Screwing into plastic console.

[rigi36]

Hi

I am installing a VHF antenna that will be screwed to a plastic rigiflex console:



The antenna came with small silver screws. Would it be ok just to drill small pilot holes and then screw in through these? The plastic is about 3-4mm thick.

Thanks.

[Poly]

If they are self tapping screws it should be fine - make sure your pilot holes are quite a bit smaller than the screw.

[Max...]

If you have access to the rear it would be an idea to add a reinforcing plate (ply or similar) to screw into and to spread the load and add strength/rigidity.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Max...

If you have access to the rear it would be an idea to add a reinforcing plate (ply or similar) to screw into and to spread the load and add strength/rigidity.

Or replace the self tappers with set screws, nylocs & penny washers. All in stainless of course

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Or replace the self tappers with set screws, nylocs & penny washers. All in stainless of course

Gets my vote every time. Haven't got any faith in self tappers into plastic

[captnjack]

+1 for small through bolting

[rigi36]

Can't get that far up the inside though.

[Leapy]

Originally Posted by maxhar

Can't get that far up the inside though.

My worry with self tappers would be that you might end up cracking the plastic console when putting the self tappers into a too small pilot hole, or, having the self tappers pull out because the pilot hole was too big, or, having the self tappers pull out simply because of the whip of the antenna.

I'd be looking for somewhere else if you can't get access within the console

[hadd]

Originally Posted by maxhar

Hi

I am installing a VHF antenna that will be screwed to a plastic rigiflex console:



The antenna came with small silver screws. Would it be ok just to drill small pilot holes and then screw in through these? The plastic is about 3-4mm thick.

Thanks.

Hi,if you have a base with your antenna try to stick it down somewhere flat with silicone,save you drilling holes ,iv done that on my rib & it's solid .

[captnjack]

Originally Posted by maxhar

Can't get that far up the inside though.

Where on the console were you installing this mount? You can reach inside from the foot opening no? The steering cable and gauge wires come down from somewhere.

[rigi36]

It will be installed on the right hand side next to the navlight switch.

[Max...]

Surely your hand can reach up the inside from the bottom then?

[rigi36]

Just screwed in as normal with some pilot holes. Worked perfectly as the plastic is much thicker than I thought.

What type of saw should I use to cut the hole for the radio in the dash?

Thanks.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by maxhar

Just screwed in as normal with some pilot holes. Worked perfectly as the plastic is much thicker than I thought.

What type of saw should I use to cut the hole for the radio in the dash?

Thanks.

If you have a template, mark the cut line where you want it (check behind the console to make sure there's enough room in the rear) use a drill to drill the corners on the inside of the cut line & cut between the corner holes with a jigsaw/padsaw/disc cutter. It's worth covering the area that you are going to be cutting with masking tape to protect against scratches.

[Poly]

It's polyolefin so silicone won't bond properly. It is also relatively soft so don't worry it won't crack the way people have suggested.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Polwart

It's polyolefin

in that case, ignore the bit in my last post about using a disc cutter. Use a coarse (ish) saw, if you use a jigsaw, set it to the lowest speed poss.