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Hidden CB Install *pics*

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Benson X, Jun 4, 2012.

  1. Jun 4, 2012 at 12:24 AM
    #1
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    Ben
    Olympia, WA
    Vehicle:
    '11 MGM DC/LB
    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    Here's my CB install on my 2nd Gen Automatic. I wanted it to be discreet and out of the way, but still functional.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    *I am not an expert or professional so I claim no responsibility for any damage or injury from anyone attempting this install. Please PM me with questions or feel free to leave civil feedback or comments.

    Parts Used:
    Cheap Old Cobra 19DX (or equivalent model/size)*
    Update 2017: CB Upgraded to Anytone Ultra Compact 10M CB

    Relentless Antenna Hood Mount
    Firestik II 4' Antenna: FS4-B
    Firestik 9' Coax w/ FireRing: K8-R9
    Firestik Stud Mount: K-4
    Firestik Heavy-Duty Spring: SS-3H (en route)
    Cobra External Speaker: HG-S300
    PL259 Right Angle Adapter
    10" 4-Pin Mic. Extension
    14 AWG Wire - approx. 30 ft. (2 colors)
    (2) 1/2" Ring Terminals
    Inline Fuse Holder


    Tool Used:

    Wire Cutters / Crimpers
    Ratchet and sockets
    Crescent wrench(s)
    Screwdrivers (long ones and stubby ones)
    Soldering Iron (or butt connectors)
    Drill with 1/2" bits and smaller
    Dremel with assorted bits
    Needle nose pliers
    Heat Shrink Tubing
    Zip-Ties
    Plastic conduit
    Electrical Tape
    Sandpaper / Files
    6-Pack of your favorite beer
    LIGHT!!!


    *My used Cobra 19DX from the '80s crapped out on me during the last trip. I replaced it with a new Cobra 19 DX IV. The only downside is I can't see the little back-lit LCD when it's mounted in the original location. I have to tilt it forward to see the screen....oh well. Just a heads up to anyone with that (or equivalent) CB.

    Update 2017: CB Upgraded to Anytone Ultra Compact 10M CB

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------


    Step 1:

    Disconnect the battery!!!

    Tear your interior apart: seat, lower dash, center console....everything.
    [​IMG]

    Honestly, it's not that difficult.

    Remove the seat and unplug the harness underneath.

    Center Console:
    Pull up on the cup-holder basin to remove it.
    Unscrew the shift knob and unclip the center gearbox cover and remove the (4) black screws.
    Lift the carpet-thing inside the storage box and unscrew the (2) bolts.

    The whole center console assembly should separate and pull apart with a little finesse.

    Lower Dash
    Pull out the little storage bucket :)notsure:) to the right of the steering wheel.
    Flip down that little panel to reveal a hidden bolt (+10 INT).
    Pull the scuff-plate trim up.
    Remove the foot-rest thing right by the Parking Brake.
    Unscrew the rubber cap-screw and remove the lower kick-panel.
    Remove the (2) bolts and "gently" pull out to unclip the lower dash assembly.
    Unplug any connectors.
    Don't forget about the TPMS plug and hoot-latch cable.

    You have successfully gutted the driver's seat area. Drink a beer :cheers:

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Step 2:

    Install the Relentless CB Antenna Mount. Don't undo both the hood bolts. I removed the top hood-hinge bolt first, and bolted up the antenna mount, then followed with the lower bolt. That way your hood won't shift.

    Install the Firestik Stud Mount using the longer 1.25" bolt that was included with the Coax. Follow the order printed on the instructions:

    [​IMG]


    I ran the coax under the plastic cowl, and secured it with zip-ties and electrical tap to insure it wouldn't kink or rub on any edges.

    [​IMG]

    *NOTE: There are a few sharp edges in this area so be wise where you

    secure the coax.

