Stop the presses!! I FINALLY got a CB installed in my '89 SR5 Xtra Cab pickup. After a couple of group runs in the mountains, it was clear that I needed a CB to communicate with the other rigs. My handheld unit (Cherokee AH-27F) didn't really have enough range. I knew I needed a better setup. I put quite a bit of thought into it, and so far, I'm happy with the installation. I wanted a nice Cobra model similar to what Corey is running, but couldn't figure a way to install such a big radio without having it get in the way. So, I compromised. Here is a break-down of equipment:

Uniden Pro 520 XL CB radio
Larsen NMO Low Band antenna
Vanco 'Big Mouth' external speaker
Pyramid SP5 PA horn

The antenna was center mounted on the roof of the Xtra cab. This should work well. It can easily be 'unscrewed' from the roof, so I can get my truck into the garage. The radio was installed using the 'Din-Tray' pocket under the stereo. The external speaker was installed under the ash tray. This made a pretty clean install, with everything pretty much out of the way. Only thing left to do is schedule another run to Greenwater to test it!
Jim
Here are a few pics of the installation:

 

By golly, that's a big 10-4.
Lookin' good, and almost like it was born there.
That is a sweet looking setup.

Now if I could only cram my radidio in the same spot

 

Very nice install, that's a great spot.

Speaking of CB's, I finally got to test mine out today. I'm still finding the perfect spot for the magnetic antenna, but I did get it tuned just under 2:1 but I want it to be better. I was driving west on 107 ave and was speaking with a guy on 137 ave, quite clearly. I'm surprised we were able to communicate over all the houses and stuff in the way. It ended up dying off and becoming static after a bit, I think we were going in opposite directions.

I might go for a permanent mount if this doesn't work out. Sure wish I knew someone else with a CB to test this out with me.

 

Radidio...? Oh my God! Is CB 'lingo' making a comeback? Negatory, good buddy! He he he
Jim

 

He he, I remember the 1st time I heard a CB referred to as a radidio.
It was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back around '76 or so.

I had my '68 Chevelle with a General Electric 20 channel CB mounted in it with a trunk mount whip antenna.

Some guy was yakkin' it up on one of the channels calling his CB a radidio, and saying "we trash 'em, we thrash 'em, we throw 'em out the window if they break.
I'll never forget that line he said.
Funny how things like that get stuck in the back of your memory banks.
Corey
PS, by the way, I got your rubber duck right here.

 

lol I'm still trying to get my '10 codes' straight. At least I remember the important ones, that should be good enough, I think... :rolleyes:

 

Hey Jim sweet install I installed my CB a couple of weeks back and put it in the same place you have. I think they look best there

10/10 very nice

Luke

BTW Jim how did you fix your mike bracket there? is it just screwed to the dash or have you kinda fitted it into that seam there. That looks a really good place to keep it and wouldnt mind doing the same with mine

Thx

 

Hey, looks real cool. That is where I installed the scanner in my 4Runner. I like the surround that you made for the CB, makes it look real nice and clean. I wish I would have done that. Maybe I still can. Thanks for the idea! You da man!!! :fireman:

 

You guys are having so much fun and doing such good jobs with these installations, I don't know if I should dig out my emergency handheld and see if it still works, or just be content to get in line with you guys and just sit in the 'rocking chair".

I do know one thing tho. I need to work on my sentence structure........

 

Posted by Luke: Luke;
I had the installation shop use screws. You can't tell by looking at the photos, but the screws were run into the panel that is just below the dash. Didn't see any reason to run screws into the dash panel (which is much bigger and more expensive to replace). Look at the first pic, and you can see the panel I'm talking about. I might be able to post another pic later.
The shop that did the work said these screws that they use will hold great. The mounting bracket for the external speaker was done using these same screws.
And, I think this location for the mic is going to work great. It's out of the way of the driver and passenger, yet is easily within reach of either.
Jim

 

Good job there good buddie
You'll be real happy now.
There were a couple of times that i could see your rig but barely hear what your saying.
Looks real nice there.

So what does Corey have up his sleeve next for you

 

He he he...
Bushwacker flares
ARB bumper
Power Tank
sliderz........

Ahhhhhh, it's a moderful world
Corey

 

I dont know. I really liked your seat covers Corey.
They would look great in his truck

Maybe i should get some:rolleyes:

 

Todd;
It has been determined that Corey is a bad influence.
He has even acknowledged this. So, to make things right, I think it's only fair that Corey pays for my next mod.
Jim

 

Hear, hear.
All in favor of Corey paying for Jim's next mod say "I"

"I"

 

It looks right at home there Jim. Good work. Where do you store your catsup now Jim??

I'm thinking of doing a headliner area install when I take the plunge. If I use the din pocket under the stereo I won't have anywhere to store my extra Taco sauce and Catsup packets and that would be bad. I want it right behind and above the mirror on the celing with a bumper mount antenna. I have used a magnetic base roof antenna but the low tree branches knocked it off into the bed too many times and scratched my beautiful oxidized paint.

 

Jim, did I leave my wallet at your house J/K...

Matt, here is a pic of Steve S's CB in his 4Runner.

I showed this to the local stereo shop, and it would be too much work for my big radio.
Plus I'd loose my map lights up there too.
Steve did not have any I don't think to begin with.
It does look nice up there.
Corey

 

Luke;
The pics I have linked to here will clearly show you how and where the mic clip was attached.
Jim

http://www.toyotaoffroad.net/tando/jims_cb/cb7.jpg

http://www.toyotaoffroad.net/tando/jims_cb/cb8.jpg

 

Posted by Matt:
Ummmm.....what makes you think I eat fast food in my truck, Matt? I would NEVER eat in my truck...might get crumbs in it.

(Of course, if you saw me drive by last Sat, headed for the Greenwater run, you would have seen me drinking a large cup of coffee, munch'in an egg mcmuffin, and balancing a hot hash-brown on my leg...all while trying to raise Corey on my walkie-talkie!) He he he
Jim

 

"I"

I second the motion and believe he should pay for my next mod too.

Corey, your suggestions are great and are getting me in the doghouse for all the money I'm wanting to spend... :confused: