DIY: CB Radio Install; Lots of Pics!

[whitenoise]

Great info, guys. Are y'all aware of any performance advantage to mounting the antenna to the front or rear of the vehicle? I feel its an easier overall install with a hood mount like this: LX470 Family Adventure Rig (no need to pull trim, drill holes in the body etc.)

 

[Lowbudgetlc100]

i just like it in the back so when it goes whips around it just hit the pillar and no chance hitting any glass

 

[Jay470]

There are numerous considerations when selecting or placing an antenna e.g. Height, length, mount type, etc. and there is no one right answer. I have both a CB and ham radio and I use a Labrak mount for the CB but use a heavy duty mag mount on the roof for a better ground plane. I will add that the firestick CB antenna tends to add wind noise which I don't care for but I'm getting used to it.

When I thought out my system it was with the intention of making it easily removable for serviceability (mainly) and portability I have several vehicles and recently so I could fit in a parking structure without damaging my antennas.

I've seen numerous people use hood or front bumper mounting locations and the mounting location does not appear to be an issue. I personally do not like the obstruction but your mileage may very

 

[SmoothLC]

The panel with the 12 volt, cig lighter and ashtray just pops out enough that you can get behind it without taking a significant portion of the center console out (I used a small standard screw driver to gently pry the panel out from the plastic clips that run along the top). Removing the transfer case shift knob will buy you some extra room for the drill (pro tip: go slow since the bit will want to walk on you. Also use tape on the bit to mark your desired depth / size). I used a stepped drill bit and had to drill out the hole slightly larger than 5/8's so that the mount would fit with the slight dash panel angle since the panel mount will want to tip up slightly then just screw it in place. It's best if you attach your cable to the mount first before screwing it in. I had a good amount of room in this area with the cable installed so there were no figment issues.

If you need a stepped drill bit (makes a perfect hole and de-burrs too)... You can get one cheap off of eBay or Amazon. Buying from Home Depot / Lowes will run you like $50. I bought mine for $12 with free shipping.

I just installed the panel mount + a Blue Sea dual USB socket in place of the cigarette lighter and will post pictures later.

As far as the install goes, I'd re-emphasize what @Jay470 wrote above:

It's best if you attach your cable to the mount first before screwing it in.​

The lock nuts I used (6/32) prevented the PL-259 from making a secure connection. When I get things all wired up (waiting for a second USB - a Blue Sea Fast Charge - Dual USB Charger Socket Mount #1045 to install at the rear of the center console), I'll attach the PL-259 plug to the panel mount first, then add the washers and lock nuts.

Thanks for the write up @Jay470 and @TheForger. I'll finally have a clean Ham/CB HT set up soon and will be able to use either depending on who I go with or if I just go solo.

 

[Jay470]

I don't think I ever posted my ham setup. It's an ICom 2730

 

[ihadmail]

@SmoothLC this looks like the same socket mount USB port for less than half the cost: P0677 Dual USB Panel Mount Weatherproof 2.1A Charging Socket - Altronics

 

[Bankska11]

Refreshing this thread...can someone point me in the direction of where to buy the labtec mount for the rear door channel?

 

[jon91581]

I’m interested in finding a passenger side rear mount, too. Seems like access to purchase the KP mount is down and couldn’t find a link to Labrak rear mount.

Thanks,
Jon

 

[Bankska11]

I’m interested in finding a passenger side rear mount, too. Seems like access to purchase the KP mount is down and couldn’t find a link to Labrak rear mount.

Thanks,
Jon

Yeah, there are a few links here and there and all seem to be a dead end.

 

[TheForger]

@reznunt do you still make your antenna mounts or have you stopped production?

 

[reznunt]

@reznunt do you still make your antenna mounts or have you stopped production?

I never made them... I just advertised them on here for a little while for the company that sold them. They closed up shop though and I don't know where to get them. All I have is the pair on my truck.

 

[TheForger]

I never made them... I just advertised them on here for a little while for the company that sold them. They closed up shop though and I don't know where to get them. All I have is the pair on my truck.

Ahh my apologies, I see that now after looking closer at the archived thread.

