Need new antenna. couple questions.

Not sure why you would think mechanics would be able to tune a radio or antenna's. That's not what they do unless they are into the hobby outside of work.

 

My philosophy is, since I only use 19, that's where I want the lowest SWR. I've got a shorty antenna on one of my vehicles that achieves 19 with 1.4, 40 about 2.4 and 1 about 1.3. I know I could shorten it a bit more, but I don't bother because I only use 19 on the road with that antenna. I see no reason to bother, especially since it's a steel whip and if I cut too much, I could screw up 19 and couldn't go back.

 

I like the way you think. I told a shop tech recently that if my channel selector was superglued to 19 i would never notice lol

 

I don't understand how antennas are rusted and full of water.

 

Walcott cb radio shop is across the interstate from the i80 truck stop and has all the things wolverine just mentioned.. what he mentioned is the way I would go with that setup. And it's all reasonably priced $$$ and will give you the best performance....

 

No problem sometimes it doesn't cost a lot of $$$ to do or be where you want to be with your setup and equipment.