Clean VHF/CB radio installs

Looks good dude, nice install. Do you think there would be a way to shim the spacers on the Icom mount to angle it more upwards? Would that help the visibility?

 

I'm sure something could be done, but once I adjusted the display contrast in the main menu, it became totally legible at the angle it's at, so no need to adjust.

 

Pure luck for my part. While trying to decide which rig to get, it hit me that the 2730 head would fit that spot nicely, the control cable jack aligned perfectly to use (and cover) the hole with the blank removed, and the mic jack wouldn't inhibit the USB/Acc jacks or the hinged cover. I was quite pleased when it actually worked. The "extreme" velcro is holding so far, but my contingency is to mount the head plate kit in the same location with thick double-sided tape, and use the magnets in the kit to allow easy removal, when desired.

I'm thinking of trying some blue headlight film, to see if I can get the display to more closely match the dash lights, and dim it down a bit.

 

It's roughly the same size as the Uniden 510/520, so it should fit fine.

 

I've debated on doing that, myself. It's definitely do-able; the "how" is dependent on which mounting method you go with, if you have the head-mount kit, etc.

 

What length antenna is that?

 

I decided I didn't like the way the CB mic interfaced with the VHF mic cord. Since I don't use the CB much anyway, I removed the mic (left the base mounted under the seat), plugged the holes for the mic clip, and removed the magnet antenna. The antenna, coax, and CB mic unit store under the jump seats so I can install them in about a minute as needed.

Here's the final (current) setup then: the

$346 Icom IC 2730A Dual Band VHF/UHF 50W Mobile Radio

Icom IC 2730A, standard mic with upgraded mic hanger, trunk lip NMO antenna mount, and 1/4 wave VHF antenna. I optionally run a better antenna when I'm on trips, but for local stuff, the 1/4 wave is perfect.

 

How you fix on the floor your radio under the seat?

 

That's top secrete! Just kidding. I used heavy duty velcro and stick it to that plastic vent seen here. It works well with no screws into the floorboard.

 

Good idea!

but in my area (Quebec, Canada), with my tests on my other truck, heavy duty velcro resists badly to the big difference of temperature in the winter.

 

Ahhhh yeah Here in Arizona we still haven't dipped below freezing yet. I'll be sure to check it when I head up north.

 

Are you concerned that branches, etc will snag on that antenna mount?

 

Not at all. The mount is low profile enough that branches snagging on it has never been an issue. Both the 1/4 wave and the longer antennas are very flexible, so they just bend over and then snap back when low lying branches catch them.

I've used that mount and antenna setup on 3 different vehicles and done some aggressive and tight stuff with it over a few years, nary an issue.

 

Old school 102" whip FTW

 

Still in use in places like Pismo beach. I still have mine stored in the rafters. One ss and the other fiberglass. Work great but they did take out a couple of florescent tubes at the local gas station..

 

Yeah I still have one taking up space in the garage. Drive thru awning killer

 

Sorry to dig this up, but did you ever do a write up on this?

 

Seconding this. Also how did you mount the mirror riser on your 3rd gen?!