Has anyone installed a CB radio?

TitanMama · 07-31-2005, 11:43 AM

I have a CB radio to install in my '04 LE. I want to mount it in the overhead where the sunglasses pop-down storage is. There are a couple of "plugs" up there, I'm assuming for DVD, etc. (which I don't have). I haven't tested them yet, but can anyone tell me if they're live or on with key? Also, I'll probably be running the antenna coax between the headliner and roof - any difficulties ?

I'm real nervous about taking a saw to the overhead storage compartments, so if anyone has pics, I sure would appreciate it !!

Thanks,

Paula

baseballfanz · 07-31-2005, 12:06 PM

I don't have a CB but put in a TV, there should be power up there in those harness. Runnning the antenna wire thru head liner is no problems at all. There's lots of room just push the antenna wire in one side and it will come out to where the opening is. I've ran a couple of tv antenna and it took about 5 min. total.

titanplus5 · 07-31-2005, 12:19 PM

I ran my CB under the dash with the antenna wire through a hole behind the kick panel on the driver side. Kind of a pain in the *&#$? to reach but I didn't want to make any serious mod to the interior. The antenna mount is on my rail system. I plan on buying the Cobra 75 wxst all in one since you can hide the whole assembly. I used the trailer brake harness for the power and ground since I don't plan on towing anything just yet.

TitanMama · 07-31-2005, 02:10 PM

Thanks guys, but looking at it some more, I've decided NOT to take a hack saw to the overhead compartments ! The radio is small enough that it will go vertically in the map pocket on the passenger side of the center console. I'll get a cig lighter adapter for the power, and run the antenna as I was initially planning.

Thanks again for your replies !!

KeithS · 07-31-2005, 06:28 PM

Make sure that you have enough space for airflow around the transceiver. They can build a lot of heat when transmitting. That being said, how about moving up to amateur radio? There are a lot more options than on eleven meters.....and much better coverage.

92TripleBlack · 07-31-2005, 09:34 PM

Didn't know they still made those. What are the advantages over cell phone, mobile ham radios, etc.? Are they still active like they were 30 years ago when everyone had one? Truckers still using them? Just don't get an echo box.

Freightliner · 07-31-2005, 11:09 PM

TitanMama= I use a CB on a regular basis when im out on the road. The nice thing about it is that I can use this set up in the Titan as well as my work truck (in trucker's lingo this is called a "suitcase setup") I use a firestick antenna that I bolt on to the side mirror then just run the cable thru the door to a RadioShack CB radio Ive had for a few years. Ive got the CB wired to a cig adapter and the unit goes right in the side holder of the console. Normally takes me about 5 minutes to bolt/wire everything together. Ill try to get you some pics of it. The fiancee doesnt want the antenna out on the truck because when she takes it to work..she cant get into the parking garage because of the antenna.

92TripleBlack= CB's are still widely used..by truck drivers and normal everyday folks. They come in handy when youre trying to find out where the state troopers are hiding out at/weather on the road ahead/accidents and routes to get around them. Only drawback to them is listening to the idiots on the radio that have the "Super CB's" pestering all of the other drivers.

Dont have an echo box...nor do I need one. Would love to get a better CB unit though.

Bear Hunter · 08-01-2005, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by titanplus5

I ran my CB under the dash with the antenna wire through a hole behind the kick panel on the driver side. Kind of a pain in the *&#$? to reach but I didn't want to make any serious mod to the interior. The antenna mount is on my rail system. I plan on buying the Cobra 75 wxst all in one since you can hide the whole assembly. I used the trailer brake harness for the power and ground since I don't plan on towing anything just yet.

I have a Cobra 75 WXST...its a pretty nice radio. As mentioned above everything is in the Handmike. Facilitates a very clean install. As far as antenna mounting options see attached pics:

1st Pic is my truck with a Firestik stakhole mount...mounted in the rear with a 4ft tunable Firestik anennta. There are two types of stakhole mounts. One that uses a "fire ring" coax, and the other uses the standard. The benefit of using the standard is that it connects through the bottom and does not leave anything visible. The fire ring connects up top...so a small portion of the coax will be visible.

2nd-4th Pics are of a truck that mounted the antenna in the cowl. A custom bracket needed to be fabbed up, but it definately looks factory...if you don't like the truck to look like antenna's were just slapped on there.

Now you'all know that the best place for an antenna is the center of your roof, but the stakehole and cowl mounts work just fine...FYI

92TripleBlack · 08-01-2005, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freightliner

TitanMama=
92TripleBlack= CB's are still widely used..by truck drivers and normal everyday folks. They come in handy when youre trying to find out where the state troopers are hiding out at/weather on the road ahead/accidents and routes to get around them. Only drawback to them is listening to the idiots on the radio that have the "Super CB's" pestering all of the other drivers.

Dont have an echo box...nor do I need one. Would love to get a better CB unit though.

Cool. Thanks for the heads-up.