2m radio mounted overhead in FJ60

pismojim · 03-24-07, 11:29 PM

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 · 03-25-07, 01:18 AM

Cool

Cruiserdrew · 03-26-07, 05:02 PM

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

pismojim · 03-26-07, 06:27 PM

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 · 03-26-07, 06:31 PM

Quote:

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 · 03-26-07, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D'Animal

Who would you call? A Tugboat? LOL

Why this guy of course....

Mark W · 03-26-07, 10:03 PM

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

Mark...

pismojim · 03-26-07, 10:28 PM

Quote:

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 · 03-26-07, 10:42 PM

Quote:

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 · 03-26-07, 10:52 PM

Quote:

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 · 04-14-07, 10:27 AM

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 · 05-28-07, 06:42 PM

what model radio is this Jim?

Cruiserdrew · 05-28-07, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaliCruiser

what model radio is this Jim?

It looks like a Yaesu FT2800.

CaliCruiser · 05-29-07, 10:17 AM

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

sirenmoses · 05-29-07, 06:49 PM

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

pismojim · 05-29-07, 09:18 PM

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 · 05-30-07, 10:07 AM

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

Dylan

Ducks · 12-26-07, 11:07 AM

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 · 12-26-07, 10:21 PM

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 · 12-27-07, 02:55 PM

Thanks Jim. Makes sense.