Fred W4JLE wrote:
First, I would say that 1.7 to 1 is fine, leave it alone. It is what is
expected.

That being said, the strident need to be 1:1 can be met in several ways. The
antenna will probably be around 35 ohms. giving you the 1.7:1 you observe. . .

I'm curious -- how did you determine from the SWR that the antenna
impedance would be resistive, and assuming it is, that it would be less
than 50 ohms rather than greater? Perhaps you've measured a Hamstick on
a typical mobile mount?

Roy Lewallen, W7EL