Cobra 19 install in place if the ashtray

[ugamurph]

Posting this for those of you looking for a semi detailed CB install in a 3rd gen 4runner.

I installed my Cobra 19 DXIV in the ashtray of my 2001 4Runner. I had to do a little cutting of the ashtray area and the mounting bracket that comes with it to make sure it was a secure install.

I used a Dremel to cut out the back of the ashtray mount. Before cutting I slid the cb in to determine how much needed to be cut and marked cut lines.

I took the top panel off of the CB to drill holes. Those holes (about 3/4" from the edge) were used to mount the top of the cb with the ashtray mounting screws. (Holes closest to the edge were due to trial and error. The CB was too deep to attach the antenna.)

Top installed.

Slide the rest of the CB in and reattach. I had to use the mic mount screws in the appropriate holes because the original screw holes were covered by the dash trim.

I cut a mounting tab from the CB's mounting bracket to secure the back. I used JB weld to attach. This will keep the CB from bouncing.

Use a 90* elbow for the antenna so you'll have clearance in the back.

Right angle coax adapter

All mounted up.

For power, I ran the positive through the firewall directly from the battery with the supplied inline fuse close to the battery. I ran the ground wire to a ground near the fuse panel under the dash. This model has no power plug connector, so I added male/female plug connectors close to the CB for easy removal.

 

[Fjatheart]

Nice write-up murph!

 

[shadow247]

Thanks for the clear write-up. I don't need a CB yet, but when I get one I plan to mount it in the ashtray like this.

 

[ugamurph]

Nice write-up murph!

Thanks, bro. When are we doing yours?

 

[psraff]

You know... One of my fears is going out exploring and unable to get back for one reason or another. I've thought about a CB for several years, but up here in Alaska, I don't think very many people use them. I know fisherman have marine radios in their homes to listen what's going on out on the water though. So up here, I wonder what's the next option... a Satellite phone? Those get kind of pricy (well use to be, haven't looked in the past two-three years).

Great install, and I'm always looking to see how people install, and which make \ models they use. Maybe someday, I'll follow suit.

 

[ugamurph]

I've thought about a CB for several years, but up here in Alaska, I don't think very many people use them.

You might look into HAM radio. It reaches much farther and may be more widely used in remote areas like Alaska.

Great install...

Thanks!

 

[jmildoc]

posting this for those of you looking for a semi detailed cb install in a 3rd gen 4runner.

I installed my cobra 19 dxiv in the ashtray of my 2001 4runner. I had to do a little cutting of the ashtray area and the mounting bracket that comes with it to make sure it was a secure install.

I used a dremel to cut out the back of the ashtray mount. Before cutting i slid the cb in to determine how much needed to be cut and marked cut lines.

i took the top panel off of the cb to drill holes. Those holes (about 3/4" from the edge) were used to mount the top of the cb with the ashtray mounting screws. (holes closest to the edge were due to trial and error. The cb was too deep to attach the antenna.)

top installed.

slide the rest of the cb in and reattach. I had to use the mic mount screws in the appropriate holes because the original screw holes were covered by the dash trim.

i cut a mounting tab from the cb's mounting bracket to secure the back. I used jb weld to attach. This will keep the cb from bouncing.

use a 90* elbow for the antenna so you'll have clearance in the back. (no picture available.)

all mounted up.

for power, i ran the positive through the firewall directly from the battery with the supplied inline fuse close to the battery. I ran the ground wire to a ground near the fuse panel under the dash. This model has no power plug connector, so i added male/female plug connectors close to the cb for easy removal.

awesome write up, thanks!!

 

[ugamurph]

awesome write up, thanks!!

Thank you. It was a fun mod.

 

[lumberjude]

Thanks for this, I'll be ready to do an install in a couple days.

 

[Wikki]

Where did you buy the 90 degree adapter? And is there a part number or anything for it? Cause it's not a regular antenna for cb

 

[ugamurph]

Thanks for this, I'll be ready to do an install in a couple days.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions while you're working on it.

Where did you buy the 90 degree adapter? And is there a part number or anything for it? Cause it's not a regular antenna for cb

I found it at a truck stop that sold CB/Trucking gear. I'm sure different manufacturers have various part numbers. But, it's called a right angle coax adapter.

 

[Wikki]

so did the right angle coax adapter go right up against behind the dash? like the cb is pushed in all the way back to where the adapter is touching the back? i dont know if that makes sense lol let me know if it doesnt and ill have to try and get a pic cause i installed mine a couple days ago and mine sticks out quite a bit and doesnt look as clean of an install because of it...

 

[ugamurph]

so did the right angle coax adapter go right up against behind the dash? .

It's pushed up against some of the AC components inside the dash. I'll try to get a picture later to show you. Without the angle adapter, the coax comes straight out of the cb and doesn't flex enough to get the CB in the dash far enough for a clean looking install. Plus, you don't want the coax to bend at a harsh angle because it could become damaged and effect performance.

 

[chimpy]

Any pics/write up on the coax cable and antenna brand/install? I have this same CB due to it's compact size for the 4runner but need some advice on how much coax cable and how to route it along with best choice for antenna.
I drive the highway a lot and used to have a Cobra handheld to listen for traffic jams and best lane to be in to get around them. Very handy but wanted a permanent mount CB. Great write up by the way! :bigok:

 

[ugamurph]

Any pics/write up on the coax cable and antenna brand/install?
... Great write up by the way! :bigok:

Thanks.

Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of the antenna install. I purchased an 18' coax cable and installed it with a Wilson Flex-4 antenna. Since I've never been able to dial in my SWR to the optimum level, You don't want me to give advise on any of that. My problem could be that I mounted the 4' antenna with the Outdoor Logic "Drifter" mount. The majority of the antenna should be over the roofline to improve signal, but my setup doesn't allow that.

I haven't bothered with improving it because I've been able to get the SWR in the safe range below 3.0 and it works for short distance trail needs (the only time I use it).

 

[Wikki]

I did this same install it's great!! If you don't get the right angle adapter though the cb will stick out more from the dash and not be as flush I love it though it all works perfectly... As far as antennas go I got a short one but going to get an adjustable antenna soon not sure on brand

 

[ugamurph]

awesome write up, thanks!!

I saw that you got your CB. Have you installed it yet?
:thumb3:

 

[jmildoc]

I saw that you got your CB. Have you installed it yet?
:thumb3:

Yeah I finished putting it in today. Made a quick temporary antenna mount. I will post pictures.

 

[jmildoc]

As promised

 

[kf4aqo]

You know... One of my fears is going out exploring and unable to get back for one reason or another. I've thought about a CB for several years, but up here in Alaska, I don't think very many people use them. I know fisherman have marine radios in their homes to listen what's going on out on the water though. So up here, I wonder what's the next option... a Satellite phone? Those get kind of pricy (well use to be, haven't looked in the past two-three years).

Great install, and I'm always looking to see how people install, and which make \ models they use. Maybe someday, I'll follow suit.

Realizing that his post is almost 10 years old...
In Alaska all of the ham radio 2 meter repeaters are linked together. I know several ham radio operators that use their 2 meter radios to communicate.