CB Radio
 

Hey Everyone!

Has anyone put a CB Radio in a '14 Monogram? I have been toying with ideas in my head (I don't have the car yet :mad0260:, and I don't want to start fabricating without it). I am a bit indecisive about how to mount it because I don't want to bore holes in my new dash or head liner. Here are my ideas so far:
1st: Create a pvc or aluminum structure that connects to the seat rail mounts (behind), meet in the center, and a pillar rises up to support the CB mounting rail. I would drill holes into the pvc and run power/Public Address wires through it, under the carpet in the back, then along driver's side, through the firewall, and out to the engine bay (battery and bullhorn respectively). I would also like to run the coax cable for the antenna to the OEM antenna because I don't want a butt-ugly metal spire on my new car. Does anyone know if this is possible

2nd: Mount CB to a gooseneck, repurposed Ipad mount. Drill a hole in it to run cables through, and down and out like above. If I cannot attach the bulit-in antenna to the radio, I would find a way to place a bendable antenna in the trunk or frame (under the car).

If anyone knows of a CB/Radio shop in the SF bay area, let me know!

:thanks:

(Yes - flame suit is ready for wanting to install a CB in this car. I have reasons :sigh:)

the monogram, I think this has the push button start, which means you don't have that convenient blank hole where the tray is to play with. simplest spot it would seem is in the cup holder cave, then get an arm rest to cover it up when not in use.

I will think about that! I just need to figure out how to make the parts that will make it look "professional"

@userjack6880 has installed a ham radio in his, he can give you some tips on how to do it.

Breaker 19..............

Attachment 85143

Ok gang, what other movie featured the 'rubber ducky' from the Convoy movie?

Thanks! I PM'ed him, and am eagerly awaiting a reply. Do you have a thread link?

@hypercarfanatic

This is his build thread

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61387

Ok, thanks! Not much info, so I will wait on that PM. I don't know about you, but radios and comm gear is so interesting

@hypercarfanatic

I just sent him message on Facebook and he will get back with you soon.

I'm also curious on how to do it to.

Thanks for that!

Yeah he sent me a reply. I asked a couple follow ups, and we will see what happens. With his permission, I will post the conversation, along with what I think my plan is.

When I actually get the car, I will add a journal that will document exactly what I do. Youtube as well, if I have time

I'm sure he won't care he's a cool guy when I got to met him.

Yeah, he seemed like one

Wow, userjack6880 used the EXACT same radio I did, and possibly the same antenna mount! Here's mine:

Attachment 94791

The advantage of this and some other ham radios is the head can be removed and used remotely from the radio itself. I have a separation kit and for now I used double stick tape to put the controls on the center console. I have a gooseneck mount on the way, which will attach to a seat bolt and will let me position the radio controls anywhere I want. For the mic I use that Velcro type stuff used for toll transponders (Radio Shack carries it). The mic sits where the heated seat controls would go if I had them.

Attachment 94792

The guts of the radio itself sit on the floor under/behind the driver's seat. I noticed the floor mats Velcro to the carpet, so I used Velcro to stick the radio down. Plus, my seating position is most of the way back, covering the radio (it has a built-in fan to keep it cool when I'm talking a lot on high power). The remote head, mic, power straight from the battery, external speaker (I wouldn't hear the built-in one under my butt :) ) and antenna coax all plug in here.

Attachment 94793

I picked up an adjustable trunk lip NMO antenna mount. I'm able to tilt it in so the antenna doesn't point off to the side, but with only one axis of adjustment it still leans back a lot. I didn't feel like dropping $50 more on a more adjustable mount to get it perfectly vertical. The antenna is a Comet tribander (144/220/440 MHz) I saved from my last car.

Attachment 94794

I mounted it far back on the trunk lid. Though more forward might be better theoretically, this way the antenna never bangs into the roof, and doesn't scratch the paint.

And that's it! My radio can run up to 45 watts, but I don't need more than 10 to hit my local repeaters reliably, despite the compromises I made in the antenna installation. Even 5 watts would work, but 10 is more reliable.

Lessons that could apply to CB - Larsen makes an NMO mount antenna that would work on CB frequencies, and you could mount it the same way I did. A handheld radio running off the lighter might work best, given the challenges of mounting a mobile radio in this car. Remote heads aren't common in CBs that I'm aware of. Or you could just get your ham license and use better radios with better range. :)