2m radio mounted overhead in FJ60

[pismojim]

Mounted the radio above the rear view mirror. No problem with visibility of the road, mirror or radio. It pivots on a center bolt so it can be aimed at driver or passenger. A little velcro on one side of the mike cable and a cheap sunglass clip secure the mike cord while still allowing quick release.

I used the existing holes on the mirror mount to secure a stiff piece of metal for the bracket. I stuck a block and some foam (wrapped in duck tape) to force the angle down a bit giving me a straight on view of the screen - which helps with the LCD. I even used the visor screws to attached a couple cable stays. Didn't have to drill any holes or make any "permanent" changes. Not that I care. I did drill a hole in the roof for the antenna.

I may clean it up a bit, but it's solid and working great so far.

[loquito]

Cool

[Cruiserdrew]

Pismo-That is extremely nice and clean. I wonder if there are enough solid points to do something similar in the 80?

[pismojim]

The 80 Series lack the headroom of the 60 Series. Plus they have the moonroof and controls, maplight, etc. But he solid points shouldn't be a probem.

I'm going to have to study that one, but it might be doable. Especially for a detatched face unit.

I can still call for help in the middle of a failed water crossing with water lapping at my chest.

[D'Animal]

Originally Posted by pismojim

I can still call for help in the middle of a failed water crossing with water lapping at my chest.

Who would you call? A Tugboat? LOL

[pismojim]

Originally Posted by D'Animal

Who would you call? A Tugboat? LOL

Why this guy of course....

[Mark W]

Hey Jim, ya getting in shape for some scouting on foot and some cable dragging and some ?????





Mark...

[pismojim]

Originally Posted by Mark W

Hey Jim, ya getting in shape for some scouting on foot and some cable dragging and some ?????

Mark...

Yep, the PT has started. Got to earn my keep. Shall I bring a dry suit?

[pismojim]

Originally Posted by D'Animal

Who would you call? A Tugboat? LOL

That reminds me of my flop at Rubithon a couple years ago. About 10:30 PM, slow roll onto the side at the top of Walker Hill. I'm hanging upside down over my passenger who is lying on a rock which came through the open window. Looking at my fatass about to drop on him he's begging me not to release my seat belt.

So I key up the radio and ask if someone could roll me back over.
(radio content)

They did, I never released the seat belt until we were right side up.

We kept going until we finally broke something around mid-night so we could stop and camp. Good times.

[Mark W]

Originally Posted by pismojim

Yep, the PT has started. Got to earn my keep. Shall I bring a dry suit?

Naw, I just recently picked up a spare.


Mark...

[haryv]

mounting the radio overhead means it is out of view from thiefs and less of a distraction near the dash. Its a little odd that it sits there by its self but it works.

[CaliCruiser]

what model radio is this Jim?

[Cruiserdrew]

Originally Posted by CaliCruiser

what model radio is this Jim?

It looks like a Yaesu FT2800.

[CaliCruiser]

thanks buddy, I'm hoping to get licensed soon. . .

[sirenmoses]

Nice. The radios in some of the firetrucks I drive have a moveable mount like that. Very handy.

[pismojim]

After a couple months and a few road and trail trips I can say I really like the overhead location. Very easy to see when I want to look at it and very easy not to see when I don't.

It's also easy to see/use when standing outside.

I have noticed I automatically look up for the radio when I'm driving my other vehicles.

[CaliCruiser]

I like it. It looks like a very simple radio and easy to use in that location. Thanks for the pics.

Dylan

[Ducks]

Hey Jim,

I want to mount my FT-2800M the way you have. How did you make your bracket? Is it a just a straight piece of metal? How is it holding up?

Thanks,
Chad

[pismojim]

It was a piece of metal "strap" I picked up at the hardware store in the area with galvanized framing angles. I drilled three (IIRC) holes to fit the mirror mount. Sandwiched the metal between the mirror and mount using longer screws and it was/is solid. I added a little block of wood to bend the metal down about an inch. It's in tension flexing the the metal strap down for a better angle on the face of the radio.

It's been bounced all over the Rubicon and other trails and it holding up perfectly. Nice and tight, no movement.

A little "hook and loop" on the cord on one side and a sunglasses holder on the other keeps the cord from hanging down. The only down side is a sore arm when doing extended programing. But that doesn't happen often.

Good luck!

[Ducks]

Thanks Jim. Makes sense.

[convert]

Here are a few pics of my 80 series with a yaesu 7800 mounted overhead with a ram mount

[Ducks]

I took 14 gauge strap that was 34" long that I found in the framing section of Home Depot and attached it between the mirror mount and the dome light. I haven't permanently attached the mic yet.

[pismojim]

Looks great! And room for more...

Getting cruiser parts at the building supply is second only to scrounging them from a junk pile.

I suppose you could wrap the strap with some appropriate looking material to create a finished look.

[ILUVMUD]

Has anyone mounted (or what are pros and cons of) a CB in the dash in place of the radio, ashtray or the slot in between?

[Rob Faucett]

Ducks - Is that strap attached to anything (like ribs etc.) between the dome light and rv-mirror?

[Ducks]

Originally Posted by Rob Faucett

Ducks - Is that strap attached to anything (like ribs etc.) between the dome light and rv-mirror?

No, the 14 gauge strap just barely bends and holds itself against the roof even if it weren't attached at the dome light. I guess the roof consoles only use the dome light and mirror mount points. It seems very stable. If I hang more stuff off of the strap, I might try to tie it in somehow. I looked briefly at doing it but it doesn't appear necessary at this point.