Roof Rack, CB and Firestick installed.
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Toy4ever
New member
Heres some closer images. I still need to get the spring for the Antenna so its not so stiff but its all a work in progress and in the meantime i can just unscrew it and put it under the back seat when i need to get in and out of the garage.
The CB was installed following the advice of some other threads and removing the ashtray. I had to dremel out the back of the dash mount to make it fit but it came out perfect.
You can see on the back that i made a small slit through that seal and pushed the coax through there. I ran it along the left side of the roof and it seated perfectly.
And i cant help but notice how adjusting my camera made the world of difference in the quality of these uploaded pictures, hahaha!
The CB was installed following the advice of some other threads and removing the ashtray. I had to dremel out the back of the dash mount to make it fit but it came out perfect.
You can see on the back that i made a small slit through that seal and pushed the coax through there. I ran it along the left side of the roof and it seated perfectly.
And i cant help but notice how adjusting my camera made the world of difference in the quality of these uploaded pictures, hahaha!
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98_4runnerSR5
New member
Nice! I got my firestik antenna and truck mounting bracket last week. Haven't had time to put it on but hoping to be able to do it this week!
Toy4ever
New member
Testing the fire stick yesterday i had about a 3-4 block radius with the Antenna. The subdivision is pretty dense with homes and interruptions.
Toy4ever
New member
Yeah the install was pretty easy all things considered. I picked up the mount from Radio Shack for $20 but they are alot cheaper on amazon i just didn't have the time (maybe i am impatient). Let me know if you have any questions.
My best advice is a 16" coax worked perfectly!!!!
If I can make a suggestion, from working in radio for 40+ years, I'd recommend that you put some weather proofing on the PL-259 (antenna connector) where it connects to the bottom of the base. Water is an enemy to RF!
I noticed you are in Boise, so I'd recommend Scotch 33 tape or better yet, Scotch 66. 66 has better cold weather properties.
Nice install, BTW. I have the same rack. Love it! Came with the 4Runner when I got it.
I noticed you are in Boise, so I'd recommend Scotch 33 tape or better yet, Scotch 66. 66 has better cold weather properties.
Nice install, BTW. I have the same rack. Love it! Came with the 4Runner when I got it.
Yeah, they are just a model numbers for the 3M Scotch tapes.
If Home Depot or Lowes don't have them try Graybar or Grainger.
brian2sun
Elite Member
Here's another option...
It really worked out well where I put mine. I have a bottom-mounted speaker in my Cobra 19 Ultra III so the ashtray wasn't an option because I wouldn't be able to hear it well. I don't even notice it's there and I don't hit it with my leg ever (and I'm 6' tall).
CB's are nice for local inline communication with limited range. Has anyone ever thought about getting a 2meter license? It has much further range and better quality. Also, you can find a cheap set up that works just as good as the expensive ones (you have to look around). Just a thought for those who get frustrated with the limited range of a CB.
I plan on getting my license here pretty soon. It's cheap to get the license and quick to take the test.
I plan on getting my license here pretty soon. It's cheap to get the license and quick to take the test.
pdx650
Member
Like, but not enough
Brian2sun, I like that your radio is mounted there. I sat in my drivers' seat and held my Cobra there and thought long and hard about it. Mine is just about identical in size to yours. I still couldn't get past the fact that the bottom of it (where the speaker is located on mine) was that close to my right shin. Yes, true it is very close to my left shin on the left side, but for some reason, I am more comfortable with it to the left of the steering column. I plan on plugging in a speaker and PA speaker into the back of my radio and mounting the speaker somewhere near my head as I drive. After I install it, I'll take photos.
Here's another option...
It really worked out well where I put mine. I have a bottom-mounted speaker in my Cobra 19 Ultra III so the ashtray wasn't an option because I wouldn't be able to hear it well. I don't even notice it's there and I don't hit it with my leg ever (and I'm 6' tall).
Brian2sun, I like that your radio is mounted there. I sat in my drivers' seat and held my Cobra there and thought long and hard about it. Mine is just about identical in size to yours. I still couldn't get past the fact that the bottom of it (where the speaker is located on mine) was that close to my right shin. Yes, true it is very close to my left shin on the left side, but for some reason, I am more comfortable with it to the left of the steering column. I plan on plugging in a speaker and PA speaker into the back of my radio and mounting the speaker somewhere near my head as I drive. After I install it, I'll take photos.
brian2sun
Elite Member
I tried the left side 1st (actually because I'm left-handed and it would have been a little more comfy) but, all my ARB switches are right there and I didn't have a good spot to mount the handset and I didn't want to block my fuse panel either. I just got used to using my right hand to hold the mic, it works ok.
pdx650
Member
Lefty/righty
I understand now being left handed.
I wish my base 2.7 liter '97 4wd had ARB's. That would be awesome. My wish list includes at least one ARB air locker on the rear diff eventually.
Well, I shoot left handed, but I use my right hand for writing. Weird, I know. I would end up holding my mic on my left hand.
The way I have the radio mounted (in my mind) to the space is to the right of the fuse panel cover and to the left of the steering wheel column. A corner of the mount would cover up the fuse panel just barely though. And then it would face the radio up towards the drivers' side window.
Thanks for the reply too
I understand now being left handed.
I wish my base 2.7 liter '97 4wd had ARB's. That would be awesome. My wish list includes at least one ARB air locker on the rear diff eventually.
Well, I shoot left handed, but I use my right hand for writing. Weird, I know. I would end up holding my mic on my left hand.
The way I have the radio mounted (in my mind) to the space is to the right of the fuse panel cover and to the left of the steering wheel column. A corner of the mount would cover up the fuse panel just barely though. And then it would face the radio up towards the drivers' side window.
Thanks for the reply too
Pikeman
New member
I just picked up my Ham and now have both CB and Ham in my truck. I am going to be moving a few things around. My current set-up is a Cobra 18 mounted under my stereo but will be swapping out for a Uniden 520 mounted in Ashtray and move my Ham under the stereo.
