CB Install for Moab

[MSHardeman]

Instead of putting this in the "What are you doing to your VX this weekend" thread, I decided to start a new thread for my CB install. The plan, from the get go, was to install the CB so it could be removed with no visible sign that it was ever there. To achieve that I used only existing trim mount screws to install the CB and the mic mount so once everything is out the original trim screws go back in, the power and antenna wires get coiled up behind some of the interior panels, and viola, no CB.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VX_CB_Install_01.JPG
The full in cab install.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VX_CB_Install_07.JPG
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VX_CB_Install_06.JPG
Couple of shots of the CB unit mount. I used the one screw that holds the trim piece around the shifter to mount the CB mount. I had to drill a new hole in the mounting plate, scuffed it up (because it was shiny chrome), painted it flat black and backed it with some rubber padding so it doesn't scratch the trim.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VX_CB_Install_05.JPG
Close up of the mic mount. Just took a piece of flat stock aluminum, bent it to the shape I needed, painted it black, backed it with some rubber padding, and used the trim screw that holds the lower dash trim to the upper right to the right of the steering wheel.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VX_CB_Install_10.JPG
Close up of the clamp style mount at the rear of the roof basket. Again, this was chrome, so I scuffed it up and painted it flat black too. Used black zip ties to hold the antenna wire to the basket, ran it over to the passenger side corner of the rear door and dropped it inside that way.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/VX_CB_Install_08.JPG
The antenna wire is tucked under the weather seal for the back door, and the ONLY hole I had to drill was right where the wire tucks into the interior trim panel.

Now, when I remove the CB all I have to do is coil the antenna wire up behind the rear trim and behind the center console and you'd never know it was there.

[rowhard]

sure hope your passenger has skinny legs:)

[nfpgasmask]

:thumbup: Nice, Mark!

Sooner or later I gotta get one!

Bart

[Riff Raff]

Hmmm, I prefer the CB units which have all of the controls on the master Mic/Handset and the "guts" are remotely mounted elsewhere like under the seat resulting in a more stealth and cleaner installation. For total stealth, simply detach the Mic/Handset master controller and put it in the glove box until CB usage is desired. For additional stealth, use a magnet-style (stick-on) roof antenna that can be simply removed when not in use and stowed in the interior. No visable antenna + no visable radio = no visable break-in.

My favorite remote mount style CB radio is the COBRA #75 WX ST which sells for only $99.95 at www.cbRadiosPlus.com

[tomdietrying]

Looks good, Mark.
Peace.
Tom

[don moore]

10-4 good buddy...

[crotchrocket]

Looks good, i mounted mine recently too!, although its a bit slimmer and fits on the dash between the steering column and the centre console. I had to run my cable in the door shut for the drivers door as the cable wasn't as long as yours.

I'd like to move the ariel to the front spotlight mount though as i have to take it off for carparks ALL the time when its on the roof bars!

not sure if you can see it well in this pic??

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j31/crotchrocket3000/vehicross/100_4968.jpg

[MSHardeman]

I actually sat in the passenger seat to make sure the it would clear my legs, and it's really not too bad. It's mounted far back enough that it's really under your thighs and at worst you just lean a knee up against it.

I also looked into getting one of the hand-held models, but for whatever reason I just wanted a full sized unit (no comments from the peanut gallery:p) and the blue LED glow, which I didn't get a picture of, is really cool.

Rocket, can you post a picture of your install? I'm trying to picture how you have the CB mounted to the dash between the steering column and the center console. I know it's going to be all backwards, but I'll just flip the picture to see how it would look here in the states.:rolleyes: I also have to remove the antenna to get in my garage, and since I live in the middle of nowhere there really isn't much CB traffic going on so I just leave the antenna off until I go on a trip and know I'll get to hear some chatter. I may spring for a more flexible whip later so I can leave it on and tie it down to the roof basket for daily use.

[nfpgasmask]

I have one of the hand held units, but I think you will get much better/clearer reception with a real CB.

I wonder if there are any units small enough to mount up top in the headliner?

Better yet, are there DIN mountable CBs out there? I have been thinking of pulling out my power inverter and mounting a stronger one somewhere else.

