CB Radio Install Questions

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TheForger

TheForger

10 Year
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So I plan on installing a CB radio in my 2000 LC soon and I had a few questions regarding the components I will need. So far I have compiled a list of them and I hope that they are all compatible:
I decided to go with that Midland radio because I have heard a lot of positive reviews about it, and it is an all-in-one package. I won't have to deal with mounting the body of the radio in a separate location and it just better suits what I am looking for in terms of functionality. I want to pair that up with the FireFly 3' flexible antennae mounted to a LabRak rear hatch bracket. I know the coax cable I chose comes without the PL-259 connector not attached so I do anticipate some soldering, but I believe that will make it easier for me when it comes to routing the wire through the weatherstripping and up to the front cab area.

One specific detail that I would like to add (if possible) is a PL-259 flush mount adapter. I've tried searching around for one but I haven't had any luck and I honestly don't even know if they exist. The Midland radio that I chose has 2 cords coming from it - one plugs into the standard cigarette outlet and the other plugs into the PL-259 connector on the coax cable. However, when I run the coax up to the front I don't want to have it hanging out somewhere. I would prefer to have it ran behind the dash and have it screw into a flush-mount adapter that will be mounted between the 2 outlets (outlined in the pic below; not my dash either). This will allow me to plug the coax coming from the radio into a location very close to that of the power cord, and will help keep all of the wires pretty consolidated.
upload_2015-11-24_2-22-8.webp

Does anyone know where I can find such an adapter? Does this part even exist? I will be doing the install myself and due to my OCD I don't think I could bare a coax terminal hanging out or even having to hide it somewhere when the radio isn't plugged in. I would appreciate input and/or pics from anyone, especially from those who have done a similar install. I hope to have this project finished by the end of the year. I know that seems like a lot longer than it should take to complete this but I am currently in school and won't have time to complete the install until my Christmas break.
 
Might look at a pl259 panel mount to see if it will work for where you want to mount it.
 
Thank you @Jay470 that was exactly what I was looking for and I'm not quite sure why that didn't come up in my searches.

I went ahead and picked up a LabRak Antenna Mount while they were marked 30% off. Pretty good deal in my opinion. Now I just need the radio, antenna, and compatible stud and all of that will be coming soon. I get in trouble for buying myself gifts right before Christmas haha. I'm still not sure if I am going to go with the panel mount connector option or not. It would produce a cleaner finish in my opinion and avoid hanging wires, but would require a bit more work. I might just run the antenna coax up and out the carpet that comes up the side of the shift console to start out, and then put in the panel mount if the wire situation bothers me too much. I guess we'll see but hopefully it won't be much longer until I have all the pieces together
 
Sounds like you scored on that LabRak deal. I am still contemplating optimal mounting for both CB and Ham radios, antennas, GPS, etc... The LC 100 / LX 470 lack a lot of flexible or open space as compared to other vehicles I've used in the past. Especially when there are those of us that have larger radios or multiples to install.
 
aussie75series said:
Do you guys use UHF radio or just 27meg cb
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I've had a CB for a number of years and a lot of people have them here. Recently I started studying for my Technicians license so that I can operate a ham radio UHF / VHF when I am doing expedition style travel.
 
Also, would anyone care for a write-up once I complete this project? I know there are a few out there but I am yet to come across one with step-by-step instructions and detailed photos. I do take A LOT of pics during all of my installs so I figured if someone had a similar project planned in the near future it might come in handy for them. Keep in mind I will not be doing this project until my winter break comes around - I am in engineering school and have absolutely NO time to do anything besides study:bang:. My break ranges from Dec. 18 - Jan 18 but I plan on doing it a few days after Christmas. Just let me know what you guys think because I would be more than willing to!
 
TheForger said:
Also, would anyone care for a write-up once I complete this project? I know there are a few out there but I am yet to come across one with step-by-step instructions and detailed photos. I do take A LOT of pics during all of my installs so I figured if someone had a similar project planned in the near future it might come in handy for them. Keep in mind I will not be doing this project until my winter break comes around - I am in engineering school and have absolutely NO time to do anything besides study:bang:. My break ranges from Dec. 18 - Jan 18 but I plan on doing it a few days after Christmas. Just let me know what you guys think because I would be more than willing to!
Click to expand...
Sure, especially if you do something slick with mounting, etc... It may help others to better visualize options for their install(s).
 
TheForger said:
Also, would anyone care for a write-up once I complete this project? I know there are a few out there but I am yet to come across one with step-by-step instructions and detailed photos. I do take A LOT of pics during all of my installs so I figured if someone had a similar project planned in the near future it might come in handy for them. Keep in mind I will not be doing this project until my winter break comes around - I am in engineering school and have absolutely NO time to do anything besides study:bang:. My break ranges from Dec. 18 - Jan 18 but I plan on doing it a few days after Christmas. Just let me know what you guys think because I would be more than willing to!
Click to expand...

I would like that. I'm new to the Land Cruiser platform, so I'm taking in anything I find that is interesting.
 
Well it sounds like I will do a write up once I get around to the install! I have finally gathered all the pieces I need, minus the panel mount connector. I got a little stuck there because I am not sure which one I will need for a job like this. I believe a male PL-259 to a female PL-259 connector, correct or no? Would something like this connector work? It says it is a male PL-259 to SO-239 but it looks like the ends would connect properly. I should get to the install phase just after Christmas. I have to help my father install his Rigid Industries grill and lightbar in his 2015 4Runner also, so I plan on getting to this in the same day.
 
I have mine installed, but need to clean up the connection and have been looking at the panel mount.

My CB is mounted on the front PS hood and the coax goes through the firewall through the rubber boot just below the glove compartment.

Looking forward to your step-by-step instructions.
 
Sweet, I am planning on a Step-by-step HAM radio installation how-to with a CB write up as well. I picked the same CB as you for the same reasons. However, I will likely run a mag mount as my entire club (Rising Sun) seems to be running HAM. I may use a hard mount antenna but the jury is still out.

And yes, your part list looks good. You want the antenna to reach above the roof line if you are mounting on one of the LR mounts. So, a 3-5 foot antenna will meet your needs. The longer the better (as a general rule) however, if you don't put it on a quick disconnect then it will bang on everything, drive-thru's, ATM overhangs, parking garages, tree's and branches... etc. If you mount it full time, I'd invest in a flexible whip like the Wilson Flex or a spring base to keep it from snapping off, but either option will have the antenna smacking the back of the rig.
 
I successfully completed the install yesterday. I have halted the panel mount installation for now as I am still trying to find the appropriate part. I am also yet to tune the antenna but I should get that done later today or tomorrow. I love it so far! Now I am in the process of preparing the write up, btw I took a lot of photos. I'm a visual learner so I was not camera shy when it came to installing this. Hopefully you enjoy it! Write up coming soon in a dedicated thread.
 
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