'95-'97 Roof Mount Antenna Install

I want to install an NMO mount in the roof of my '96, but it appears that the back window has to be removed in order to drop the headliner. Has anyone been able to install an NMO mount without dropping the headliner completely? I've seen the Greenlee chassis punches recommended, but I assume an NMO hole saw is the way to go for this as I won't have great access to the back side of the roof.

 

Have you thought about using something like this: https://offroadalliance.com/CBIPrin...YZYYA5H-vN2f9ERgdNLrudFPu65Z8LkxoCnOYQAvD_BwE

 

I have, I've got one on my 4Runner, but I bought the short(er) antenna I want to use before I realized that the '95-'97 trucks are different from the rest of the first gens. I've got a mag mount now, if I can't figure out installing the NMO mount in the roof I'll probably go with an A-pillar mount.

 

Dropping the headliner intact is impossible without removing the rear window, putting the vinyl back is also hard since it tends to never be taught again. I'd find a later model headliner to convert to if you plan to remove yours

 

If I remove some interior trim panels, will I have enough of a gap that I can fish a cable from a hole in the center of the roof to said gap, and then run it down the A, B, or C pillar? That way I wouldn't have to touch the headliner.

 

Yeah it's still kinda stretchy, if you can punch the hole externally (watch out for the roof support ridge beam thing) I'm sure you could fish a cable up the B pillar easily and probably up the A pillar with enough time and four letter words.

 

You'll need a sharpish fish stick or tape cause the headliner insulation is glued to the roof so you have to push through it

 

I assume that runs from left to right at the B pillar?

I figure I'll fish it from the hole I drill to the B pillar, seems like it'd be easier to get it to hit the B pillar than to try to hit a small hole in the roof.

I usually use a coat hanger straightened out, think that'd be sharp enough? I don't want to puncture the headliner.

 

Use your hand and push on your headliner starting from the dome light and go outward toward the door/wall, you can plot its position easily that way.

 

Sounds good, I'll find it. Thank you so much for the help!