I am taking the plunge.
I have decided to install a CB.
Many have the Cobra 75WXST, and I just ordered one.
I am having a tough time finding the Firestik antennas and mounts locally, and the online guys are really tough on the shipping and handeling. They all seem to want $50 to ship about 2# of stuff. What up? Does anyone know of a local dealer in the LA area? Bob...

I decided I want this mini kit, the MK-204 for Bob's rear hatch mount mod.


But, I am wavering between the Firestik II and the Firefly.
Is durability an issue? What do you all think?
Firestik II


Firefly

 

Same length right?
I think the firefly was the better one cause it cuts through the air easier. As far as durability goes - I have a spring on my antenna and mounted it up front where I can see it
<-------------------

You aren't planning on getting a spring are you?
If you end up not getting a quick release for your antenna, come look me up on our next outing. I have some plastic antenna plugs you can screw into the channel to keep it free of grime when the antenna isn't in.

 

Check truck stops along the freeway for Firestiks. If you have "Flying J" truck stops in California, I think they usually carry them.

 

how much is the set up costing you?

what makes CBs better than an FRS two-way radios (walkie talkies)?

 

The trips that I've been on it really seemed like we were relying on the FRS radios more than the CBs.

Last I heard, the argument was that the CBs still had a greater range than the FRS.

 

What are these mystery plugs? I need one, what are you using?

 

The best deal I was able to find, better than e-bay or anywhere else was Amazon.com. $92 no shipping, no tax for the Radio alone.

The Antenna, cable, mount and spring are a bit less than $50. Problem is all the places I looked at on the net (Alph's, Bill's 2 Way...) want another $50 to ship the stuff... I am looking locally for the antenna and mounts.

 

The last one I went on, I was the only FRS user. Others had to comm with the CB and then tell me what was going on. I hated that. I chatted with CB installers yesterday for about an hour. They preferred a ball mount 109" antenna on the side of the truck. I told them there would have to be a compromise of quality reception. They thought the next best would be the rear mount like Bob wrote up. They said they like to stay out of the engine compartment because of engine noise.

I will be using a quick disconnect, so yeah Peter, let me know about the mystery plugs. I will make it worth your while.

 

pasadena local enough? marvac dow on colorado has them, just gotta ask for them cause they are kept behind the counter.

 

I may have spoke too soon.
I was looking for them last night and they aren't where I left them It'll take some hunting down.

Anyhow here's an "artist's rendition" from ALF enterprises.
The link to the page:
http://www.alfenterprises.com/cb_rad...ing_access.htm

and the picture itself:

 

Got the goods today.
Local shop called Charlie One. The were a bit high, but way better than paying $50 to ship. Hopefully will have the CB in about a week then do the install before my big trip to Colorado in June-July.
I will keep you posted.

Now the next question. Where did you LA area folks go to have your antenna's tuned?

 

I bought a gizmo from radio shack (it broke a week later). I've been thinking about going to Fry's and seeing if they have anything more reliable there.

 

I just went to outpost .com (affiliated with fry's) and they have THIS ... I would rather do that than pay the man I bought the stuff from to tune the thing. The guy was nice, but seemed a bit clueless...

 

You've got a PM