HAM radio install

Hey all, looking for some idea's on where to install a Yaesu 8800 in my 2011 double cag. Any suggestions? Any antena idea's as well are welcomed...

 

I mounted mine with two screws right behind the cup holder. Just make sure you use short screws if you do it this way or any drinks you put in the cup holder will mysteriously explode.



For the antenna mine is mounted like this: (passengers side rear door)




The radio isn't in the best spot but I couldn't figure out where else to put it that wouldn't get in the passengers way, I hardly ever have people in the back. The one with the removal faceplate would make it MUCH easier to mount.

 

I've got an IC-2200 mounted on the passenger side of the middle console with a 2/70 mounted on the metal strip in the bed right before the tailgate. I'll take some pictures tomorrow to give you a better idea.

I'm not too crazy with the location of the radio because it interferes with the passengers leg room, but with no removable head there weren't many options.

Edit: In fact, look here -> http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/75220-yaesu-ft-8800r-install-05-tacoma.html

 

If your DC is not a TRD, there is a large space inside the center console under the storage compartment where the OEM power inverter goes in the TRD models. This is where I'm putting my Kenwood TM-V7A. Remote mount head will go either up in the garage door opener space (with the opener door removed) or possibly in front of the cupholders.

 

here is where i installed my 2meter..used a Scoche dash kit kit or whatever it's called.


and here is where i installed the CB..


and..i also drilled into the sheetmetal to install the 2meter antenna

 

subbing!!!

 

I would not want to drill into the body of my truck...but that's just me. Hahaha.

 

I''ve been meaning to put up pix of my install. FT8900 install. I took some pix as I was doing the work but never got pix of the final thing all together. And the final pix need to be taken in daylight.

I'll try and add some to this thread by sunday night.

One tip: if you drill the roof to put in an NMO mount this weekend, mask off the roof carefully everywhere except at the actual hole carefully with newspaper. It's impossible to sweep up the drill shavings without putting scratches in the paint. Someone convinced me I could do it with a magnet. That does NOT work, it magnetizes the shavings and makes it worse.

 

^ like this!?


also another good tip..put something to open a large gap in between the headliner and roof so you dont drill a hole into the actual headliner

 

I want to install my Yaesu FT 857D in new Taco, remote head was no problem, I made a metal bracket and bent it to the angle that fit my viewing preference and secured it into the pocket using 2" wide HD Velcro. Since head just clips in and out of holder this works great. NOW the problem, I have always used Tarheel Screwdriver style HF 10-80 antenna on previous full sized truck. But trying to find a location for a mount that is strong enough to support the antenna load is a challenge. So much that I am considering just to go with ham-sticks and manually change for different bands. Sure would miss that auto band change tuning on Tartheel. I have considered using a hitch style mount but due to tailgate blockage and also the reported signal loss when tuning coil is parallel to grounded metal, I am still not sold. On another note, maybe one of the Outbacker Perth styles may work. Maybe someone here will chime in with a good mount and location.

 

Thanks for all the responses, got some good leads...not sure about pulling the trigger on the drill though . Did see the BFGPIT setting, you do any SCORE or BITD?