CB radio Installation. I've got questions...

Yeah, I don't know what Im talking about. They're not compatible. And I still can't find a spot where I can mount the antenna. For some reason I'm not keen on the magnetic mount. This is a lot harder than I thought!

 

I've had a Wilson 5000 mag mount on my 08 Tacoma for 6 months now. Never had a problem. When heading into a parking structure I unscrew the antenna coil from the magnetic base.

 

I love my magnetic mount, its strong highway speeds and off road

 

MDBigRed's pictures

I like the setup (antenna at least).
I think we just about ordered the same stuff. Here's what Im waiting on.

1 x Firestik FS CB Antenna (Firestik FS) Length 4' Color Black
1 x CB Antenna Stud Mount (Screw-on) (

$15 Firestik K-4A Stud with Screw-On Coaxial Termination for Antenna Mirror Mounts

Firestik K-4A)
1 x Firestik CB Coax - 18 Feet (Firestik K8A)
1 x CB Antenna Quick Disconnect (PTKD1X)
1 x CB Antenna Springs (Heavy Duty) (Firestik SS-3H)
I'm going to try a different mounting spot only because I've got the bed cover.

 

Here's how I mounted my 102" stainless whip.

 

Just and idea for brainstorming purposes.

I haven't done a CB in my 08 since we got business band handhelds shortly before, but I wish I had a picture of my 97 Tacoma CB installation. I mounted the antenna to the drivers mirror plate with a angle bracket and ran the wire through the hole behind the mirror. Then through the rubber grommet, following the power mirror wires. I used bolts with them facing out and installed the nut on the outside. Cut them down and painted. The bracket is metal so it provided a great ground plane.

From the pictures it looks as if you can do this with the 05+ as well.
You can see in this borrowed picture there should be enough room.


I did remove the PL-259 connector and reinstalled after I ran the wire so I didn't have to drill a large hole in the mirror mount. Then a 2' Firestick for daily use (garage clearance) and a 4' for off road use.
A mirror is much less expensive to replace at resale than a roof repaint or hole repair.

 

I wish you could have taken a picture of that. I hear what your saying, but I can't picture it at all. Awesome concept. A+ for originality.

 

Here's my solution!
I had Circuit City in National City (San Diego) power the CB from the ignition key. So when the truck is on, so is the CB and vice versa. They also put connectors on the CB so if I should decide to remove it then I could very easily. A+ to Circuit City. The installers were very helpful and friendly.

I originally installed the CB antenna on the upper part (ridge) of the bed nearest the back window on the driver side. I thought I was ready for a tune and went to Audio Plus in El Cajon. I apparently installed the antenna in an area that would not receive ground and failed to also put in a plastic washer. Tim, an installer there, said that needed to be fixed before he can tune the antenna. Fair enough right? I wasn't charged and Tim was a professional about it. His courtesy was winning my business. After all, I'm driving from Chula Vista (I-805, to 54E, to 125N, to 8E, to 67N to get there).

So, I drilled a new hole on the flat (TOP) side of the bed above the gas tank door. Installed the CB antenna and called Audio Plus again to let Tim know I was coming in for a tuning. The owner Jon, who I originally met, said no unless I wanted to wait 3 days after the meet. I said that Tim said I could come in. This is where I lost respect for the business because of the owner Jon. Jon says that I wasted too much of his valuable time and that Tim didn't have time for me anymore because he was working on another vehicle. What? I told him that I made the new hole and was told to come back for a quick tune and that I would be done. So Jon proceeded to say that if he found anything else wrong with my install that I was going to verbally agree for his business to fix at my expense. He said that worse case scenario would be an extra 20-25 bucks if I had everything there and accessible.

Jon said I had to be there in 30 min. So I fought the traffic to get there and made the commute. Low and behold, the washer was not in the right spot. So I just added an extra $15 to my tab. After going back and forth to his SWR meter and the antenna and adding a couple of extra washers, my bill was $40 for almost an hours worth of time.

So why the post? For Jon to say that I was wasting his time made me feel like shit. At the same time, his customer service to me was not up to par for the owner. He may be successful at what he does, but I will NOT recommend his business to anyone here. In today's market, his business is obviously rolling in the green if he thinks that he can act in such a fashion and have no repercussions. I said I would put in a good word and I am... Tim the installer was excellent. Jon the owner and his business is not.

No to Audio Plus at 210-C West Bradley Ave in El Cajon, CA 92020. Sorry Jon. I'm looking for alternatives in this tight market and will suggest highly once I can find the time and money to remount the antenna in another location. By the way, do not mount the antenna on top of the bed (the flat part). It's not strong enough to handle the bounce. Take care all and thanks to all who gave me advice. I will use that for my Take #3.

 

New bracket! Different spot!! Grounded and ready to roll!!!
Case Closed!

 

is this a firestik mount? if so, what is the part #?

 

This is my mount, Grounded it out down to the frame with a 12gauge wire. I am getting around a 1.5 on the swr meter so i am pretty happy with it. Its also a 5ft firestik

 

how well does this stay on?
does it wobble much?

 

Not at all. The aluminum piece in the middle prevents the side to side motion while the bracket itself prevents the front to back motion. It's working great.

 

where did you get that aluminum piece?

 

Home depot sells a steel rod rectangular shaped thats about 3 or 4 ft long for a few bucks. Drill your holes first and then cut to size. You can use a simple hand saw to due the job. Just remember the thickness of the rod will fit in the bed rail.

 

only use it for trips so it can be removed.

 

Do I need to ground my FireStik?

 

I see some good ideas for cb radio locations, so I thought I would put up mine. Just to let you guys know, this is not how I want to run the wires for the radio. This is only how I will install it for when I go on trips with my friends. Later when I get a better radio and some time I'll do a more of a clean and better install.

Here is a basic location for anyone to use for when they don't want to cut anything up or spend time lifting up floor areas of your car to hide wires. All I did was push it in next to the seat.
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r63/propbraker/P1010006.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r63/propbraker/P1010009.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r63/propbraker/P1010007.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r63/propbraker/P1010001.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r63/propbraker/P1010002.jpg
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r63/propbraker/P1010003.jpg

Sorry for some reason It's not letting me upload pics on here to show but here is the links to open up.

 

Yes!

 

took the plunge and drilled into the roof to mount a new antenna for a 2meter ham radio, soon as i find a proper CB antenna permanent mount i'll be doing the same for that...

measure twice and drill once!


no turning back now!


luck or all skill..it's centered and all good..