Disclosure: Topsy Products sent us this bracket free in exchange for an honest review. The opinions here are our own. This post also contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
We installed the Topsy Products FMAB-ATX heavy-duty fender antenna bracket on a Jeep Wrangler: what’s in the kit, how to drill and mount it, and wire routing.
If you run a bullbar or UHF-style antenna on a Wrangler, you need a solid place to mount it. In this video Ryan installs the Topsy Products FMAB-ATX fender mount antenna bracket on the black “Black Knight” Jeep Wrangler and shows every step from the 10 mm fender bolt to routing the antenna wire.
What is the FMAB-ATX?
The FMAB-ATX is Topsy Products’ fender mount antenna bracket for bullbar and UHF-style antenna systems. Per Topsy’s product page, it’s made from 11-gauge stainless steel, has a 3/8″ cutout for most bullbar antennas and a 5/8″ cutout for UHF SO-239-style antennas, and is designed for JL, JT, and JK Wranglers. Topsy lists it as compatible with the Midland Highland Bullbar, Melowave Overlander GMRS Mobile, and Alamoso GMRS Rugged antennas.
Get it here: Topsy Products Fender Mount Antenna Bracket (FMAB-ATX)
Buy on Amazon: Topsy Products FMAB-ATX on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What’s in the kit
- The antenna bracket
- Two self-tapping stainless hex screws
- A zip tie to hold the antenna wire
- An installation instruction sheet
- A small red spacer adapter so the mount fits a larger or smaller antenna stud
Not included: the antenna and the coax wire.
What makes it different
Ryan points out three things: the metal is thicker, it uses two self-tappers, and it has two slits for a zip tie to hold the antenna wire in place.
Tools we used
- 10 mm wrench or socket
- Cordless drill
- A cobalt-coated drill bit
- Cutting oil
- An impact driver or drill with a 3/8″ socket for the self-tappers
- Something to clean the fender with
How to install it
1. Loosen the fender bolt and clean the surface
Use a 10 mm to loosen the bolt on the fender. Clean the dust and debris off both the mount and the fender, then slide the bracket underneath.
2. Seat it flush and remount
Make sure the bracket sits flush, then tighten the fender bolt back down.
3. Drill a pilot hole
The self-tappers go through two layers of metal, so Ryan drilled a pilot hole first with a cobalt-coated bit and a little oil. As he says in the video, it’s quite a bit easier with a drill bit, and it makes driving the self-tapper a lot easier.
4. Drive the self-tappers
Use a 3/8″ socket to drive the self-tapping screws in.
5. Clean up the shavings
Wipe off the surface and get the metal shavings out. The mount is now ready for an antenna.
6. Mount the antenna
For the demo, Ryan installed a bullbar antenna mount with the large spring, without the red spacer adapter, using a washer, lock washer, and locking nut. Then the antenna goes on.
7. Check hood clearance
Close the hood and check for spacing issues. In our install, the bracket sat on the lip of the fender at what Ryan called “a perfect 90 degree angle.”
8. Route and secure the wire
Zip tie the antenna wire to the mount with the included tie and cut off the extra. We routed ours up and through the windshield. Depending on your setup, you might go through the firewall into the engine compartment, or take the cowl off and go up through the windshield, depending on where your radios are.
Our take
Ryan calls it an “extremely nice mount” that holds really large antennas. In his words, “Topsy product mounts are the best in the industry,” and with this heavy-duty antenna, “you can drive it at highway speeds.”
Wrap-up
If you want a sturdy fender mount for a bullbar or UHF antenna on a JL or JK, the FMAB-ATX installs with basic hand and power tools. Watch the full video above to see each step.
Get the bracket: Topsy Products FMAB-ATX
Buy on Amazon: Topsy Products FMAB-ATX on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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