Cobra 75 WXST and Bandi Mount Install

[TIT-CRUISER]

CactusJK previously said:

What SWR numbers are people seeing with the Bandi Mount, a Cobra 75, and a Firestick 2' and 4' antenna?

I am not sure if you want the SWR numbers for a 3' Firestick, but i balanced it out at 1.6 on Channels 1 & 40.

[bandi]

TIT-CRUISER previously said:

Thanks everybody for all of the helpful information.
I installed the Bandi Mount, Cobra 75WXST, and additional 12V outlet last weekend.
I took my time following all of the instructions and I am very pleased with the results. I did notice a little wind noise from the antenna, but not too bad.
Here are the pics:

Very Nice install... and when you get done with
Air2Air, I need ya to do mine too...

[Son of a Son]

I biased mine a little towards the lower channels. About 1.3 on 1 and 1.6 on 40.

[eljugador]

I admire the technical skills of all of the do it yourself people on this list and also realize that the best way to develop these skills is to learn by doing. However, I have also learned that, when it comes to things that involve wiring or drilling holes in my brand new car, that I am better off paying someone to do this sort of thing. In the long run I find that it is cheaper (fewer buggered up parts to replace, fewer thrown tools, etc).

I plan to copy this install and be able to provide whomever with all the right parts and the right instructions to get this done right. I have an AT truck, wo I realize BigBill's method will not work 100%.

This being the case, I have a few questions for you all:

I notice Bandi's post following Bigbills he modified Bill's list of equipment (or added to it).


Bill's list:

Firestik - MU8R18 - 2-Piece 18ft "EZ-Install" Single Coax (MU8R18) = $18.95
Firestik Firefly 3 Foot Flexable Antenna (FL3B) = $17.95
Cobra 75WXST Remote CB & Weather Radio (75WXST) = $109.95
Firestik - SS3M - Stainless Steel Spring (SS3M) = $9.95
Firestik K4R FireRing Stud Mount (K4R) = $3.49
Firestik - K1A - Internal Locking Quick Disconnect (K1A) = $15.95

The next two are for tuning your antenna. They don't stay in the truck:
Paradynamics - PDC1 - 100 Watt Power & SWR Meter (PDC1) = $14.95
3ft RG58 Coax Cable with PL-259 Connectors (HS803PL) = $4.95


Bandi's list:

1 x - 300-313 - Replacement Stud Plastic Washers $0.99
1 x Firestik K4 Stud Mount With Ring Connectors $4.95
1 x Firestik - K1A - Internal Locking Quick Disconnect $15.95
1 x Firestik - MU8R18 - 2-Piece 18ft "EZ-Install" Single Coax $18.95
1 x Paradynamics - PDC1 - 100 Watt Power & SWR Meter $14.95
1 x - HS803PL - 3ft RG58 Coax Cable with PL-259 Connectors $4.95

I'm trying to get an idea of what Bandi is suggesting here (which parts add to the total part lists and which are replacements for other pars).

Also, it sounds like folks with the AT can't run the wire in to the vehicle the same way. It looks like one guy drilled and another guy found a "nipple" somewhere to shove the wires through. Will the "nipple method" work on an AT or am I missing something entirely (or do I just like to type the word nipple)?

As always, I am grateful for assistance and advice.

Thanks.

DR

[Son of a Son]

I have an at and fount the perfect nipple to go through. There was no drilling necessary. In reality it is a grommet that all the back door wiring goes through anyway. Where are you located? I thought you were somewhere in my area (but Im probably just an idiot) If so I can show you how I mounted mine I didnt have to drill holes to mount the handset hanger.

[eljugador]

I'm in Lake Oswego. Would love to be able to take a look whenever it suits you (though this Saturday won't work becuse I'll be driving the new rig home from Boise!).

Stoked, but I am a bit sad to be selling my Silverado. Something tells me I'll get over it though.

DR

[bandi]

I had already had the Cb, and antenna and
some misc. parts before I ordered my items
from walcottcb... plus I was in need of a few
spare items to experiment with...

As far as running the cable, The grommet at
the rear door is the cleanest option... The one
shown here with the white zip-tie attached...

Good luck, and post some images on your install...

eljugador previously said:

....
I notice Bandi's post following Bigbills he modified Bill's list of equipment (or added to it).......

BigBill25 list:

Firestik Firefly 3 Foot Flexable Antenna (FL3B) = $17.95 ( I had a 2 Foot Antenna already )
Cobra 75WXST Remote CB & Weather Radio (75WXST) = $109.95 ( I Had the same radio already )
Firestik - SS3M - Stainless Steel Spring (SS3M) = $9.95 ( Not needed IMO for the small antennas )
Firestik K4R FireRing Stud Mount (K4R) = $3.49 ( This is the correct item, I was experimenting )
Firestik - MU8R18 - 2-Piece 18ft "EZ-Install" Single Coax (MU8R18) = $18.95
Firestik - K1A - Internal Locking Quick Disconnect (K1A) = $15.95
Paradynamics - PDC1 - 100 Watt Power & SWR Meter (PDC1) = $14.95
3ft RG58 Coax Cable with PL-259 Connectors (HS803PL) = $4.95

bandi list:

1 x - 300-313 - Replacement Stud Plastic Washers $0.99 ( Spare parts )
1 x Firestik K4 Stud Mount With Ring Connectors $4.95 ( Part for an experimennt )
1 x Firestik - MU8R18 - 2-Piece 18ft "EZ-Install" Single Coax $18.95
1 x Firestik - K1A - Internal Locking Quick Disconnect $15.95
1 x Paradynamics - PDC1 - 100 Watt Power & SWR Meter $14.95
1 x - HS803PL - 3ft RG58 Coax Cable with PL-259 Connectors $4.95

[eljugador]

Thanks. Once you go in through that gromet, I take it you can run the cable inside the truck?

DR

[bandi]

eljugador previously said:

Thanks. Once you go in through that gromet, I take it you can run the cable inside the truck?

DR

Yes, you will go thru the left rear side panel,
then under the seat/flooring to the center
consol, if thats is where you are add the cb...

Just use some black permatex or equivalent
around where the wire enters the cab to make
sure there are no leaks...

[iCruiser]

bandi previously said:

As far as running the cable, The grommet at
the rear door is the cleanest option...

I did just as you suggested this afternoon!!
Bought one of the original Bandi Mounts way back when (what serial number was i Bandi??) and finally got arround to purchasing my cb accessorries and installed the mount today!!



due to some chips from shipping and impropper initial installation, I had to resand, and repaint the mount with Rustoleum textured black. (came out nice!)




Wired it through the grommet as just recommened in order to route to rear compartment. I cut the rubber and poked the end of a screwdriver through it, then duck taped the end of the cable to the scredriver and stretched the rubber so that the cable could go through! Now need to find some of the sealant to finish the job!

Bandi as everyone knows by now came up with an awesome accessory!!! and I wish I had done this sooner!

Thanks Bandi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

T