HAM Radio Install in 5th Gen

[Reata]

Has anyone done this? I am struggling with the install location for the faceplate. If anyone can make any suggestions I would really appreciate it. I had the base under the seat in my last truck. Don't really want to repeat that either. I have the ICOM 2820 with the remote faceplate.

 

[Jtraskell]

Has anyone done this? I am struggling with the install location for the faceplate. If anyone can make any suggestions I would really appreciate it. I had the base under the seat in my last truck. Don't really want to repeat that either. I have the ICOM 2820 with the remote faceplate.

Just a suggestion, a photo of the face plate, possibly sitting on the dash or seat for size perspective would be helpful.

 

[B'klyn_Mike]

How about the area below the AC controls for the head? Just use your HAMAGINATION and a Dremel tool!


Mike :artist:

 

[NHinAK]

I think the area where the blank switches are for the seat heaters would work good. It's easily accessable and visible. That, or get creative with the space under the HVAC controls.

For those wondering, here's a picture of what the OP is working with.

 

[Reata]

OK here is the face plate sitting here I think is going to be the best place to mount it. I like the idea of the spot where the seat heater switches are, but based on the cost of the radio, I would be severely irritated if a Coke or some other liquid were spilled on it in such a vulnerable spot. Here is about the only place I can come up with. Take a look and let me know what you guys think. After that, be thinking about where the brains can go. About the same size as an in-dash aftermarket radio.

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I will lose the little cubby but it was pretty worthless anyway. Let me know what you guys think.

 

[B'klyn_Mike]

That's the spot! :thumb3:

Now, where are you gonna put the HF radio's head??? :hungry:

Whaddya mean you don't have one?



73, de

Mike :artist2:

 

[Reata]

Great Q. The problem is that the wire ICOM makes os only 11.3 feet that goes between the face and the brain. Previously, I had the brains under the driver's seat. I dont really want to do that again. I was thinking in the area under the plastic cover over the rear wheel well on the driver's side.

 

[SP Jon M3]

Panavise makes some custom mounts for the 4th gen, they might make one for the 5th as well..

PanaVise Products, Inc.

Here's where I mounted the radios in my 4th:

 

[1engineer]

If you are REALLY interested in making a custom mount for the area you have shown in the picture, and you are pretty handy, here it is:
1. Buy some florist's foam (dense green can get anywhere)
2. whittle it down until it fits loosely into the area
3. Fiberglas the outside of foam on all sides except back and bottom
4. Test fit! Get it tight!
5. Sand, prime and paint fiberglas shape simigloss black.
6. Chip out foam
7. Mount face to new mount

I have done this before, especially for aftermarket GPS mounts. Works well and easy to take out leaving no marks when you want to sell or change radios or something. Takes about a day, off and on. THe brand of fiberglas is called Duraglass and is a resin with chopped up fiberglass mixed in. It works like body filler except it gets really hard when cured, which takes about an hour. You can actually grind it to shape for the rough initial work.

 

[Reata]

PM'd you. That sounds great!!!

 

[jharpphoto]

I just stumbled across this ancient thread but wanted to revive it with a question. I've got a new 2015 4r and plan to install my Kenwood TM-V71 in the area beneath the ac. I'm curious about the location for my antenna. I know Diamond makes a hatchback mount but what else is out there for an antenna mounting location?

 

[jharpphoto]

nvrmind found about a thousand threads addressing my question.

 

[Okki]

Hi John, check my build thread for the CB installation so you know what's behind and beside the cubby.

Okki

 

[jharpphoto]

awesome. Thanks Okki

 

[DannyLlama]

Some info and pics here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/188802-ham-off-road.html