5th Gen Full Size CB Install

[jaraxle]

Hello Guys!!
This is my first real post on here. To start, I really love this site, although my wallet and CC…not so much 
I am trying to install a CB in my 2011 SR5. Not the little hand held one but a full size cobra 29 LX I picked up off of Craigslist. My issue is finding a spot to mount it. I got it and a magnetic antenna right before a trip. I temporarily Velcro’ed it to the dash right above the clock. This worked ok but I am looking for something a little more permanent.
With so much wasted space in the dash area my plan was to pull out the aux input and the little bitty compartment below and see if I could mount it up in there….well no joy at that spot as the AC baffles that feed the back portion of the console are there.

I know I could attach it to the sides of the console but then you have a weird angle.
Can’t go under glove box as AC/Heat return is there.
Under driver side is going to be too tight and in the way.
I have a sunroof so overhead is out.
The only place left that I can think of is on the dash where I first put it. With that being said I have a couple questions for all your modders out there:
1) Do you have any good ideas of where to mount a full size CB?
2) On the dash there is what looks like a plug between the two vents. Does anyone have any insight of what that is? Would it make a good cable run for power and antenna?
3) Any recommendation for hard mounting something to the dash? I understand I will probably have to put holes in the dash and am fine with that any other options or best way to do it?
Thanks guys!!

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[scanny]

I was thinking about it too, but I don't feel comfortable with making holes in the trim yet : ) In your setup I think mike cable will be in the way. I'm not sure how big is your radio but I would try to fasten it to console side (passenger) or you can try back of the console. Some people mount CB in the console. Try this for inspiration: CB radio mount - Google Search , I know it's not 4Runners, and not exactly your radio, but still better for nothing : )

 

[Antman]

That plug on the top of the dash is the spot for the auto light sensor...

This is what I did in my Titan about 5 years ago. It's a smaller CB though- Uniden 520XL.

I'm not sure you will have enough room to mount yours like that in the center console, but I am sure it would take a lot of cutting! Maybe this will spark some ideas...Good Luck!

 

[jaraxle]

Thanks guys for the ideas. I think I am going to have to try it in a few places. It looks like a side mount may be my best bet. I will keep you posted if I find anything that works really well.

 

[Okki]

Thanks guys for the ideas. I think I am going to have to try it in a few places. It looks like a side mount may be my best bet. I will keep you posted if I find anything that works really well.

Give Reata a quick buzz. He's got a fair bit of communication gear worked into his truck and might be able to provide some insight.

Okki

 

[scanny]

Did you think about a permanent antenna? I found a good idea to use Firestick instead of stock radio antenna and use splitter:
Amazon.com: FireStik AR-1A Matchmaker CB / AM/FM CB antenna splitter: Automotive
but I'm waiting for somebody to do it and post a good write up : )

 

[Jtraskell]

I could have sworn I have seen this idea on another thread somewhere. Not sure of the final outcome, but there was a few photos I think.

 

[scanny]

yes, it was in RiDE build thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...-4runner-build-2011-le-zombie-crusher-17.html but I don't think he's wired it up yet. And with my skills I'm gonna need Antman style write up to even think about doing it myself : ) Actually I'm quite happy with my Midland 75-822 but I want to have permanent antenna and connectors in the centre console. Magnetic antenna is OK, but I guess I'm gonna scratch the paint on the roof if I leave it for long time and I don't like that the cable is hanging from the roof. Another thing is that I'm preparing to carry two kayaks on the roof rack so I need to find new location for the antenna.

 

[MeBe4running]

Antman, how is that 5 years ago your image quality for mod pictures was far superior than it is today. Is there a cell phone culprit to blame?

 

[Jaker]

2) On the dash there is what looks like a plug between the two vents. Does anyone have any insight of what that is? Would it make a good cable run for power and antenna?

On my Limited, that's where the light sensor for auto-dimming/brightening the navigation screen is located. Since you don't have navigation, it's plugged. I'm not sure what it looks like underneath that plug, though.

 

[jaraxle]

Hi guys. For the antenna, I got a magnet mount but I just ordered a “FireStik FS464A8A-R Four foot single mirror mount CB antenna kit”. I am going to follow Antmans directions for the install here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/85563-using-cb-through-aux-jack.html
His install was for a ground free setup. The one I am getting has to be grounded. I was told that the grounded antennas get better reception so I figured I would give it a shot.

I originally was thinking about getting a Comet RS-720 mount and go off the back opening but with the cost of the mount about $30 and everyplace that sold it had about $10-$12 shipping I figured the whole firestik kit from Amazon was just a little more and Antman made that setup look so clean I just went that route.

In the near future I plan on getting a GOBI rack so I won’t have to rerun anything either.

I still haven’t settled on a mounting location for the radio yet but I plan on playing with it this weekend as the antenna will be here tomorrow.

Scanny, I never saw that Firstik AR-1A. That would be very interesting if it works like it says. I remember reading in a CB forum that using the same antenna for both was not a good idea but this may correct that. Does anyone have insight on this?

 

[Antman]

Antman, how is that 5 years ago your image quality for mod pictures was far superior than it is today. Is there a cell phone culprit to blame?

Almost...

Now I use a waterproof/shockproof Fuji camera for write-ups/fishing pics. The quality isn't so great, but if I drop it, or get it all greasy it doesn't matter too much.