Clean VHF/CB radio installs

Even though my bracket for the antenna used bolts going directly into the body, I used two braided ground straps to two other locations on the body.

Bad or high resistance grounds can drive you insane...

 

https://www.ebay.com/i/383614754268

https://customswitches.com.au/product/rj45-passthrough-to-suit-toyota-holden-ford/

Here ya go.

 

Thanks. I have a blank spot in my center console where that will fit.

 

My submission for a clean install.

I found the perfect place to tuck my

$165 Midland MXT275 MicroMobile GMRS Radio - 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone - Overland Caravanning Tractors - Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels

Midland MXT275, just behind the left side cubby/switch panel. Its zip tied to a metal bracket and I used adhesive foam on the body to prevent it from rattling. Made a metal plate for the back of the mic and it magnetically attaches to a Ram mount. Soldered the

$43 PL259 USA Made PL-259 Improved Double Shielded RG-58u for FireStik Antenna K-8A 18-Foot Single CB/Ham Coax Cable

PL259 myself so there would be less excess cable to hide. Also, chucked the stupid Qi charger power button in favor of a rj45 passthrough for an ultra squeaky clean setup. Laird BB4505CNS antenna on a Relentless Fab ditch light bracket.

 

I've got that RJ45 passthrough ordered. I ordered one from Amazon and it was wrong, of course. Now I ordered one through eBay. I am hoping it works. I hate to order the Lightforce one. $33AUD just for shipping. Thought about doing a bulk order for anyone else here that might one too.

I put the

$165 MXT275 MicroMobile GMRS Radio - 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone - Overland Caravanning Tractors - Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels

MXT275 base under the rear seat and secured it with double-sided tape. Ran the antenna cable to the rear of the bed. This is until I get my roof rack then I am going to put a motor to raise and lower it so it goes away when I am not using it but can be easily put up and down.

 

Motorized mount? Thats pretty neat. Didnt know such a thing existed or I may have gone that route as well.

I got my RJ45 passthrough from ebay as well. Took about 2 weeks to arrive from China.

Pro tip: the back cover of the passthrough pops off a little too easily and I had problems with it popping off while fiddling with the head unit wires. Superglue it on before installing.

 

I installed one before I got my soft topper

https://i.imgur.com/9Xj9F04.mp4

 

That thing is slick!

 

Its a Diamond K9000. But that is what is going on the roof when I get my rack. streamline everything. Plus it puts it at the highest point too.

 

If you plan to use the ugly factory switch it comes with and hardwire it, make sure you get the positive and negative wires correct the first time. There is no reverse current protection and it will blow out the switch the second you use it.

 

That soldering tip cleaner is pretty neat. I just use an old sponge that's been wetted, but I definitely ordering one.

Nice work on the install.

 

Should we ask how you know?

 

Well lets just say I have a good knowledge of the inside of the switch now and how it works... also I now have a few other switches that work too for it.

 

Nope, I plan on using the

$659 SP9100 Switch Pros SP-9100 8-Switch Panel Power System With Concealed Mounting Hardware

SP9100... unless I find a reason not to.

 

Have you tried yet or have the mount yet? The way it goes up and down is just by reversing the current. So a simple double pole double throw switch type deal. Not sure if you can do it with the

$659 sp9100 switch pros SP-9100 8-switch panel power system with concealed mounting hardware

sp9100, using 2 positions on the panel might do it, but im not sure how you wire it.

 

Haven't tried yet. Waiting on all the equipment and mount stuffs for the

$659 SP9100 Switch Pros SP-9100 8-Switch Panel Power System With Concealed Mounting Hardware

SP9100. Plus I need to get the motor and roof rack.

 

FTM400 in my 2016. I rewired the ECT to a MESO stealth pro shift knob. Installed a keystone where the ECT button was. Ran all the cabling behind the stereo and installed a powered accessory mount by Expedition Essentials.

 

Here is my set up . The magnet mic is super cool. Rugged Radios are the bomb

 

Moar pics of the dash!!!

 

Ok