Clean VHF/CB radio installs

Thanks. I ordered it and got it installed yesterday. Super nice unit. I'm always amazed at the quality HAM stuff you can get for the money. This feels every bit as tough as our work radios and those things are bulletproof - and a few grand a piece.

Dropped into the 2nd gen like a boss...

 

question, i wana hook a cb up in my 3rd gen but i want to leave it on and have it turn on and off with the ignition. anyone have any recommendations on where to tap power from? also is it bad to leave cb's on and just cut the power to them?

 

I had mine linked to the 12v outlet fuse with a "add-a-fuse" link. Then I just left it on and it turned on with the ign. Now I have a switch on the dash though, but I can leave the switch on, its keys to the ign

 

another question, does anyone here have the RAM mounts on the dashtop multi mount? i was thinking of mounting my cb that way but wasnt sure how strong those ram mount balls were. if they would hold the weight of a cb over a while or get loose. anyone know about them?

 

The ram ball is a hard rubber, the clamps do a very good job of keeping them in place. I would venture to say the ram ball is stronger than whatever part of the dash you mount it to.

 

I have the dmm. What CB are you planning on mounting up there? And are you talking about the radio body or a remote faceplate?

 

The DMM with RAM balls is rock-solid. Check out the quote from that thread below. I think you’re question will be answered there.

 

wow nice, im looking to run a uniden 980 with a small uniden scanner placed on top. i wouldnt have the ram mount holding the thing way in the air but i just want it so that its not rubbing on the dash so it will be supporting just very little in the air. thanks for the help guys. anyone here have the uniden 980?

 

Go with a larger RAM ball IMO. A 1.5" should work just fine and they aren't coming loose if you snug it down properly.

 

So I'm about to go punch a hole in my truck... anyone dropped the headliner on a third gen? I've seen the second gen threads and videos but I'm really hoping I don't have to pull all 6 pillar trim pieces...

 

Still working on the radio install, but I think this fits here (Laird, NGP GMRS Phantom):

 

I have done it, but did not make a video. Probably a good thing too because my first drill location was too close to a support pillar and I had to drill a second hole further back. At least they make NMO hole plugs.

To access under the headliner, I had to remove the front and middle plastic column covers (double cab). This allowed me to pull coax from the top hole down along the middle support column.

 

My plan was to do it near the dome light but as I assumed, there's the support beam. I'll go a little behind it but I don't want to go too far back - I plan on upgrading the roof top tent at some point and it'll likely be a hardshell that overhangs the cab.

 

Get to the point where you can pull the headliner down a few inches and look before you drill. This is my best advice.

 

2nd gen, DCLB owner, and hole puncher extrodinaire. I only removed the front four pillars and was able to bend it down enough to make it happen. Slide a piece of plywood in there, so the drill doesn't contact the headliner. Also catches the shavings. I thought for sure I creased the headliner, but it's surprisingly durable. The sunglasses holder needs to come down, it was holding up quite a bit!

What drill? A proper NMO hole saw makes the most beautiful hole. A step bit works, but you'll need to spend some time with a file.

Edit: and if you're actually using a punch, make damn sure it's the correct size. There are punches out there that are labeled 3/4" because they're for 3/4" conduit. They make a much larger hole then 3/4"!

 

Very unlikely.

 

Yeah I’ve got the Greenlee punch and I’ve already taken the calipers to it to verify. I think I’ll give the front 4 a shot and see where it gets me.

 

When I drilled I took out the 3 pillars on one side. But I would add that I've got the double cab sunroof, so I was drilling just fore of the sharkfin.

 

Good looking antenna. What brand/model?

 

Thats my parking garage antenna, the Comet SBB-1 it's nearly indestructible, basically a rubber duck for the truck.