Hi Byron,
Good to hear that an old ARRL type has no hesitation installing the old RF output right next to the LPG. Just think, under the right conditions you would no longer have to worry about putting a hole in your Airstream.
Reason I mention the above is because I considered (aloud) at our amateur radio club and was severly ridiculed for even suggesting that particular installation for HF, VHF and UHF. Was told that the back bumper was the ideal location. You should see Rick Davis' combo bike rack/antenna mount/ground set-up with outriggers for tailights mounted on the rear bumper of his beautifully restored vintage '54.
At 10:00 AM 06-12-98 -0500, you wrote:
I wondered the same thing when I was faced with installing a rather tall high frequency (the CB range and much higher and lower frequencies) on my new Bambi. Then I spotted two obvious solutions. The A-frame (probably not the right terminology) up front where the LP tanks are mounted has several perfectly sized holes already drilled in it. Since my antenna had a standard (same size as a CB mount) threaded connector (3/8" I believe) on the bottom of it, it was a simple matter to find an appropriate nut and washer and mount that puppy right up front where I can see it from the dinette table.
I did manage to think ahead of time (not a given, by any means) to run a file down through the hole numerous times, so as to ensure a perfect ground by removing the paint... A brief check with the trusty ohmmeter alerted me to the fact that all was well.
The Bambi made it all the way to New Orleans from DesMoines and the big ole antenna hasn't budged a smidgen. The frame's metal is really quite solid. Good place to mount it.
Regards,
Byron Hurder, KY1T