How come nobody installs their CB this way?

mikemayberry · 11-09-2007, 10:38 AM

I have tried to read every post on the site about CB installs. I'm still trying to decide how to best handle the install for my needs.

Seems that most have taken the dash or console apart and really buried it in there one way or another.

My questions follow:

1. Why has nobody tried installing a CB like the Cobra WX75 left of the steering column? Looks like the wiring and space available under the dash would both be ample and make for a very simple installation.

2. Why doesn't anyone install their antenna on the front bumper in one of the holes the ARB people so kindly provided? Is there a technical reason that front bumper antennas won't work as well and if so, will somebody educate me? First thoughts I have had is this would be a very easy way to bring the coax through the firewall and under the driver's side dash for the complete installation to be "right there".

For those that might be able to help me understand, I would appreciate your thoughts.

M

5280FJ · 11-09-2007, 10:42 AM

I've seen many people with their antenna on the front bumper.

As far as the WX75 installed on the right, I have a MT, so the left hand is always on the wheel, right hand --> wheel/shift knob/CB/water bottle/doritoes/playing with computer&GPS/scratching crotch, etc...

mikemayberry · 11-09-2007, 10:56 AM

5280,

That is a very good point, hadn't thought of that free right hand deal. Guess I didn't because I'm left-handed and have an automatic. I think I drive with both hands equally.

Others, would it be a big deal to get the coax through the firewall somewhere on the driver's side?

Thanks,

M

RicoVerde · 11-09-2007, 10:56 AM

My CB is in the left dash area with the Mic plug in the drivers side glove box.

I think that the front bumper idea is a good one since it doubles as a marker for that front right corner in tough terrain. The down side would be the height of the antenna. I am no expert but I think the higher the antenna the better the reception.

**Corey** · 11-09-2007, 10:57 AM

I ran the antenna on my ARB bumper on my '91 4Runner for years, prior to that it was a hood/fender mount.

The reason mine is on the "Bandi" mount now is it was mounted the next day after I bought the FJ, and it did not have the ARB bumper on it then, but does now.

It works great back there, so I will not switch it to the front.

mikemayberry · 11-09-2007, 11:02 AM

Corey,

Was it a big deal to get the coax to the front? I think I see a channel that runs full length down the left side. Is that the way you did it?

M

cnynrat · 11-09-2007, 11:17 AM

It's quite easy to get the coax from the Bandi mount to the front. Look at Jknox65's post here: easy-cobra-wxst-power-install. I like this approach because it keeps the coax inside the vehicle, rather than running it underneath as others have done. You can put the CB to the left of the steering wheel, or in the center console as Jknox65 did. To me thats all about whether you'd rather hold the CB in your L or R hand, and whether you want to allow your passenger to use the CB.

The trickiest part is getting the cable forward from the rear storage compartment to the area of the door channel. Once I had the cable routed into the rear storgage compartment, I taped the end of the cable to to a straightened coat hanger.

Also, instead of routing the cable on top of the rear door seal, I cut a small hole in the flex cover over the wire bundle to the rear door and routed it in through there.

HTH.

felonious · 11-09-2007, 11:37 AM

You can mount the antenna up front on the bumper but you must make sure that 2/3 of the antenna is above the roof line otherwise you will have very poor reception and transmission. The holes on the front of the arb are more for marker sticks so that you know where your corners are of the bumper for ease of driving in tight conditions.

5280FJ · 11-09-2007, 11:46 AM

Quote:

mikemayberry previously said:

5280,

That is a very good point, hadn't thought of that free right hand deal. Guess I didn't because I'm left-handed and have an automatic. I think I drive with both hands equally.

Others, would it be a big deal to get the coax through the firewall somewhere on the driver's side?

Thanks,

M

Then I think that left side Silver "no mans land" would be a great spot for you to mount it.

One other consideration, if it's on the right, your passenger can be your communications chief while you drive. (I rarely have passengers though...hmm, maybe that's a hint...)

**Relic hunter** · 11-09-2007, 11:57 AM

My requirements were simple. It had to be accessible to driver and passenger. The CB could not take up interior space intended for occupants. This is my solution. Just one more Idea for those installing a CB radio.