Edit: Ahhhh, here we go: COBRA 19 DX III (http://radioproshop.com/cobra/cobra19dxIII.htm)
Bart

[MSHardeman]

Bart,

Looks like you found one, but I was going to say that I know there are DIN sized CB's out there, and some that are even smaller than that. Jack (pbkid) has his mounted IN the cubby under his arm rest (pics Jack?) so you don't see it at all.

I have a handheld CB also, and that's why I switched to the more permanent install. For the past few years in Moab I've had to hold the thing up inside the car as we're wheelin' to get good reception. I think what the other guys are talking about, though, is a handheld mic that has all of the controls on it for volume, gain, etc., but there is a remote mounted "black box" that contains the real guts of the system. I think Billy (Moncha too?) has one so maybe he can chime in on how it works.

The handheld (http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=654060&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=10611) I have can be hooked up to an external antenna by removing the battery case and slipping on a cigarette lighter/antenna adapter. That would have been the easiest install of all, but I just like the look of that thing sitting there, and it makes me feel like a big trucker. Now all I need is a catchy handle and I'll be good to go.

[Marlin]

I will probably do the hand held with the controls all in one, tuck the black box under the driver's seat. For my antenna, I am getitng a marine antenna mount, had one on my boat, has a quick realase so you can lay the antenna down flat, and its plastic and stainless, so no rusting. If it can withstand off shore fishing/bouncin/trailering, it can handle the Vx. They cost a bit more than a whip setup, but I don't need 6 feet of antenna "whippin" around up there. As far as the mount on the passenger side, be careful, if you slide the seat up, it may hit it. That is where I put my drink holders, mounted them right the center console portion. I don't mind drilling holes in the Vx though...

[pbkid]

ya the girlfriend has had my camera for a few days now...

ill get pics asap..

[Marlin]

ya the girlfriend has had my camera for a few days now...

ill get pics asap..

So the girlfriend is interfering with the VX........hhhhmmmmmmmmm.:flame:




J/K

[pbkid]

hmmm...i cant upload photo's. sorry guys. ill try tomorrow, maybe the server is having issues.

i go into the form and 'browse' the photos into the slots, then when i hit upload/submit it takes a while and just resets the page.

^^^Marlin- well, she isnt interfering with the VX, just the camera. so she is ok for now.

actually, she's a pretty good one, and i trust her a lot... some here have actually seen pictures or seen her LIVE wheeling my vx!!! :eek:

[pbkid]

there we go! got em loaded!

ok, here is how i did mine..

please forgive the dirty interior first off, my VX is long since needing a good detail!

secondly, the initial mounting i did was not the best job. i need to re-finish the look of it so that it looks more stock...anyhow, here we go-

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3209/DSC016781.JPG
looking straight in

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3209/DSC01681.JPG
from the passenger side

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3209/DSC01685.JPG
and the front

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3209/DSC01680.JPG
it sits fairly flush

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/3209/DSC01684.JPG
and there is my antenna mount

enjoy

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/2008_Moab_Utah_pics_001.jpg


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/2008_Moab_Utah_pics_167.jpg

[nfpgasmask]

Nice. I actually like yours, Jolly. It looks like it fits in there nicely but sticks out a little? What model is that?

PB, do you just close the armrest over the radio wire?

Thanks - Bart

[Solitude]

and there is my antenna mount

enjoy

Dude.. is that rust?

I know the weather sucks at the moment but...????

[nfpgasmask]

Dude.. is that rust?

I know the weather sucks at the moment but...????

Well, it can't be rust on the cladding, but looks like rust on the washer.

PB, your VX is quite dirty, but your young, so I forgive you. :laughing: (JK, of course!)

Bart

[pbkid]

PB, do you just close the armrest over the radio wire?

Thanks - Bart

yup, the side of the armrest doesnt actually close tight...its just fabric against fabric so it doesnt bother it to have the wire going through it...

[pbkid]

Dude.. is that rust?

I know the weather sucks at the moment but...????

yes, rust on the washers, and rust on the 'stainless steel' spring that allows it to move when wheeling, but none on the body...

i drive 400+ miles a week in the snow during the winter through wet and salted roads...it has a tendency to build some rust on parts that arent designed the best

[pbkid]

PB, your VX is quite dirty, but your young, so I forgive you. :laughing: (JK, of course!)

