CB radio install in ashtray question

[Duluth4Runner]

Im trying to install my cobra 19 cb radio where the ashtray usually is. I havent plugged in the antenna wire yet, but it still sticks out way too far and i cant get it to go in any further. Do i need to move all the wires behind it to get it to go in further? its as far in as i can put it right now and the antenna isnt even attatched. does anyone know what i should do about this?

 

[blcktpgsr]

Yes i'll try and move all the wirings out of the way. There are bundles of them that could be blocking the CB from being inserted farther in.

Also if you haven't already done so, get a 90* UHF adapter for the antenna wire at the back of the CB.

 

[Elton H]

lol gonna have to cut out the back of the ash tray and take the metal thing the ashtray slides into out

 

[Baja Runner]

Yeah, not sure if you've done it yet, but you need to dremel out the back panel of the ashtray area, and unbolt the top metal slider.

 

[Duluth4Runner]

yea i already cut off the back of the ashtray. im gonna try to move the wires and see if that helps. do you think i definitely need to get the 90 degree uhf adapter, or do you think i could maybe make it work without it, without the cb sticking out too far?

 

[blcktpgsr]

Seeing as how the CB radio currently sits, I would suggest getting the 90 degree adapter. It will definitely give you more room to push your radio in without any chance of kinking the antenna cable...It's cheap too.

I've got the same unit and mine sits virtually flush on top of the plastic trim.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Mine is flush too. You can check in my build if you want to see how I did it.

 

[Baja Runner]

I used the 90* fitting as well.

 

[slomatt]

I soldered a second antenna connection into the radio so I could run coax out the back and make a tighter turn. In retrospect I should probably have used used a 90 degree adapter.

Blank Photos :: CB Radio

- Matt

 

[awpsome]

i dont mean to hijack but im on the same subject as well and instead of making a new thread.

i just ordered a cobra 19 as well and was wondering where would be the best place to get that 90 degree adapter? also what type of coax cable do you guys use?
any shorter antenna recommendations? looking to mount on rear bumper but needs to be not long enough to go over the vehicle due to garage. im only using for trails with buddies and no long distance stuff so basic is all i need.
any ideas?

thanks!

 

[beerstash]

you can get the 90 degree elbow at Radio Shack. If you are wanting a smaller antenna, try the older cell phone booster type antenna that the coax attaches to the back window and you have the actual antenna that is on the outside. Definitely no long range but should be fine for trail groups.

 

[Duluth4Runner]

is this the right one? BNC Right-Angle Plug - RadioShack.com

 

[Socco]

i dont mean to hijack but im on the same subject as well and instead of making a new thread.

i just ordered a cobra 19 as well and was wondering where would be the best place to get that 90 degree adapter? also what type of coax cable do you guys use?
any shorter antenna recommendations? looking to mount on rear bumper but needs to be not long enough to go over the vehicle due to garage. im only using for trails with buddies and no long distance stuff so basic is all i need.
any ideas?

thanks!

I rarely use my CB so I just take the antenna off when I'm in the city. I had a 48" whip bottom loaded antenna but found that I was talking to myself if I didn't have line-of-sight of my buddies. I just put these on over the weekend and was very impressed by the quality and performance gain. If youre going to mount the antenna on the rear bumper, remember it's recommended that 2/3 of the mast be over the roof.

Firestik Antenna Mount and cable:
Amazon.com: FireStik MK-174 Hood Channel Mount Mini-Kit: Electronics
Wilson Antenna:
Amazon.com: Wilson W4FD-B 4 ft. Tunable Tip Fiberglass Whip Antenna Black: Electronics

 

[Socco]

is this the right one? BNC Right-Angle Plug - RadioShack.com

Nope, this one:
PL-259 Inline Right-Angle Adapter - RadioShack.com