Alternative Location for Hidden CB/GMRS/HAM Radio Install

[Sea Monkey]

Finally found a location I like for my Cobra 75 All Road box, and thought I'd share in case someone else either wanted to try it or (more importantly) you see a downside that I haven't recognized yet! I planned for a long time to put both radios under the seats, but I just don't like having electronics on the floor near the door.

Since I already have a Midland GMRS on a Mountains2Metal bracket above the glove box, I wanted to find another spot for the CB. Behind the driver's side fuse panel cover (A), there's an aluminum brace with about 70-80cm of clearance below the steering column. It's held in place by two bolts (B) (8mm or 10mm) and was not load bearing.

Because of the geometry of the brace, I was only able to get three holes drilled for bolts (C) to hold the radio in place. But I needed 70mm bushings (D) to clear the lip of the brace.

The Cobra has a bluetooth connection to the mic, but I used a right-angle extension to connect it directly to the radio. I also put a cable keeper on the bottom of one of the bolts to hold the mic cable from the GMRS (E) which is threaded behind the console. This puts both mic cable connections just below the steering column.

I use a BulletPoint Mounting Solutions rig for the microphone holder. I've had this setup for about six months now and I really like it. Very sturdy. I've even dropped a handheld VHF radio in it a few times and it has not moved yet. If I ever find myself using both radios I may buy another mount. But for now I'm just using CB on highway trips and GMRS for trails and the occasional repeater net.

The CB antenna is a 3-foot Firestik on a stainless steel mount by the front fender. It's tuned to resonate with the lower freqs with SWR under 1.5 on channels 1-27 and just over 2 in the uppers.

So far, the only downside to this setup I've seen is that the steering column has no room to adjust any lower. But as I always like it in the highest position that hasn't been a problem. Some may not like the mic cords dangling so close to the right knee, but I've had no problem with it. Both mics seem to keep the cords close to the dash.

Note, I did have the GMRS UHF antenna attached to one of the DV8 light mounts, but I've since moved it to a stainless steel lip mount (like the Firestik) for better grounding.

So far, I'm really liking the positioning and performance of both radios.

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[JediMcMuffin]

I put a Yaesu in the same spot. I then ran the display control cable up thru the a pillar and used an adhesive ball mount above the sun visor. I’m very happy with how it turned out. I am still scheming to install a jack on the center console to clean up the microphone wire a bit I just haven’t gotten around to it.

also: grounding off the fender like that is way better than what I did the first time off the hood. I’m using the rugged radio mount currently on the mirror mounting and it grounds pretty well. I’ll adjust again if I need to but I’m thinking I’m good without a pillar lights

 

[Sea Monkey]

also: grounding off the fender like that is way better than what I did the first time off the hood. I’m using the rugged radio mount currently on the mirror mounting and it grounds pretty well. I’ll adjust again if I need to but I’m thinking I’m good without a pillar lights

Yeah, grounding that CB was a project for me. 11 meters is just so picky. And the mounts I was using were not the friendliest for grounding. Sounds like you found a better solution than I did though.

 

[TenSeven]

...I then ran the display control cable up thru the a pillar...

Do you have a write-up or a video on how to do this? I am installing a Yaesu (FTM-500) ham radio in the glove box and have the control box on an improvised mount above the driver's sun visor. Where I'm stuck is how to route the control cable. Getting above/around the winshield is easy but getting it down the A-pillar is the problem.

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