Yet another Midland 75-822 CB install

[RocKrawler]

I wanted to install a functional CB, and the FJ is very unforgiving for full size units. Enter the compact handhelds with all controls on the handset. The Cobra 75 has been a popular choice, but I dont like the look of the handset personally, and its restricted to in car use only. Midland has an excellent unit in the 75-822 that I picked up on E-Bay for $69 new in the box, which includes hookups to run it in the FJ (or the wifes FJ62 until we sell it without buying an extra control box like the Cobra makes you do for a 2nd vehicle) OR you can snap on the included battery pack and rubber antenna to spot another vehicle through an obstacle out on the trail. The flexability of the Midland and the affordable price made it an easy decision. Here is what the unit looks like:


I wanted an always-on 12V source so the CB doesnt lose the channel its on during brief stops if the motor is shut off like the stock one in the dash does. I also wanted an easy access CB antenna cable that doesnt hang out in the open when not in use, thus lowering the reading on the meter in my avatar. So where do you put the antenna cable when you arent using the CB? Let it flop around under the seat? Have a shiny plug hanging off the side of the console drawing attention because it screams "I dont belong here". There had to be a better way to have it accessible and still look factory when not in use. After thinking up how to do it & make it look clean, here's how I did my plug placement.

Essentially I wanted to avoid this:


And I chose to do this:


I started with 2 of these:


And you will need either a 1.125" hole saw, or one of these. I figured this would come in handy more than once, so I got it off E-Bay for $22 to my door, and it cuts clean holes up to 1.375":


You also need a die grinder (which I used, equipped with a carbide bit) or Dremel with a bit that will cut into the metal and plastic of one of the plugs, so that in the end it looks something like this:


Making that hole lets the CB cable connector fit into the back of the housing like this:


And from the other side it now looks like this:


Now you choose your placement in the console, drill your holes and pop them in from the front so it looks like this from the back:


And this from the front:


When you want to use the CB, just pop the cover:


And pull out the plug:


Now its just a matter of screwing the plug into the CB and plugging the 12V end into the other socket. Simple and clean, with no ugly ends hanging out hurting your bling factor. The console can now be reassembled and cleaned up to look better than new.

Questions anybody? Questions?

[Tex-FJ]

Very Nice! I may copy your idea if you don't mind.

[Terahex]

Very nice... I wish I had thought of that cable mount.

[RocKrawler]

Tex-FJ previously said:

Very Nice! I may copy your idea if you don't mind.

Thats why I posted it - I've gotten so many great ideas from this board, some simple & others complex, but all helpful in helping me determine what path to take with my vehicle. Seeing people putting in 2 - 12V aux plugs and others installing a removable CB, combining the ideas for a cleaner install semed natural to me and it was about $200 for everything

Midland CB $69
Bandi Mount $49
K40 Superflex Antenna $45
Cables and wire $11 +/-
2 plugs from Radio Shack $7.99ea

Wish my ARB Fridge was that cheap!

[dbbd1]

Very good job. How is the weight of the handheld while you are jockeying around in the vehicle?

[RocKrawler]

Its a very sturdy unit, fits better in the palm than the smaller handsets of regular CB's for my big hands. I have no complaints with its size

[ruebarb]

Very nice

[jeshua]

All right terry you finnaly got around to doing this. Looks great man I will have to try and retro fit mine with one more 12v plug.

[RocKrawler]

Yeah Josh, I took my time on this one huh? I just hated seeing that cable laying on the floor in the back all the time. Now I have to run another power wire to the back for the ARB fridge

[skersfan]

I was present during this operation. The doctor did a great job, but there were tense moments. After watching Rockrawler do this, I feel certain I can do the same install. Very clean and professional, but what else would we expect from the guru of All Pro!!!!!