w.nickelson

Nicely done, but I want to remove the blister entirely and put the XM antenna in it's place.

TNT1968

Fords and other makes had this in the '70s-'80s. The insurance cost to replace a winshield like that is astronomical in comparison to the "old" technology. They make antennas that go between the roof and the headliner for street rods. One of these should work but it would be a costly mod for small gain IMO. But I was thinking today that they should put the antenna on the pass. rear fender right where the roof meets the trunk lid.

Harry_F

all sounds great but then you have a hole in your hood.

TNT1968

Right.That's where the "costly" comes in. In addition to having the headliner redone some bodywork has to be done. Might as well shave the door handles too...

w.nickelson

Got the cover popped off, took a torx bit to the bolts, and they started to round off on me. Going to back off and figure this out. Thought of removing the receiving end of the antenna and either cut the cover to fit around the XM antenna or create some kind of custom mount. Figured on leaving the blister there since it'll give the XM antenna a little better view of the sky.

Will keep everyone informed.

fairlane292

Torx bolts are loctited in by Ford. I did get mine out ok. Bought new set of quality torx. Pressed the correct size in over a piece of electrical tape; "major snug". used an 3/8 - 1/4 adapter so I could keep downward pressure (w/o denting the panel); got all 3 with a bit of a fight. I was going to be welding in these 3 holes and the main hole anyway so the next step (if I couldn't get them) was to repeat this as a friend held a Benzomatic torch under the fenderwell on the nut as I would crank them out; the heat would take care of the locktite and expand the nut some. Probably would have discolored the color and clear coat but this area was getting redone anyway along with other shaved component areas. I don't really recommend the heat unless you are knowledgeable in heat and body panels (as I and my friend are); you could shrink the panel. If you are going to have the holes welded in professionally simply drill out the tork bolts if you cannot remove them. (Tune Trapper hidden antenna under dash now). ...hope that helps ya. ..those torx bolts are nasty.

w.nickelson

Wondered why they were so difficult to get out. I stopped trying before they rounded completely off. I'll figure something out. I do so love a challenge.

fairlane292

Yup, you'll see the loctite when you get them out. If you're gonna remove them I assume you are going to weld in the 4 holes anyway. I don't believe they are hardend steel, try drilling with a bit small enough that won't disturb the torx config. Whatever you do pls do not try an "easy out", they are brittle, break easily and are hardened steel so you cannot drill them out. (you probably already know that). Just start with a new 1/16 quality bit and go from there.