Looking to mount a CB behind my center console(cooler), question on mounting...

[whosthecoolguy]

Hi guys,
I have an HDJ81, with the cooler in the center console, and I'm looking to mount a CB on the back side of it facing the rear seats.

I'm not really sure what my best method would be to mount the bracket here (on plastic)?

Can anyone with better ideas than me offer any suggestions?

Thanks guys!

Jeff

 

[cody c]

There are some CB's and HAM's(much better apparently) with remote displays, which can be mounted in the dash with the electronics mounted somewhere high and dry. It would be nice to see what channel you are on from the driver seat.

Have a search through the 80 section as Ive seen a couple well done setups in threads, and also in the electronic tech section.

 

[whosthecoolguy]

Thanks for the reply.
I have the unit and I know where I want to mount it, I'm just wondering how to best physically mount the unit in that location.

 

[BrotherRob]

Adhesive backed velcro works really well. No need to drill holes.

 

[whosthecoolguy]

It's pretty heavy...you think that would work?
It's a good idea!

Adhesive backed velcro works really well. No need to drill holes.

 

[retrofive]

CB's are pretty light, would'nt worry to much. CreeperSleeper mounted his HAM there, much heavier and re-enforced from the inside I believe.

 

[BrotherRob]

It's pretty heavy...you think that would work?
It's a good idea!

I've done it with basic Midlands and Unidens, pretty light units. Never had a problem. You really won't lose anything by giving it a try. The worst thing that can happen is you're back where you started.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

CB's are pretty light, would'nt worry to much. CreeperSleeper mounted his HAM there, much heavier and re-enforced from the inside I believe.

Yep! I took a piece of scrap sheet metal and bent it to pick up the mounting holes under the console. I then rivited the mount through the plastic into the metal. Works great!

 

[asutherland]

Adhesive backed velcro works really well. No need to drill holes.

As another cruiser owner with the OEM fridge console ... ... I agree. I wouldn't drill anywhere near that thing unless you've taken it all apart to see what's what. You can get some pretty heavy duty adhesive stuff that should work fine.

 

[Enigma]

I mounted mine off the console, but on the passenger side area up near the shifters. It works quite well there and doesn't get in the way. I thought about putting mine back where you mentioned, but didn't want the kids kicking it and was reluctant to screw into anywhere near the fridge unit.

 

[BrotherRob]

I'm not sure about the layout on you guys rigs. On the American 80s, compact CBs like the Uniden 510 and 520 wedge nicely between the console and the ebrake and don't need any permanent mounting.

 

[Red Sox Cruiser]

I mounted my midland on the back of the center console with heavy duty velcro and it lasted approximately 9 months when it fell off due to high temperatures. I personally hated it back there. Extreme pita! Hard to adjust, see and use. I moved mine in front of the transfer case shifter cut a hole in the surround and recessed it. I love it there now marked it really nice to adjust and see.

My .02!

Thanks
Jerry

 

[asutherland]

I mounted mine IN the dash. However mine is one of those little mini Unidens. I also wouldn't recommend mounting the hand piece there... it's a b*tch to get to and annoys me every time I use it. Still pondering on good locations to hang it.

Wow, that's an old pic... I have empty dash block-offs! And no CDL button....

 

[joseywales]

I also wouldn't recommend mounting the hand piece there... it's a b*tch to get to and annoys me every time I use it.

You must get annoyed a lot! I recall you used it a fair bit when I went out to Sooke with you and Cam I mounted my Uniden where BrotherRob did. I like the look of it in-dash better, though my 96 doesn't have the same dash as your diesel...

 

[ikeedikeed]

I also wouldn't recommend mounting the hand piece there... it's a b*tch to get to and annoys me every time I use it. Still pondering on good locations to hang it.

I tried that location for the hand piece of my VHF, but it didn't last long. It's way too far a reach and it rattled around a lot.

I moved mine to my rear-view mirror. I got a little suction-cup-mounted hook that I stick on the lower left corner of the mirror. I usually don't have the hand piece plugged in, but when I'm wheeling I plug it in and hang it there. It's way easier to grab and I barely notice the hanging wire. Also, on mine, the hook itself hangs lower than the bottom of the mirror so there's no rattle. The hand piece just swings free.

Some people dangle all kinds of useless sh!t off their rear-views. This I can handle. Sorry no pics. I'm in the bush for work.

 

[Enigma]

I just drape my mic over the passenger grab handle, works fine.

 

[BrotherRob]

You guys work way to hard. I wedge my CB next to the console and put the mic in my lap. Works great and it's a 2 minute install.

 

[80t0ylc]

You guys work way to hard. I wedge my CB next to the console and put the mic in my lap. Works great and it's a 2 minute install.

I agree, but my CB use is only when wheeling in groups. I started like yours, Rob, and then got ambitious and mounted the under-dash bracket to the passenger side of the console, way forward. It's out of the way of passengers and I can see the display and work the controls. The mike just sits on the console, near the shifters. I made up a cig-lighter power plug and use a magnetic mount antenna. I can swap it between the 80 series and my '81 Mini at will. I need to fab another bracket for the Mini, though. Works like a charm. I'm still at work, but can take a pic when I get home in a few hours, if any one's interested in what it looks like.

Edit: Here's some pics. Ignore the dust and the cables. They are temporary - like the CB. I route the antenna lead either out the sun roof or out a passenger side door, depending on the weather. Surprisingly, the cables or the CB itself don't get in the way.

 

[Enigma]

Sounds exactly like mine, but mines hardwired.