Old Cobra 29 Classic

[rblain82]

I have an old cobra 29 classic that an old ex trucker gave me a few years ago. He said something about it being "turned up" but I don't know what he's talking about. I've never done much on CB radios, but I want to mount it in the rig...

Where is everyone mounting their large body CB radios. I've seen the smaller ones that fit in the dash, but not too much on the larger older ones.

I'm thinking about mounting whatever antenna I get on the passenger front edge of the bumper.

 

[msapers]

What I've seen done on these trucks it to go to a single DIN stereo and mount a CB in the empty spot underneath it. You'll have to run an external speaker with that radio. You could probably utilize the dash speaker for that. Some newer radios have a front firing speaker.

Couple of pics in this thread. Where to install cb radio in a lx 450 ? ? ?

 

[rblain82]

yea, but if I don't have to buy another radio and can use the one I already have that would be better and cheaper I think. The Cobra I have has a speaker in it so I don't think I would need an external.

 

[half k cruiser]

I don't think your going to fit a Cobra 29 in a single din slot. They are huge radios. It will probably have to go on or in the center console, or passenger side transmission tunnel.

 

[rblain82]

I don't think your going to fit a Cobra 29 in a single din slot. They are huge radios. It will probably have to go on or in the center console, or passenger side transmission tunnel.

yea I fully understand that it's not going to fit in my dash... I was just wondering where everyone else is mounting their big body CB's...

With some pics maybe.

 

[george_tlc]

Spend your $50 - $80 on a modern compact unit that is easy to mount or try to mount the old free large monster somewhere that isn't a complete eyesore... I doubt many (any) have tried to mount an old/large CB anywhere in an 80...

Personally I consider CB the way of the dinosaur (it was a dinosaur when the 80 was first released ). FRS/GMRS for convoys or go with a HAM radio which is what many 4wd clubs are running now and leaves all the other options for dead from a range/quality perspective.

cheers,
george.

 

[half k cruiser]

^ While i agree that the HAM is light years better, there is still some value to the citizens band. The biggest being access to over the road truck traffic. If you are going to run CB for that the 29 or the bigger galaxys will definitely outperform the smaller stuff. If his has been tuned then its probably running illegal wattage anyways which means his transmit should be far better then stock. I imagine a very large percentage of truckers are running illegal radios in there rigs. Otherwise, they would have all gotten there HAM licenses years ago

 

[Dazrin]

I have an old cobra 29 classic that an old ex trucker gave me a few years ago. He said something about it being "turned up" but I don't know what he's talking about. I've never done much on CB radios, but I want to mount it in the rig...

Where is everyone mounting their large body CB radios. I've seen the smaller ones that fit in the dash, but not too much on the larger older ones.

I'm thinking about mounting whatever antenna I get on the passenger front edge of the bumper.

For a larger CB like the 29, I have seen it mounted on the center console in a couple ways or on the passenger side of the transmission hump. That seems to give the best access but depending on passenger can really make it uncomfortable. (Sorry no pics of this.)

For the center console, I have seen it mounted to the rear of the console just high enough to allow the lid to open fully or I have seen it mounted basically where the cupholder is on the driver side. I didn't care for either of these options but they could work.
Back of console: Where to install cb radio in a lx 450 ? ? ?
Side of console: Anyone ever install a CB in a Tuffy?

If you don't mind some surgery this looks like a decent option too, near the end of the first post: For Sale: - Clean locked 93 FZJ80 $5200 OBO

Personally I shelved my Cobra 29 and got a Cobra 18 (front firing speaker) instead, I just haven't had a chance to install it yet.

 

[rblain82]

^ While i agree that the HAM is light years better, there is still some value to the citizens band. The biggest being access to over the road truck traffic. If you are going to run CB for that the 29 or the bigger galaxys will definitely outperform the smaller stuff. If his has been tuned then its probably running illegal wattage anyways which means his transmit should be far better then stock. I imagine a very large percentage of truckers are running illegal radios in there rigs. Otherwise, they would have all gotten there HAM licenses years ago

So what does all that mean... I literally know nothing about CB's.... Can you tune the wattage of the Cobra 18 like what most people put in their dash??

 

[george_tlc]

So what does all that mean... I literally know nothing about CB's.... Can you tune the wattage of the Cobra 18 like what most people put in their dash??

Why? What is your intended use for a CB? Trucker talk or for offroad use with a group/club/etc? Calling out for help when stranded and beyond cell radio limits?

cheers,
george.

 

[rblain82]

Why? What is your intended use for a CB? Trucker talk or for offroad use with a group/club/etc? Calling out for help when stranded and beyond cell radio limits?

cheers,
george.

It'll be for trail talk and use in emergency situations when cell service is not available. At least what I'm thinking.

 

[greentruck]

Dazrin already cited my install of a largish CB. While antiquated, it still works on the highway for some things and backs up FRS/GMRS.

Here's a pic of my antenna install on my ARB, drivers side so I don't drive the wife nuts with it in her vision.

Goes right through my 6'6" garage door, if that's an issue. It's a 3'. A 4' tall one would be just a little higher than that, but still would get you into most parking garages.

re "turned up" CBs, there's two flavors. Most likely, it's simply been tweaked by a tech to get best output on Channel 19, which is completely legal. Sometimes, particularly if it's what's called an "export model" the radio inherently has the capacity to transmit at higher than legal power, but is set so it stays within US max ERP limits. I don't think the 29 falls into that category. Radios like the RCI-2950 and several Galaxy models did, although from what I've heard have become harder to find because the FCC is not too fond of 25 or 100 watts on CB (or their "freeband" capabilities, either) since they are not restricted to within US certified limits because a simple mod or two will get you into places you're not supposed to go without a license.

 

[george_tlc]

It'll be for trail talk and use in emergency situations when cell service is not available. At least what I'm thinking.

Check with the clubs/groups you plan to hang with. I think you'll find CB is not used much at all. If you have to go CB, I'd just get one of the tiny cobra all in one units, they are tiny and easily mounted. Unless you want to deal with installing a large (and mostly obsolete) box in the your vehicle...

I never bothered with a CB in my 80. Tossed the one out of the patrol in oz 15 or so years ago as oz moved to UHF CB and the MUCH improved quality of FM became the defacto standard for groups on the trail. I also have a 2M/UHF Ham rig in the patrol. In my 80 I have an all-wave unit (HF/2m/uhf).

For emergency you want something that can reliably get the distance. In the US there's such an enormous 2m HAM repeater system in place that you can reach places that you couldn't dream of with CB. Of course you need to get a license, but that's easy, both my kids got their licenses (written test) when they were 7/9 yrs old - so there is NO excuse for failing

Anyhow, do as you will, 10-4 good buddy

cheers,
george.

 

[half k cruiser]

So what does all that mean... I literally know nothing about CB's.... Can you tune the wattage of the Cobra 18 like what most people put in their dash??

There is lots of information out there on the google, just look for it. The Cobra 29 can be an excellent radio, lots and lots of capability there. Also, there is an electronics section in the forums that probably has some stuff you will want to read, i recommend a trip over there.