Thread: Aerial install for D3/D4 TailGate

Originally Posted by connock

Hi all
I made the bracket up myself ( its just a peice unistrut cut and shut into angle ) at this point of roof there is a m12 bolt with a m6 thread into the head, where the philips head screw is holding the strip down.
In this chanel there is a upstand running from front to back but stops either side of bolt alowing the angle to sit flat. I cut a small slit into angle to aid it from turning. Cable runs under the strip and under windscreen strip. can only see 2" of cable. Also when driving into low areas or under trees I can just put arm out window and lower . Its a Benelec gutter mount and is easerly ajusted.
Admiral could you make a similar bracket so the antenna comes up the side of rack and is not attached to rack ?

I can check it out, but the rails for the Expedition rack are pretty much flush to the roof, and the Riv nut you are using is for the rail mount . Like yourself, I don't want to drill or damage anything.

I may have more luck coming out from the rear of the rail, but I have to watch clearance for the tailgate as it lifts, and ease of access to take the rack on and off.

I have gone for a tube mount, from the rear of my wheel carrier ( now mounted ) The base of the antenna is only just below the roof lip, and I will have a 'floppy' type antenna on a spring base. A longer higher gain antenna can be screwed onto the same base, for better reception in static locations.

I can remove the roof rack and spare wheel at will without interference to either. No test on reception as yet.

I have one query if anyone can advise. How does the middle dash panel come out on the D4 ? I would like to fit a Z type mike bracket in there somewhere without drilling any visible holes, or damaging any panels.

Hi Admiral,
The centre console upright panels are all ECU's, one for heating/cooling, one for entertainment & a coin tray so to speak.
To start..
Remove Drinks holder rubber insert, remove drinks tray by grabbing one side & lifting upward. This will now reveal (depending on how old) a spill tray or just 2 screws holding down the centre floor upper console. Undo 2 screws.
Remove panel that sits on the just under the release handle of the console lid, it just lifts upwards.
Remove gear knob by just lifting upwards, careful not to punch yourself in the chin.
Pry the whole centre console upper floor panel away (this is basicall all that is surrounded by the 2 foam sections all the way along the lower floor console) , If you want to remove the whole section, undo 2 plugs & the whole section will come away.
Now, lift away the panel that just sits below the screen, pry away the chrome surround that sits around the whole section of radio buttons etc etc.(not the 2 small ones the large section)

Now, the 2 sections either side of the upper console are one piece, on the drivers side you have upper vent, stop/start switch. This panel comes away as ONE part & is a pain as the clips (FYC500040) are stubborn & if havent been removed before will be bloody stubborn. You need to take care as under the sections there is foam & you need to extra careful as the foam may come away depending on how you pull at them(it will all go back ok & you wont see the missing foam, but you will always know what booboo you did..)
Do the same to the other side & you will then see how deep the units go & they are screwed in individuallly.
This will give you an idea of how the system is set up.
Try not to turn on the ignition as you may log a fault & light up something.

HTH.

Cheers.

There is actually an illustrated version of these instructions somewhere on the web. Can't remember if it was this forum or disco3/disco4.

Pete, I'm about to have my aerial installed in the same way on my D4 tailgate. Its the best solution I've found so far.

One question? How did you route the cable back into the car?
Thanks

Hi RL,
I just used the grommets that are there, the first grommet from where the cable is mounted goes to the panel on the roof linig at the rear, just gently prise this away & you can run the cable down the "D" pillar & along the floor as i did. Then run it to the unit.

Cheers.

Thought you might like to see alternative aerial mount through front grill. Is obviously lower than a roof mount but is neat and reception is OK. The aerial can be easily unscrewed from the base when not needed.

GeoffP1060623.jpg

Hi Guys, I finally have the radio and antenna installed. The antenna is on a pedestal mounted on my wheel carrier. The rearward reception/transmission is fine, but I notice the front end is not so hot.

The base of the antenna ( ground plane independant ) is pretty much roof height. As I have the Expedition rack, the rails impede into the antenna zone, and I am wondering if they are adversely affecting the forward reception/transmission. I think the rule of thumb is not to have anything ( vertical ) metal within 700mm of the antenna.

What do you think, will the rack interfere to any noticeable degree ?