Ceiling/ Roof Console for CB - Please explain!

[Benn1e]

Hi Guys, when i bought my 4Runner (1992/ 2nd Gen) it came with a CB radio hanging off the center console and intruding on my passengers leg space.

I pulled it off because it looked terrible, and was uncomfortable for passenters. I've been thinking about mounting the CB Radio above my head in a Ceiling/ Roof Console. However, a few google searches and some searches on eBay proved to be fruitless - i couldnt find a single one!!

Am i searching under the wrong name?

Has anyone built their own ceiling/ roof console? (if so, how do i mount the console without drilling holes into the roof of my car?!)

Thanks in advance,

Ben

 

[KidVermicious]

I suppose you could pull back the headliner and glue or JBWeld a console up there, but I don't think I've ever seen it done in a 1st gen...

 

[Overbear]

Think very hard about that, consider this...

IF you flip or go over on your side, that thing is going to be at head height and a big metal/plastic brick to strike

 

[Benn1e]

I suppose you could pull back the headliner and glue or JBWeld a console up there, but I don't think I've ever seen it done in a 1st gen...

- Cheers KidVermicious - I had considered that, only i didnt want to use Glue as it could fall off - and onto my head (another way it could hurt me just like Overbear says below) and i was shying away from welding because of the heat. That much heat on my roof with paint on the outside can't be good for the paint! The only way around it that i could think of was if i could tap into the ceiling re-inforcement (i assume it has some, i haven't pulled the headliner off to check) Or, drilling through the roof of my 4Runner to hold the console on, and using roofing screws so no water enters my cabin. However, i would really REALLY prefer not to have to do that!

I've seen some commercial roof consoles out there - i wonder how they did it?

Think very hard about that, consider this...

IF you flip or go over on your side, that thing is going to be at head height and a big metal/plastic brick to strike

- Hey Overbear - your 100% correct. i would NOT like to smash my head into a roof console.. and i did consider it. However, im not into full-on 4WDing or rock hopping - I use my 4Runner to take me and the family away on weekens, and it allows us to go where ever we'd like to go in the bush, and thats mainly beaches & dirt fire trails to get to the best camping spots Realistically, i could get away with a soft-roader, but i bought the big-rig to ensure i could get out of any problem we may encounter (such as when it pours down and the soft-roads are undriveable.) Some mates and I ducked away one weekend. They were driving a Honda CRV and a Toyota Rav4. They came unstuck when it poured down and the dirt roads turned into mud. Going up inclines was impossible for them, and they were unable to drive out of the bush. Most of my travels is just me and my family, and i DON'T want to get caught out, miles from no where with no one else around!! Esp at night!!

In addition i was also going thinking of making it out of ply wood and covering the edges with a rubber hose, sliced down the middle - so if by some chance i did smash my head (my miss's is too short) at least it wouldnt open me up like a horror movie

Im not knocking you, just trying to explain where i am coming from. with the above in mind, could you think of a way i could mount a ceiling console? Thanks mate Ben

 

[BucknutBob]

Hey Ben, I think a lot of the consoles you've seen are full-width set-ups, where they attach at the ends, just above the doors. They're molded in a curved shape, and don't need any support in the middle. As an alternative, you could get one of the CB's that mounts right in the dash, with the speaker on the front of the unit--then all you have is the handset and cord hanging out. Also, there are those units that have all the pertinent controls on the handset, while the main body hides away under a seat. Lastly, many factory vehicles with just a "pod" overhead are set up for those on the assembly line, with nuts welded in just under the headliner--a quick snip of the material, and it bolts right in. Hope you find something to suit, mate!

 

[Benn1e]

Hey Ben, I think a lot of the consoles you've seen are full-width set-ups, where they attach at the ends, just above the doors. They're molded in a curved shape, and don't need any support in the middle. As an alternative, you could get one of the CB's that mounts right in the dash, with the speaker on the front of the unit--then all you have is the handset and cord hanging out. Also, there are those units that have all the pertinent controls on the handset, while the main body hides away under a seat. Lastly, many factory vehicles with just a "pod" overhead are set up for those on the assembly line, with nuts welded in just under the headliner--a quick snip of the material, and it bolts right in. Hope you find something to suit, mate!

Ahhhh i see! That makes a lot of sence being supported above the doors! Cheers Bucknut!

Re CBs - that's VERY good informatin! I didn't know that.. you should start charging for your knowledge my friend

 

[BucknutBob]

Ahhhh i see! That makes a lot of sence being supported above the doors! Cheers Bucknut!

Re CBs - that's VERY good informatin! I didn't know that.. you should start charging for your knowledge my friend

What's your address, so I know where to send the bill? LOL!

 

[Benn1e]

What's your address, so I know where to send the bill? LOL!

- hahahah... ummm how about free accomodation when you come to Aust for a visit?