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.


The full in cab install.



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.


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.


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.


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]

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??

[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) 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. 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
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...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.




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!!!

[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-


looking straight in


from the passenger side


and the front


it sits fairly flush


and there is my antenna mount

enjoy