Tonight I was able to install both comm antenna, and was surprised how easy it was. I bought the Rami bent whip antenna from Vans, and am installing two because I have two radios, the GTN-750, and a second, remote radio.
Vans ship the quick build with pre-cut holes for a smaller two-bolt antenna, but the doubled plate they install is fastened with 4 rivets that are in the exact location of the 4 mount bolts for the Remi antenna. This makes it easy, simply drill out the rivets, remove the doubler, install a new doubler, and mount the antenna.
The antenna ship with a doubler, which seems somewhat undersized, but I’ve used it anyway. If it ends up cracking, it’s easy enough to undo the nuts, take it off, and make a new one.
I had no issues drilling out rivets, drilling the center hole, and installing the antenna by myself. I used the rubber gasket, and a bead of silicon between the rubber and the aircraft skin, just in case.
I started on the passenger side, then did three pilot side. No issues on either side.