    I then poked a hole in the firewall grommet to run the coax and wires through. I found it was pretty easy to use a long screwdriver to poke through it, then widen the hole with some needle-nose pliers. I then wrapped all the (2) pos/neg leads in conduit, and taped them to the coax and gripped them with the needle-nose to pull them through.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Crimp and heat-shrink a ring terminal to your NEGATIVE wire lead and connect it here:
    [​IMG]

    Solder -or- butt connect the inline fuse holder to your POSITIVE and attach the other ring terminal to that as well and connect it here:

    *I chose to run my POSITIVE directly to the battery with a fuse in order to have CB operation even when the vehicle is OFF. This is optional, and you could always add a relay or tap into a switched power source.
    [​IMG]
    I used a 3-AMP fuse in mine, and wouldn't recommend anything higher to avoid burning out your CB.

    You should be done in the engine compartment....Drink a beer!!! :cheers:

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------


    Step 3:
    Moving back to the interior again. I tried to wrap the rubber fire-wall grommet in electrical tape to seal it up well. After measuring the length of wire I needed, I finished wrapping the wires with plastic conduit and taped the shit out of 'em.
    [​IMG]

    Next, I mounted the external speaker. There were not a lot of options, so I mounted it above the gas pedal, attached the the plastic shroud panel covering the water lines. My foot clears it, but not by much.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I pulled up the carpet to run the wires/coax underneath, and stuffed the speaker cable into the plastic conduit as well.
    [​IMG]
    I tucked it all along the inner-console area and everything was just the right length to reach it's destination.

    Now it's time to move on to drilling holes into the console box...Drink a beer :cheers:


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------


    Step 4:

    Disassemble your storage box. Remove the lid, spring hinge assembly, the plastic corner pieces and pull out that carpet shit.
    [​IMG]

    I apologize, I didn't document any measurements for where to drill the holes, it was on-the-fly trial and error. But there are some things I would've done differently, and will note them as needed.

    I used the carpet piece my template, and noted where to drill. I needed holes for the UHF Antenna connector, power leads and the ext. speaker port.

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    *NOTE:
    Cut out the areas in RED on the carpeted piece to make sure the speaker plug fits securely.

    I also had to drill out the top (right by the left hinge) to fit the microphone extension through. Here are my holes:

    [​IMG]

    Next, I drilled a hole for the microphone extension plug.

    [​IMG]
    *NOTE:
    Once again, lesson learned. The microphone plugs barely cleared the textured plastic when everything was reassembled. I would've drilled this hole 1/4" higher if I were to do it again. I lucked out that it still fits well, but it leaves little room for error.

    Next I had to test fist the CB and everything lined up beautifully. I screwed the right-side of the metal mounting bracket into the CB, and bent the other side out. I drilled a small hole in the storage box, and used a small machine screw with nuts and lock washers to secure it in place.

    [​IMG]

    Once the bracket was secured, I ran my microphone extension cable, and threaded it through the hole.

    Then, I threaded the Right-Angle PL259 adapter to the bottom of the CB

    I was now ready to connect the antenna coax, POS/NEG wires, and plug in the ext. speaker (*again, I had to trim the carpet piece some more to fit the speaker plug all the way in).

    [​IMG]

    After tidying up, and making sure everything was secure, I plugged in the microphone, twisted on the antenna, and reconnected the battery. Turned it on and basked in the sweet aroma of sweat and success.....Drink 2 beers! :cheers:

    You're not finished yet!!!

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Step 5:

    Don't re-assemble everything just yet! You still have to tune your new antenna.

    Make sure the Antenna Coax and CB Input are still easily accessible. Buy/Rent/Borrow an SWR Meter to properly tune your Antenna to a range of 1.5:1 across all channels. My buddy came over with his and taught me the basics.

    We started on Ch.19 to tune it, and then jumped from Ch.40 to Ch.1 trying to get the sweet spot from 1.1:1 - 1.5:1. The Firestik has a threaded screw on top to easily make minor adjustments. We ended up with a nominal reading of 1.2:1 - 1.5:1 across the board.

    Now you can put your interior back together and bolt everything back up.


    THE FINISHED PRODUCT:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Update 2017: CB Upgraded to Anytone Ultra Compact 10M CB
    tmyCcRmmLkP8dQAA4mnJd04u58LecANGkzscnSPH_9c6eb03dfcc4df5ebe6201916cd85907b7be2269.jpg

     
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2019
  2. Jun 4, 2012 at 12:41 AM
    #2
    BeeRadd

    BeeRadd Bought not built.