Well since Labrak and KP have gone out of business it looks like everyone will have to wait until someone else brings one to market, I can’t find anyone else that makes them. Or you can go with the Gamiviti hood antenna mount up front

 

[bgolf247]

Ahh my apologies, I see that now after looking closer at the archived thread.

Well since Labrak and KP have gone out of business it looks like everyone will have to wait until someone else brings one to market, I can’t find anyone else that makes them. Or you can go with the Gamiviti hood antenna mount up front

I used this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X3EQ3G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I had to drill a couple holes, but I don't mind that. Just drill then put some primer and install. Note that the Gamiviti mount is for an NMO antenna base, which is more common for amateur antennas. I will eventually install a mobile unit, just have ht now. I will say that now that I have my tech licence I get why everyone rags on CB. I will still keep it for group runs that require it.

 

[cruzerDave]

@willbt Unfortunately, fitting into a 7' garage is going to be a no-go with a setup like mine unless you want to test out the spring. I too have a 7' garage and with the LabRak bracket, stud, spring, and antenna, it all comes to 7'8" tall. That is with me sitting at 19.5" in the front and 20.5" in the rear. Just 8" too tall and I would still be 5" too tall even if I didn't have the spring. Here are a few photos:

View attachment 1187166
View attachment 1187168

Taken by the passenger front fender in reference to the top of my roof rack, you can see it poking up in the back:
View attachment 1187169
View attachment 1187170

Do you have any problems with that 4' antenna in wind? I have been driving down the road and had a crosswind start it oscillating, and that spring just seems to amplify until it is literally whacking against my truck. Scared the piss out of me at 70mph the first time it happened. Debating between dropping to a 3' vs a thin bungee of some kind to limit its movement. Anyone run into and solved this?

 

[bgolf247]

Do you have any problems with that 4' antenna in wind? I have been driving down the road and had a crosswind start it oscillating, and that spring just seems to amplify until it is literally whacking against my truck. Scared the piss out of me at 70mph the first time it happened. Debating between dropping to a 3' vs a thin bungee of some kind to limit its movement. Anyone run into and solved this?

Ha definitly. I pretty much have my CB antenna off unless needed because of this. I have seen some creative things around town with people having it strapped up like you thought of.

 

[TheForger]

Do you have any problems with that 4' antenna in wind? I have been driving down the road and had a crosswind start it oscillating, and that spring just seems to amplify until it is literally whacking against my truck. Scared the piss out of me at 70mph the first time it happened. Debating between dropping to a 3' vs a thin bungee of some kind to limit its movement. Anyone run into and solved this?

Hahah yes absolutely, I drove from Ltitle Rock, AR to Ridgway, CO and experienced multiple times where a crosswind would cause the antenna to hit the truck. Scared the sh*t out of me when I first heard it as well, thought I had lost a u-joint! Now I do the same as @bgolf247 and only have it on when I need it; also, I park in a garage both at work and home so I can’t have it on anyway. I usually install it at the trailhead.

 

[reznunt]

I never made them... I just advertised them on here for a little while for the company that sold them. They closed up shop though and I don't know where to get them. All I have is the pair on my truck.

Ahh my apologies, I see that now after looking closer at the archived thread.

Well since Labrak and KP have gone out of business it looks like everyone will have to wait until someone else brings one to market, I can’t find anyone else that makes them. Or you can go with the Gamiviti hood antenna mount up front

Try @reevesci ... He was gonna make some a while ago I think.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Try @reevesci ... He was gonna make some a while ago I think.

I have the 100 back in the shop now for a few R&D items. I never brought my antenna/light pod brackets to market (60,80 and 100). But could easily if there was interest.

J

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Yesterday I called the old laser shop and they are going to cut me a few blanks.

I have a few "samples" from the old prototype run that I can make up. @Kmonty66 gets the first pair and the other few (4 IIRC) are up for grabs. But, it'll be a few days before I can work them into the schedule.

J

 

[Kmonty66]

Yesterday I called the old laser shop and they are going to cut me a few blanks.

I have a few "samples" from the old prototype run that I can make up. @Kmonty66 gets the first pair and the other few (4 IIRC) are up for grabs. But, it'll be a few days before I can work them into the schedule.

J

Oh YEAH! Need a set for the 62 as well!! Tired of the dang mag mount for my hammy.