CB Install - Details

[iWin]

I am installing a Cobra18 with firestick coax, antenna, and spring. I already ordered the Drifter rear cb mount. Saw some cool pix with cb installed in dash... i plan to yank the cd player and put the cb in. No need for cd player anyways.

Does anyone know what the link for the install into the dash and wiring through the rear vent behind the bumper is? I came across it a while back but cant find it now. Thanks

 

[habanero]

I don't have the link you are looking for but I put a Cobra 18 WX ST II in my 96's dash where the cd changer faceplate was. There's a holder for it in there already. I did need a 90 degree coax connector for the back of the cb so it'd fit in the dash. I ran the cable through a wiring grommet/boot things for one of the taillights. I could see how it wouldn't be hard to run the cable through the vent behind the bumper or the things that fit under the rear sill, either. Even up through the tailgate wiring grommet, though that might be a little tight. I velcroed the cd changer faceplace to the underside of the ashtray. I can use both the ashtray for my change and the faceplate.

 

[Baja Runner]

So the metal bracket that holds the CD player (and usually the open "pocket" for the lower DIN location) will work with the Cobra 18wstx instead of the open plastic pocket? The holes line up perfectly?

 

[Blanco]

I'm installing a Cobra 18 into my lower DIN spot with a 2' Firestick up onto my safari basket next weekend so I'll try and take some photos. There's some general info right here but I couldn't locate the specific link. The DIN install looks pretty easy though. You can use an elbow connector like this on the back of your unit for a cleanest fit but depending on the antenna coax connector you may be alright with a little nip and tuck. I was planning to wire mine into my cigarette lighter as I am spoiled for 12v power outlets up front but as I understand it, connecting directly to your battery for power is the best if you don't want to deal with a lot of intereference. I picked up a cheap SWR meter and a short patch cord to tune everything when done. Don't know how I'm going to run my cable to the rear of the truck yet but have plenty of it so not too worried.

 

[Blanco]

So the metal bracket that holds the CD player (and usually the open "pocket" for the lower DIN location) will work with the Cobra 18wstx instead of the open plastic pocket? The holes line up perfectly?

Not sure if the holes line up but I think the Cobra 18 will fit in there without attaching to the radio bracket, just fits tight in there...or so I've heard. THIS is a really awesome link for getting things installed - check it out.

 

[habanero]

My cd thingy was in that pocket. I took the 'pocket' out and was able to use the bracket with the cb without hole modification- they lined up fine for me. It is a tighter fit, especially in the back (which is why the 'L' connector-the trim on the 96 didn't want to fit back on nicely with the cb out that tiny bit too far) that it didn't slide around much and that might have been fine but I used screws anyway. Didn't want it coming out over the bumpy stuff.

To run the cable to the back I used 18' coax to the passenger side and ran it under door sills and interior body panels to the right side taillight. Through the wiring boot behind the taillight and originally down to the antenna mount. This would work for either side.
I later moved the mount to above my taillight and the cable with it but that's another story.

I also ran an aux. fuse block in the engine bay by the battery for separate power. Shuts off when key is off. Still get some interference though, usually with the electric motors (wiper, window) but not much.

 

[iWin]

Thanks for all the input.. i took the interior panels out and rear driver bumper off to wire it. I was missing the L coax connector so i couldnt wire it but i did the brunt work. L connector makes it fit perfectly. Whats the best way to hook up.the power.for minimal interference? Fuse box or direct to battery?

 

[bNugs]

I have a write up in my build thread if you want to look. I didn't get pictures of the wiring but what I did was just cu the cig lighter wires in the back and run them to the cb with some spade disconnects so in case I ever need the cig lighter I can just unplug the cb and plug the lighter in. that way it turns off when I turn my car off also