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    Great work! A unique place to put that firestick to. +1!
     
  3. Jun 4, 2012 at 12:51 AM
    #3
    Twistedfreedom

    Twistedfreedom welcome to the incredibuild

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    Adam
    Seattle
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    in progress
    modded the F*ck out
    Hell of a write up and super clean install! +1
     
    10trdtaco and TRDSport10 like this.
  4. Jun 4, 2012 at 1:01 AM
    #4
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    Ben
    Olympia, WA
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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    Thanks guys :thumbsup: Pretty happy how it turned out.
     
  5. Jun 4, 2012 at 4:50 AM
    #5
    SodakTaco

    SodakTaco Well-Known Member

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    Great write up! Does the antenna have to come off every time you open up the hood, or does it clear the windshield?
     
  6. Jun 4, 2012 at 5:24 AM
    #6
    LUSETACO

    LUSETACO Here for the Taco Pron

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    Yes
    Nice detailed write-up! :thumbsup:
     
  7. Jun 4, 2012 at 5:31 AM
    #7
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner Are these black helicopters for me?

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    Great writeup! looks very clean

    +1 to you
     
    Chauncey Bronson likes this.
  8. Jun 4, 2012 at 5:45 AM
    #8
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Moderator Vendor

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    Very nice! Ill be doing this for sure
     
  9. Jun 4, 2012 at 5:56 AM
    #9
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    Ben
    Olympia, WA
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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    It clears the windshield just fine, I just didn't have it on when I took the pic.
     
  10. Jun 4, 2012 at 6:04 AM
    #10
    4Wheelin4Banger

    4Wheelin4Banger Supercharged Toyman

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    3" OME lift 885s & Dakars riding on 33" KM2s
    Good job Ben.
    I got the Relentless mount also but haven't decided where to put the CB yet.
    Thanks for a great idea. +1
     
  11. Jun 4, 2012 at 6:08 AM
    #11
    hookedontronics

    hookedontronics Well-Known Member

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    Now you need to remove your antenna to open your hood?
     
  12. Jun 4, 2012 at 6:35 AM
    #12
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    Ben
    Olympia, WA
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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    see above ^^^

    *I will take a couple pics of the antenna mounted and the hood open. :thumbsup:
     
  13. Jun 4, 2012 at 6:36 AM
    #13
    4Wheelin4Banger

    4Wheelin4Banger Supercharged Toyman

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    3" OME lift 885s & Dakars riding on 33" KM2s
    No you don't need to remove it.

     
  14. Jun 4, 2012 at 6:39 AM
    #14
    ruggedT

    ruggedT The Sticker Guy

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    Nice job, but there's an easier way

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Jun 4, 2012 at 7:09 AM
    #15
    Benson X

    Benson X [OP] My build thread sucks...

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    If you don't draw blood, you're doing it wrong!
    Maybe so, but then again I bought my CB for $10. That is a pretty sweet deal right there, I hadn't seen that one before.
     
    tacotacolove77 likes this.
  16. Jun 4, 2012 at 7:26 AM
    #16
    carcharias

    carcharias Giggiddy what what

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    Awesome write-up!!
     
  17. Jun 4, 2012 at 7:41 AM
    #17
    T@co_Pr3runn3r

    T@co_Pr3runn3r XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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    I has this setup yet to be installed but like the OP antenna mounting spot. Thinking the antenna would work better having the hood and top of cab to bounce off of. Very good writeup and pics..........
     
  18. Jun 4, 2012 at 7:45 AM
    #18
    Bengland25

    Bengland25 Never Forget! 343

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    Great job man! looks real clean and love how you wired the mic +1 for you good sir!
     
  19. Jun 4, 2012 at 7:48 AM
    #19
    medic2230

    medic2230 @Koditten Pirate Radio member #002

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    That's a nice clean setup you got there. I like the mike in that spot too.
     
  20. Jun 4, 2012 at 7:56 AM
    #20
    cgs2k2

    cgs2k2 old man

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    Nice set up. I wish mine was this out of the way. Too bad I'm too lazy to get in this deep in my install...
     
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