Bart

lol, actually i just got done mudding because of all the recent rain/snow in colorado...and thats the reasoning behind the exterior dirt...

and the interior i dont have a great excuse for, only that i have treated the seats and vacuum on a regular basis, but its been a while (like 3 months) since i armor-all'ed

[Marlin]

PB, that came out awesome, I assume you drilled holes through the bottom for power and antenna? So many good ideas on here...I have to pick one, but still leaning toward the all in one mic controlled with the guts under the drivers seat. Wish we had different recaro seats. My buddy has an Audi R4? The midsize sedan, with the recaro seats, identical to ours, minus the Vehicross, but under his leg support pull out is a plastic drawer, looks like it would hold an inverter or CB quite nice and hidden...wonder if he would notice if his seats disappeared one day?

[pbkid]

yup, holes drilled in the bottom for the wiring...

looks much better when its all put together :cool:

thanks though! i like it because its hidden enough that i dont look redneck lol

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

Nice. I actually like yours, Jolly. It looks like it fits in there nicely but sticks out a little? What model is that?
- Bart

Thanks! It's a Cobra 18WXSTII and it's virtually the same length & width as our stock cd players...so you can simply use the mounting brackets from the cd player on the cb...real quick & painless mounting job...just got to wire it!

It also has a front speaker so is ideal for dash mounting...only lacks "PA" for those that want it. ("PA=public address" might be useful for warning people standing in the streets about the oncoming zombie horde..lol)

*It sticks out a little bit but how much depends on where you attach the cd-player brackets.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=COB-18WXSTII

I got a better deal & bought it at the local Pilot Truckstop for $60:
http://www.pilottravelcenters.com/


Jack...I really like your set-up too...very nicely done!

[tomdietrying]

Jolly,
I like your antenia. What model is it, and could you post some pics of how it's mounted. Thanks.
Peace.
Tom

[mdwyer]

This might be kind of a thread-jack, but why haven't 4x4 people moved to FRS radios?

The biggest reason I can think of is the FRS requirement for fixed antennas: You aren't allowed to have an FRS radio with a detachable antenna. This would cut your range down quite a bit -- which is actually the intention of the law -- but how much range do you really need when wheeling?

[etlsport]

i have the cobra model with the handset controls.. works awesome.. eventually id like to put an overhead console in my vx, and use the space above the headliner between the visors to put the "guts" then just mount the plug for the mic flush in the overhead console for easy removal/installation, plus having it hanging from the ceiling would make me feel like a real trucker!

[pbkid]

This might be kind of a thread-jack, but why haven't 4x4 people moved to FRS radios?

The biggest reason I can think of is the FRS requirement for fixed antennas: You aren't allowed to have an FRS radio with a detachable antenna. This would cut your range down quite a bit -- which is actually the intention of the law -- but how much range do you really need when wheeling?

i dont know why they dont use FRS...some do use it actually..

maybe todd can chime in on that??

and actually i find it really helpful to have a long range antenna for my VX..

not only for wheeling but more for when im up in the mountains camping or exploring...

never know when your going to have an emergency and need to be able to contact rangers huh?

[Marlin]

I finished the CB today. I went to the RV store, asked if they had CBs, she said they had two different ones to pick from. Just so happened that one of them was the one I wanted!!! Here are the pics:


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP0069.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP0068.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP0067.JPG

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/IMGP0065.JPG

Thanks to everyone's ideas, I think I came up with a unique one. I kept all the guts inside the E-brake area.

[Riff Raff]

MARLIN--- That's the exact COBRA model I had recommended in my previous post on this thread!!! It looks totally awesome, and is perfect for the very cramped VX interior. In addition, you put the Mic/Handset in the best possible location just to the right of the steering wheel, so you can easily grab it with your right hand. Putting the "guts" in the center cubby (like Peanut Butter-Kid) is a great alternative to the normal under the seat installation. By far, that is the best CB unit model and installation job I have ever seen for the VX. The incredible modifications you continue to make to your VX continue to blow me away. You get a Gold Star!!! Well done, my friend, well done!!! Riff Raff

[tomdietrying]

Yeah, I liked everyone's idea too. A few years ago, Jay Dunford hooked mine up for me. I think he chose the best place possible. It's the same Cobra as Marlins, but the jack is located in the small ash tray directly behind the console. Since I don't smoke, and I took out my back seat.....that ash tray is now being put to good use.
Peace.
Tom

[Marlin]

MARLIN--- That's the exact COBRA model I had recommended in my previous post on this thread!!! Putting the "guts" in the center cubby (like Peanut Butter-Kid) is a great alternative to the normal under the seat installation.


