Where to Mount a CB?

OK, I admit it! I don't know everything!

I've read all the threads but none answer the question - Where in my :redexp: 97XLT can I mount a CB radio?

I have a CB radio (a Radio Shack) from a vehicle I used to own. I began placing it here and there. The best place seemed to be on the ceiling just rear of the TEMP/COMPASS bezel. But how to attach and how to run the wires and coax? Is this feasible?

What are some of the locations people mount their CBs?

Also, where is the best place to mount a mag base antenna? The second best place?

Thank you.

 

[Digger196]

Some ppl take out the kleenex box and mod so it fits in there, seen it screwed onto the consol on both sides, i've seen it in the dash, i've seen it under the seat. so many possibilities. I have the all-in-one hand held cobra and the little box is under the passenger seat. as for the antenna. the best place is in the center of the roof. you'll get the best signal from there. second best is not centered on to the the front or to the back.

 

[Crankcase]

If the C.B is small enough, it might fit where the ashtray is. Take out the ashtray and bracket, it might fit....

 

[Alec]

this is where mine is:
Dead Link Removed

 

[becker69]

I mounted mine, very similarly to where Alec's is, except mine is on the drivers side of that center console, and it is mounted vertical, versus a canted angle. I have a Cobra 29, with the (seemingly large) dimensions of
6.25"x8.5"x2" if that's gives you any idea of space that is there. And it never gets in the way of my leg or pedal movement (I duct taped it there for a week to see how it would fit before mounting it)

 

[red96camaro]

I got a thng from JC whitney called shlf -it and will mount it up top

I'll post pics when I'm done. Just tell my truck to fix itself and cops to stop giving me tickets

 

[Sandy]

PghBill, Be creative!

Some have mounted the smaller CBs in the ash tray area, some under the heater controls and some under the dash with elaborate mounting systems. I've seen one with a box mounted on the passenger side (wonder how wifey/girlfriend liked it) took up a lot of space but worked for him.

I mounted mine over head, took a piece of cardboard and made a templet of the roof line and cut some side panels after a few trial/error run through(s), used an aluminum bottom as a shelf and mounted the CB through the sides. Looked cool if I have to say so myself, Mic cord hanging and all.

My next rig will be mounted to the roll bar overhead; too BIG to be mounted anywhere else, out of the way and easily assessable.

The idea of mounting a CB/Radio of any type/size, is to do it YOUR WAY. If you like it then nail it.

Consider how you will run the wiring and coax when deciding, you will need to power it up and attach an antenna.

Also, do not forget the ground wires, pural, run a chassis ground (in addition to the black wire) from one of the chassis mounting screws, on the back of the radio, to the frame or a metal part that is attached to the frame.

Good Luck,
Now aren't we having fun !!!!

 

[CBoug76]

 

[red96camaro]

cboug-that is really nice, wonderful idea

 

[PghBill]

Thank you all for some great ideas on mounting my CB radio! I especially appreciate the pics!

I understand the antenna should be on the roof. My problem is that is garage my :redexp: each night and would have to remove it to get in the garage. Question: could an alternative mount location be the cowl between the hood and windshield on the driver's side?

Again, thanks to all for your help!

 

[explorer4x493]

I have a cobra 29 NWST. I have a '96 and i put it next to the center console screwed into the carpet. It holds great and looks just as good. Plus you can run the wires under the console...

 

[zavaral]

i have a 91 with a 60,40 seats which one day im going to get rid of but where could i put it and it look good

 

[Alec]

you can get an antenna quick-disconnect adapter. Any Radioshack or truckstop has these. It allows you to remove your antenna in about 2 seconds if you need to go into a garage.

 

[Sandy]

CBoug76,
Nice idea...


PghBill,
You can mount the antenna anywhere you want to, but the best performance is "the hgher the better" and centered to the metal mass of the vehicle.
Mounting the antenna towards the rear increases the chances of picking up noise from the FORD fuel system, although there is a cure, avoid the rear if possible. Mounting on the crowl will send the signal towards the back more than the front, may not hurt though, but you would be limited in the size of the antenna you could run because of support for the mount itself.

The K-40 Magnet Mount has a quick discount built in, after removing the antenna the mount is lower than the rack. There is an adapter that you buy, it is cone shaped and allows attachment with a 3/8-24(?) thread.
Works for me and is quick to remove the antenna.

Mounting the radio, how about something like CBoug76 did but remove the insert just under his rig. Make an aluminum panel to attach to the outside and mount your CB and maybe some gauges like Alec did.

Alex,
I like the gauge setup, really cool.
My ranger had gauges everywhere you could fit one in the dash. My next vehiclce will have ten gauges. Just like the airplane ****pit area.


So many ideas, so little time and money $$$.

Having fun yet ?

 

[PghBill]

Mounting CB

I want to thank all who have helped me with ideas on mounting the CB and antenna. You guys have been a great help! Now, all I need to do is find the time to actually do it!

 

[KSpride]

this is what I did

Dead Link Removed

If I can remember where I got the mount from I will repost it on here. They make some nice mounts for damn near anything.

 

[MattHarrell]

And, of course, there's nothing special about this mounting. I've got the power leads going to an aux fuse box in the glove compartment and the antenna lead goes through the dash, up the driver's A pillar, above the headliner, and out to a permanent NMO mount behind the sunroof. Of course my ham antenna is only three feet long, though.

 

[Digger196]

http://groups.msn.com/Dav196/cb.msnw?Page=Last

theres how i did mine. i love it.

 

[Crankcase]

This is where I mounted mine. The plastic the bolts go through is under the carpet thing attached to the bottom of the dash. Remove it, and it reveals a great mounting point.....

 

[Crankcase]

Here is an old school 23 channel C.B. there. I now have a Cobra 40 channel for my truck.