Hidden Install of Cobra 75WXST CB on 3rd Gen

Just finished installing my CB setup on my new '16 3rd Gen Access Cab TRD Offroad Tacoma and I thought I'd contribute.

I wanted a CB, but didn't want it to be visible when I wasn't using it. I decided on a Cobra 75WXST based on reviews and the small size of the power box. I didn't want to have to unplug the handset when stored, so I chose to install the power box under the center console and run the cord for the handset inside the console cubby. I didn't take many pictures, but hopefully this helps someone else looking for a clean place to install.

Here's the CB: http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-75WXST-...F8&qid=1451514722&sr=8-1&keywords=cobra+cb+75

1.) I first installed a Relentless Fabrication Bed Rail Accessory mount (http://www.relentlessfabrication.com/collections/toyota/products/05-tacoma-bed-rail-mount-tab) to the passenger side frame rail. It comes with mounting hardware and is well made. They bend it at 90 degrees which results in the antenna leaning towards the outside of the truck due to the face of the bed rail not being perfectly vertical. I had to open up the angle 10 degrees to make the antenna perfectly vertical. The actual mount to the bracket is a generic CB antenna mount from Amazon, paired with a 9 foot CB cable. I chose a Firestik Black Firefly 4 ft tunable CB antenna (http://www.amazon.com/FireStik-4ft-...F8&qid=1451515410&sr=8-1&keywords=firestik+cb)


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The cable is run through a gap in the front of the bed, down to the inside of the frame rail, and up through a body plug that I carefully split underneath the passenger seat. From there it routes under the carpet to the rear of the center console. The 9 foot cable was a perfect length (about a foot of slack).


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Console comes out fairly easily. I removed the passenger side seat first (4 bolts and 3 connectors underneath). There are two 10mm headed bolts inside the cubby that need to be removed. The shift knob comes off by pushing down the silver ring and unscrewing the shift knob (auto transmission). Pull the E-brake boot up over the handle carefully. Pull the console gently up and back. It'll pop out. The shifter on an automatic needs to be in the Drive position to get the console out. Don't forget disconnecting the connector on the passenger side of the shifter and the connector that attaches to the 12v power plug in the cubby. The power box is mounted above the existing power plug underneath the console. Its a fairly tight fit and I used 3M double sided tape to attach it. The bottom of the power box is not flat and has two raised sections on both ends. I layered up multiple strips of 3M tape in the middle to ensure as much tape surface area as I could get. I did not cover the vent holes. The electrical is tied into the existing 12v power plug. Yellow is power, White is Ground. I spliced the wires, heat shrinked and added a Delco Weatherpack connector to the end to facilitate ease of disconnection, if I even needed to remove the console in the future.


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For the hole into the console cubby, I used the small plate that comes with the CB. A dremel made short work of the holes, but getting the grommet to sit right was a challenge. Resulted in a clean install.


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The console lid has a convenient slot to accommodate a cable hang in out the front of the lid while closed. The handset cable fits perfectly. I haven't decided if I going to mount a hanger on the side of the console to hang the headset while I'm using the CB. For now it'll rest in the square storage cubby in front of the cup holder.


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The total install took a couple hours. Let me know if you have any questions

Cheers!

Mike (Ekimerpud)

 

Nice! Looks good. Its interesting that you put the relentless bracket like that, I never thought of putting it like that. I have mine flipped upside down from yours to get my flag higher

 

Thanks, I didn't want the chrome antenna mount to be visible outside the bed when I removed the antenna.

 

Nice writeup. This is the CB I use in my Jeeps, for the reasons you chose it.

 

Well done sir! Exactly how I would picture doing it myself. Clean and hidden!

 

relentless bracket used as well, love the bracket (CB not hooked up yet) as mentioned above, the bracket is a 90, but the rails are not. I added a cut in half fuel line as a spacer between the top rail rib and bracket, straightened it up good i think

 

Do you have any other pictures of how you ran the cabling?

 

Afraid not.

 

I just did a similar install on my truck.

I used the Relentless Fab hood hinge mount for the antenna. I ran the cable down the frame to the grommet under the passenger seat, installed the box under the cupholders behind the center console, and put the cable through the back of the center console.

Are you planning on mounting the mic somewhere? I can't find good solution.

 

Like it, nice and clean.

 

Nicely done my friend!

 

Looks great! Exactly what I was planning to do.

 

I know this is a bit of an old thread, but I could use a bit of location findings for the plug under the passenger seat to run the antenna cable through into the cab. All I can see from underneath is heat shield and before I start to bend things to look underneath the shield, can anyone give me a specific location for the plug or maybe someone a picture of where to look for it? Thank you.

 

Do you have a link to the bike axle tie down?

 

I used the Tacoma AM/FM Antenna mount by using a CB antenna.
Install the remote box under the AM/FM radio. It made installation simple and fast.

Dave

 

Sweet XJ, Very nicely done sir. Love me some clean installs. I'll throw my install up here as well for ideas. I'm running an MXT 275 with an extension to an RJ45 coupler on the 3TPAM and a magnetic mic holder.


https://youtu.be/8K2gd-WbyzE

 

Nice installation.

What is there to hear, other than the semis? Or is this only for other off-roaders?

 

I use a adapter from PEP BOYS for Tacoma antenna to M6 x 1mm for antenna from Walmart for $15.00 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Metra-WM-CB70-Magnetic-CB-Radio-Antenna/624089177.
I used stainless welding rod for tig welding curled then cut the overall hight to 3 feet antenna to increase range
FYI
The antenna hight is 39"

Dave

 

Here is a photo of the antenna install

 

Truckers, weather band, offroad comms (sometimes in the desert we run far apart due to dust), emergency band, and don't forget the PA system.