welcome Darren:
as for the mag mount damaging a vehicles paint, usually this doesn't happen. 
The magnet has a protective covering on the bottom that prevents it from 
scratching or denting the vehicle.
The magnet is strong, so the antenna won't flop over in the wind while your 
going down the highway at 75MPH, but they are usually easy to take off. 
Usually I just grab the bass of the antenna and pull it side ways to detach 
the magnet.  You can't usually pull straight up unless you've got lots of 
arm strength.

I would recommend a 5/8's dual bander antenna.  They are a little bigger 
yes, but they are also probably one of the best mobile antennas to have.
They've got gain, and good angle of radiation for mobile applications.
You can get away with a quarter wave if you want, but you'll find they 
aren't as good as a 5/8's wave antenna.

As for a bass antenna for your house, look into the 5/8's over 5/8's, or 
tripple 5/8's bass antennas.  these work extremely good and out perform a J 
poll or other vertical bass antenna.
They're usually dual band as well.  The double 5/8's are about 8.5 feet 
long, and the tripple 5/8's is around 17 feet long.

regards
Colin
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Darren Duff" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 5:32 AM
Subject: Mag mounts.


> Good morning everyone.
>
> As I have stated in a previous message, When I go to the local ham fest 
> next
> weekend, I want to buy a mag mount.  I was wondering if anyone has any 
> tips
> or if there is anything special that I need to be on the look out for. 
> How
> hard is it to attach and detach the unit? Do I have to worry about 
> damaging
> a car?  I will not be leaving this unit on a car for any length of time, I
> would be using it in different vehicles when I go on trips. I also had the
> thought that something like this could be used when out and about in a 
> hotel
> room window to  improve reception.  Does anyone have any thoughts?
>
> Thanks, and 73's
>
> Darren Duff.
>
> Drummer for The Overflow worship band!
>
> Band web site http://www.theoverflowband.com
> <http://www.theoverflowband.com/>
>
> Personal Phone: (678)936-6113
>
> Mobile E-mail [log in to unmask]
>
> personal E-mail [log in to unmask]
>
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>
> skype contact duffman31279
>
>