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Topic: Remove Old Cell Antenna From Glass? (Read 654 times) previous topic - next topic

Remove Old Cell Antenna From Glass?

My '91 U280 has a funky old cell phone antenna mounted on the passenger side window.  It was apparently special ordered when the coach was built as it is mentioned on the receipt. It appears to be glued to the outside of the glass with another part glued on the inside.  Some sort of inductive coupling I hope, but I suppose maybe there is a hole through the glass.  My question is, how exactly is this thing mounted and how can it be removed?  I am sure it is so obsolete as to have no functional value.
Mike & Lilli
1991 GV U280 36' SBI, 3208 Cat, Build #3825
4320 Watts Solar
Kansas City, MO

Re: Remove Old Cell Antenna From Glass?

Reply #1 –
Mike, my guess is there is a hole through the glass.  Is it metal?  If these are stuck on like the rear view mirror mounting base on a windshield they are removed by heating them up until the glue releases.  I would use an electric heat gun. When it comes off be sure to have a damp towel ready to catch it, it will probably be hotter than you want to catch in your bare hand.

There is a risk of breaking the glass removing this.  Is it worth the risk?
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Remove Old Cell Antenna From Glass?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
There is a risk of breaking the glass removing this.  Is it worth the risk?
Nope.  I guess I have an interesting conversation piece.

Thanks,
Mike & Lilli
1991 GV U280 36' SBI, 3208 Cat, Build #3825
4320 Watts Solar
Kansas City, MO

Re: Remove Old Cell Antenna From Glass?

Reply #3 –
It is an inductive antenna, no hole thru the glass. They were used a lot in the old car cell phone mounting applications and I had them for that and also 2 meter FM ham radio installations. When I removed them dribbled a little Acetone and let it soak down for awhile then CAREFULLY used a putty knife to slide down from the top to bottom. An adhesive pad is used to attach so there is some clearance for the knife. Don't get in a hurry and you should be fine. They actually work pretty well and you can always change the whip part for different frequency applications. Maker of the ham unit was Avanti. Googled it and see that Wilson is selling one as well. Might want to do a search and see if instructions on line.   
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Remove Old Cell Antenna From Glass?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: steve31 –
They actually work pretty well and you can always change the whip part for different frequency applications.   
You have convinced me.  It stays.  Maybe I will find a good use for it.
Mike & Lilli
1991 GV U280 36' SBI, 3208 Cat, Build #3825
4320 Watts Solar
Kansas City, MO

Re: Remove Old Cell Antenna From Glass?

Reply #5 –
Along with the Acetone use a length of very fine picture hanging wire or nylon string, work it around an edge and gently saw back and forth to cut thru the adhesive.
Gary B