Here's the challenge: Buying and installing a CB in the 4Runner in time to use it this weekend.
I have done some reading here on the forum and have decided I want to utilize the space in the dash under the radio. From what I understand, the Cobra 18 WX model is the best fit so I'm going on that. A guy I work with recommended a local electronics shop that specializes in CB's and Ham radio so I stopped by on my way home from work today and it turns out they have everything I'll need. The Cobra will be in tomorrow so now what I need help with is deciding what antenna and where to mount it. I have read Bob's write up and a few others as well but I'm still unsure of what will be best for me. I want to do this right the first time.
I have a TJM T-15 front bumper so I'm assuming this would be the most logical mounting point right? Should I go with a 4' Firestick or a Wilson? Should I mount it with a quick disconnect or the spring mount?
For those of you with the Firestick/Wilson antenna's, do you keep them on most of the time and do you use your CB's often? I'm just wondering how much I will use this setup. I have no experience with CB's so your suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
-Stango

 

Hope that you got the radio at Walmart , they have a "ROOLBACK" on the price and is only $48.56. Just got one Monday fot that price !

 

I saw that on their website but didn't get a chance to stop and see if they had any at the store. :pat: I mentioned the model # at that electronics store today and they said they could probably get it for tommorrow so I said fine. If they don't come through then I'll definitely have to go to walmart

 

From what Ive seen most of the guys run the firestick.
I use a Predator 10k myself but Im probably more "into" the cb thing than most.
Both antennas will work well for short range communications.Your determining factors will probably be price and mounting options/preferences.

Radio wise the cobra is an ok radio,but nothing like they were just a few short years ago as they are no longer made by Uniden.
Take a look at the Uniden line.They will have a stronger recieve circuit and better build qaulity overall in my opinion.Pricing is similar.

 

I have a cobra nwxst (insert some big number here) and a 4' Firestick on a spring mount located on the driver side of my hood. Works great there and i usually leave it on because i like to use my antenna as a G-force meter when i take corners, just kiding. But i get great reception with it (for my needs anyway) and the cb has held up with years of steady use, and plenty more se of the p.a. feature. Unfortunately my model is too deep to fit inside the dash below the stereo so i just leave it in the glove box.

I would reccomend the firestik and a spring mount for lazy leave it on screw it tight so it wont get stolen mehtod. or a quick disconnect to put it up when you need it and store it in the back type deal. actually somebody just did a write up on a cool mount behind the rear seat that fits a 4' perfect, or maby a 5'.

god luck installing

 

The front bumpet is the WORST place to mount the antenna

read this

http://www.can4x4.com/articles/comcorner/index.htm

all the info and basic's of CB's

 

I can't really help you with the antenna part, but for the install... make sure you get a 90degree coax fitting for the back of the CB. You'll need it if you want to get the CB even remotely flush mounted. Even with the 90degree adapter, it just barely slides in far enough for a clean look/install.

 

I used a 4' Firestik II w/ a quick disconnect and the HD spring on the front ARB and it worked just fine on the trail and for about a mile or two on the highway at speeds up to 85 mph Fine for my needs.

 

Thanks guys. I don't really need the super long range and the TJM mount is more convenient. Plus, In Bob's write up of the rear antenna install he noted that when mounted, the firestick gets in the way of opening the tailgate. I'm not a big fan of that.
Jackson, I checked on that 90 degree coax fitting yesterday and they had it at the store. I'll definitely grab one.

 

Hey guys, I am thinking about a CB too. I have been eyeing this Wallmart sold Cobra (same as Jackson's it looks like) but I cannot figure out if it has a PA feature. Can anyone confirm?

 

From what I read here, it does not have the PA feature.

 

I'm 99% sure that's the same CB I have... and it does NOT have a PA function.

 

Thanks guys. I think I will hold off until I can find something with a PA feature. Let me know if you guys know of anything off the top of your head, preferably under $75.

 

During lunch, I went and picked up the Cobra 18 WX ST II, a Firestick II, 9 feet of coax cable( I hope it's enough), quick disconnect, a 90 degree elbow, and a few other pieces. All together with tax I spent $130 which is a little more than expected. But they will test and adjust it for free so hopefully I'll get it installed tonight and tommorrow I can get everything squared away.

 

TStango,
im thinking about the Uniden pro538w http://www.uniden.com/product.cfm?product=PRO538W but from what i hear, once installed in the slot under the radio, it sticks out about 1/2", hope this helps...

 

I heard that the Uniden is a better unit but I think someone here on the forum mentioned it sticks out 1 1/2" to 2"

 

anyone got a write-up on the install of thie radio ? with pics maybe ?

 

Christian,
Lance's setup has a PA. It's small too. Not sure how much $$ it costs though...

 

Thanks Peter. Not sure why I want a PA, but it could come in handy in certain situations.

 

I've got a Uniden pro500 (?) radio that came with my truck when I bought it. Whoever installed it cut the bottom out of the storage area under the radio. They didn't cut the whole thing out, just a small area toward the back on the bottom so the back of the radio would hang out. This allows for the antenna cable to stick out of the bottom cut-out without being crammed in the back and causing the radio to stick out. It fits in there under the radio pretty snugly so it doesn't slide around or stick out. That helps quite a bit since I have a stick. My Cobra radio justs sits upright in the pass. footboard until I can afford an overhead console to put it in.