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Overhead CB mount options?

76k5blazerr

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Thinking about buying a new CB and mounting it overhead, over the rear view mirror probably. Would yall say that 2 self tapping screws would hold a 3-4 pound CB radio to the inner layer of the cab roof? The last thing I want is this thing to fall and knock me out. It's got to be able to handle rough dirt roads and trails. I was thinking either self tapping screws or I was thinking about welding the mounting bracket to the roof. What do yall think is the best route?? Overhead console is not an option.
 
I've had a fullsize Cobra mounted overhead for several years now, and rest assured, it isn't going anywhere.

I'm just drilled two small holes, (not sure what size bit exactly) and have two larger, but short, wood screws and washers holding a factory Cobra mount.
 
Where do you have your mounted? Is it like right above the rear view mirror or what? Do you like it up there? Easy to see and use? Could you post a pic
 
(I've got a Midland in it now, I know)

Just in front of the mirror. I like it there, I actually want to put it there in my Dodge too, I just can't bring myself to drill those holes.
I will say that your probably going to want to get a little bungee cord, or a GearKeeper, or something to keep the mic from bouncing out of it holders and hitting you in the face.
Also, your probably going to want to get the A=pillar trim, just to hide the wiring/coax. I have some, I just haven't gotten around to putting them on.



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(This picture is kind of crappy)
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If you fear self tapping screws wont hold it,you could pop rivet the bracket up there or use nut-serts...those wont come out..

I had a CB mounted overhead in one of my trucks...
I ended up bashing my skull on it too many times,I decided to mount it in the console instead..
I'm 6'5" tall,so the roof almost touches my hair..:doah:...
 
I shortened a Suburban console and put the CB up there. It also gives me lots of map lights and dome lights.

PICT0016.jpg


It's nice to have all the wires hidden (they go under the windshield header trim and down behind the A-pillar trim.) At first I wanted a more complicated mount that let the radio tilt up and down so that compartment could close, but it turned out to be too tight in there. The biggest challenge is a mic mount that holds it securely and is still easy to use.
 
Couldn't find the pic of mine, I mounted my Cobra 148GTL to the front of the center console between the seats. It's out of the way, looks clean and no cord dangling around or having any possibility of falling down.
 
I'll take a picture of my setup on my Ford. Its a 10 meter rig with CB. And its a little larger than a regular CB.
And this started sounding familiar, so I did a search. Found where I told how I did this some time ago with pics.

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=274957

And, yes, I did replace the wire nuts later........
 
I have seen them mounted on one of those sun visor shelfs. I have mine on the front of my console and it works great for me.
 
I wanted to put the CB on the ceiling of the Ford for a while, just because I could, and I could have hidden the wiring/coax behind the plastic trim.
 
I just want to find a console that isn't ruined for less than $100.



Some carpet wouldn't hurt either.
 
I like the rivets or welding to the ceiling. I wouldn't want that thing to come loose and whack yah in the head, while your driving thru rush hour or something....:eek1: not to mention just plain piss yah off....

I plan on mounting mine on the ceiling as well, but what about a linear? it's been so long since I've messed with these, I can't remember squat on the cables n what not. I thought that wit a linear, it has to be close to the radio, so a short cable has to be used. Basically the shorter the cable the better. There isn't enough room on the ceiling for both, plus the linear is kinda big compared to the radio. Plus it will need some air to cool. Would it be OK to mount the radio to the ceiling, then mount the linear on the floor and still work as it should? Where are the experts??:dunno:
 
You wanting to talk to Australia?

Plop that antenna right directly in the center of the roof and get the swr tuned right, it'll get out further than you reslize.

I had a nice little heater mounted up in my rig when I drove long haul, had to have the radio detuned to like a watt and a half or something, modulation was adjusted. Still it turned out to be more of a pain really. Always had to have the box hooked up for decent coverage. Then it'd bleed over everything as well. I believe it does need a short coax as well. Been awhile though.

I'd honestly just have the radio itself "adjusted" / "tuned" for maximum output and call it good. That alone in combine with lowest possible swr, you'd do great.
 
If you want to talk further, get your HAM license and go 2M. I hear a lot of trucker activity on the 2M repeaters now. Much less vulgar and you don't have to contend with the power happy skip monkeys bleeding all over the channels.

My CB is just a little Uniden 505 mounted to the top of the dash. I used a 4x10 in the factory center location as an external speaker and ran all the wires in the dash.
 
My old man was a truck driver for 35 years, he had a handful of radios. I have one for my work truck (never put it in) and have a smaller one for my pick up. It was tuned, but guess cause it's a smaller one, can't be peaked. I bought the linear for $25, so not like I have much money into it. It did make a difference, I have it, why not use it. I have a 6' firestick, had it mounted on top of the bedrail, and did pretty good. I like the idea of the radio mounted to the ceiling, it's out of the way, no worry's bout kicking it, not to mention the speaker is on the bottom, so be tough to hear mounted down low. Gotta get the stupid truck back before worring bout this.....:angry1:
 
I had my CB mounted above the mirror in my Cherokee. To hold the mic I cut a piece of 1/8" aluminum about 2.5" long and screwed the original mic bracket to it then screwed it to the radio in the factory mic bracket holes hanging down so the mic slid into the bracket from the top. No more falling out on hill climbs or when pulling off from stop lights. Worked great!

As for the amp, just remember it is ILLEGAL and if you cause problems the FCC can confiscate it and fine you. I would reserve it for emergencies and then there is not garuentee that the people who can hear you will have enough power to respond so you'll likely have to do a simple name, location, situation broadcast and repeat it every couple minutes letting the amp cool.

When you are driving, you generally won't need all that power because the truck's coming the opposite direction can provide info on what you are driving towards. I've talked a good 10 miles of the weak side of my Cherokee with just the factory 4W on a good antenna. We managed a 6 mile line-of-site conversation between two less than ideal set ups in a minor emergency once too.
 
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