8BFL/?tag=eliteelect-21
There

You could just get a straight foot part and drill a hole?

 

[MattBW]

That is fantastic thanks all, I think a solution is in sight now

 

[MattBW]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07J9N8BFL/?tag=eliteelect-21
There

Thanks so much, perfect!

 

[MattBW]

You could just get a straight foot part and drill a hole?

I have a few similar types of mounts, I think with that adapter I could easily sort it, brilliant

 

[MattBW]

I’ve got a temporary setup with a roof bar for now until I can sort the more permanent roof rail solution.