Aftermarket Roof Antenna Waterproofing

[keph13]

Does anyone have experience with putting something not made by Toyota through the roof and keeping it from leaking? Specifically, I'm planning to replace the shark fin with this LTE/GPS antenna to hook up to a cell modem I have in the glovebox:

GPS 4G LTE MIMO Screw Mount Omni Antenna for GPS Nav 4G LTE Router Cell Phone | eBay

The footprint is large enough to cover the secondary hole, but I'm a bit worried about leaking. I'm thinking maybe a combination of stainless steel tape over the small hole, and then a custom gasket made from this stuff under the whole puck.

If I can keep it reversible in the event of ever selling the truck, that would be ideal, but not 100% necessary. Do y'all think this will work? Or does anyone have a better idea?

 

[4runr4eva]

I would think a silicone sealant would work well for that purpose.

https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Sili..._3?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1555526296&sr=1-3

 

[keph13]

Ah good call! Do you think I should put it on the bottom of the antenna before attaching it, or around the edges?

 

[4runr4eva]

Perhaps both. The beauty of silicone, if you don't like it, peel it off and try again. Better to be safe than sorry. You could also do a gasket plus silicone. Basically measure twice cut once. I dont think it would be overkill to implement two methods for complete peace of mind.

 

[4runr4eva]

You can find gaskets in any size. Dont buy a whole sheet unless you need for other projects. Just measure the hole and find one that overlaps the hole + silicone = worry free you (hopefully). Good luck!!!