RiffRaff, your recommendation is one of the reasons I looked into that model, thank you again. It is pretty sweet, very loud, although I am gonna hit up west marine for an external speaker tomorrow, not sure where that is goin yet. I wonder if it can be connected to the "aux in" on my head unit!!!???? Hmmm, gotta check that out, that would be real cool and eliminate the need for the external, or maybe I can use my Ipod speakers and just temp install? I do not see why not, just gotta get the right cord.

I did not put the guts in the center console. Push your hand past the rubber around your ebrake handle. It is in there. There is a ton of room under there. My center console remains unmolested...for now.

Tom, the ash tray idea is pretty good. I still have my seats, just folded up, sometimes me and the fam take the VX, and I hate the idea of not being able to use the VX for all 4 of us, like when the Expedition is in the shop or something like that. Maybe one day I will yank the seats...

[Riff Raff]

I did not put the guts in the center console. Push your hand past the rubber around your ebrake handle. It is in there. There is a ton of room under there. My center console remains unmolested...for now.

MARLIN--- Damn!!! That's even better, and to think you still have full use of the center console-- just for that, you get TWO Gold Stars!!! Riff Raff

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

Jolly,
I like your antenia. What model is it, and could you post some pics of how it's mounted. Thanks.
Peace.
Tom

Thanks Tom! The antenna is a FireStik that I also bought at the Pilot Travel Center (truckstop) near where I live. It costs $24 and I bought the 4ft one. The spring is sold separately for like $8.

http://www.firestik.com/

http://www.firestik.com/CatalogFrame.htm

This is the best pic I have that might help with how it's mounted...if you want me to take a better (closer) pic..just ask! Also..you can see the "magnified" pic by clicking on it in my gallery. You can see the metal plate that comes with the antenna mount just to the left of the "half-moon" indentation. I ran the antenna lead through the door's wiring harness inside the rubber boot over by the hinges. I had to make a wedge out of some plastic to take out some of the angle as the rear door sheet-metal angles forward and thus causes the antenna to lean forward.

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/medium/2008_Moab_Utah_pics_173.jpg

If that is not desired than you can mount it as you see Jack's lower down on the cladding..also check out Tonka's (Tonka) setup as his uses the same type of antenna and mount minus the spring:

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/42my_cb_antenna_2.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1857)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/42new_mtr_s_3.jpg (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1817)

[pbkid]

awesome marlin!! very well done...i definately dig it

please let me know where your external speaker ends up (if you get one)

and depending on what type of plug is on your CB (mine is a standard headphone size) you should be able to get a 3.5mm to 3.5mm wire and plug it directly into your radio for the audio to come through your stereo...

[Jolly Roger VX'er]

Hey pbkid....I think that putting your cb where you did instead of a dash related mount will shift the weight away from your front-end and quite possibly keep you from repeating what you did in your avatar pic...:p



.....which also means nobody there should have to grab their junk over your craziness!

[pbkid]

i think if i do something like that again and DONT roll....then im gonna retire the VX to a road only rig...

and get something that i CAN roll without crying...

i've reallly been thinking this is what im gonna do when i graduate anyhow...maybe an amigo :naughty: with tera-low gears....solid axle front and rear...ARB bumpers and the top off full time!

[MSHardeman]

.....which also means nobody there should have to grab their junk over your craziness!

That's the best comment EVER!:laughing:

[pbkid]

lol ya, i got a pretty good chuckle outta that one :cool:

[Riff Raff]

Thought I'd :bump:this thread for "VX-KAT", since she just got the awesome Cobra 75. Please see Post #30 by MARLIN for the perfect install of the Cobra 75.:bgwb:

[Triathlete]

She has already got it under control!:bwgy:

[Marlin]

I actually just bought a second one for my wife's truck with the through glass cell style antenna. No wire to run outside...not sure how great the range is, but for what we do, it will be just fine.

[Riff Raff]

Thought I'd :bump:this thread for "VX-KAT", since she just got the awesome Cobra 75. Please see Post #30 by MARLIN for the perfect install of the Cobra 75.:bgwb:

Just for you, Sue!!!:bgwb: