Clean VHF/CB radio installs

Any chance you took pictures of how you mounted it in the cubby space?

 

Not sure if that question is for me.

If it is...

There was no driver's side cubby space in my truck (2022).

The top and bottom of that space were both switch plates.

I pulled out the top switches, dremmeled out a bigger hole, and mounted the faceplate there.

 

It was... looks like my quote didnt work. Thanks for the install tip. Last question: how did you get the radio to stay in place? Friction? Special bracket?

 

The faceplate is held onto the plastic of the Tacoma switch plate by the screws that had held the original plastic faceplate backing to the faceplate.

I cant remember if I have it set up with the Tacoma switch plate sandwiched in between the faceplate and the faceplate backing (i.e., Faceplate --| Tacoma switch plate |-- faceplate backing) or if I just used the backing's screws and threw away the original backing.

Either way, the screws run through holes I drilled in the Tacoma switch plate, and they screw into the faceplate. I'm sure I ran the screws through washers to ensure a good grip on the backside.

The faceplate is very solid...no movement at all.



The radio itself is under the driver's seat. I posted the description somewhere in this thread, I think...didn't take pictures of it.

If I remember correctly, I attached the standard mounting bracket that comes in the box to the radio. I then zip tied the bracket securely to the metal wires that support the underside of the seat.

There's a sufficient amount of clearance between the radio and the floor under the seat. The radio doesn't rub when the seat is moved.

 

Curios how you attached the Ram ball to the radio, I got an Lido Ram adapter for my FTM-500D but it’s much bigger and on the 500 radio head which is deep already it just looks comical.

 

I'm pretty sure I used this on the back of my FTM-400

$14 RAM Mounts RAM-B-367U Motorcycle Handlebar Clamp Base with M8 Bolts with B Size 1" Ball

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005J43I56/?coliid=I1MNXDZPH9W1HB&colid=YW1BUPN88JW2

 

Interesting, I was under the impression the screw hole is an M5. And the one image I can partially see it looks different.

 

I tried finding the mount I used on Amazon, but I must have got it off ebay. I'll try to get you a better picture later. I did have to use a different screw though...it is metric.

Your comment on the 500 head being big is why I ultimately decided to keep my 400.

 

Had a chance to take a couple of pics for you. The Ram mount is Ram #RPR-351-WBB. The screw is a M5-.80 x 35mm long. I put a rubber washer in between the mount and the radio face too.

 

How are you all wiring for power? I want to hardwire and can go direct to battery, but no idea what inline fuse to use.

I’ve got the

$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 in my cart for its size. Will either mount behind the HU or mount on pass side of center console.

 

I went to the battery using one of these:

https://powerwerx.com/ring-terminal-powerpole-inline-fuses-12-gauge

 

Because you are not using the radios at the same time one #10 sufficient to feed them all. I have mobile radios from 6 to 80 meters yep even 220 Sure each unit should have it's own fuse.

 

Is getting power through the engine compartment to cab difficult? Any suggestions and warnings on what not to do?

 

I have done it through the drivers side firewall and it was fairly simple.

i have not installed my setup yet. This of everything I got.

VELCRO Brand Heavy Duty Fasteners | 4x2 Inch Strips with Adhesive 8 Sets | Holds 10 lbs | Black Industrial Strength Stick On Tape | Indoor or Outdoor Use (VEL-30703-USA)

$8 VELCRO Brand Heavy Duty Fasteners | 4x2" Strips with Adhesive 8 Sets | Holds 10 lbs | Black Industrial Strength Stick On Tape | Indoor or Outdoor Use (VEL-30703-USA)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BNPX3XJ

Electop 6 Way Fuse Block Blade Fuse Box with Negative Bus, 6 Circuit Fuse Holder Fuse Block w/Negative Bus, Waterproof Protection Cover Sticker Labels for 12V/24V Automotive Car Truck Boat Marine RV

$16 ELECTOP 6 Way Fuse Block Blade Fuse Box with Negative Bus, 6 Circuit Fuse Holder Fuse Block w/Negative Bus, Waterproof Protection Cover Sticker Labels for 12V/24V Automotive Car Truck Boat Marine RV

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0838TZ2Z2

Alex Tech 25ft – 1/4 inch Split Wire Loom Tubing Wire Conduit – Black

$10 Alex Tech 25ft - 1/4" Split Wire Loom Tubing - Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TDGMDW4

120 PCS Heat Shrink Wire Connectors, 22 20 18 16 AWG Ring Terminals, 22 20 18 16 Gauge Automotive Marine Ring Connectors by Housun

$12 120 PCS Heat Shrink Wire Connectors, 22 20 18 16 AWG Ring Terminals, 22 20 18 16 Gauge Automotive Marine Ring Connectors by Housun

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B73VLL3B

Midland – MXT275VP4-15 Watt GMRS MicroMobile Two Way Radio - ATVs UTVs and Other Off-Road Vehicles - Overlanding Gear - Extended 3dB gain Roll Bar Mount Antenna Microphone Extension Cable

$240 Midland – MXT275VP4-15 Watt GMRS MicroMobile® Two-Way Radio - ATVs UTVs and Other Off-Road Vehicles - Overlanding Gear - Extended 3dB gain Roll Bar Mount Antenna Microphone Extension Cable

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SYCFQ6G

18awg wire from HD.

 

Thank you reminded me I need the loom tubing.

 

Don’t drill, find an existing hole, too many chances of hitting something.

 

I advise against drilling. You'll have to search back several pages to my install posts, but I usually go through the same rubber boot as the main wiring harness. Make a small cut with an Xacto knife, then use a wire coat hanger (if you can find one) or similar stiff wire to pull the power wires through one at a time. Don't forget a drip loop lest ye feet get wet in the rain. RTV sealant if you think you need it.

Drilling is fraught with peril of hitting something expensive.

Take your time, this is not a job to rush through.

As always with newer vehicles, disconnect the positive and negative battery cables before you start.

 

There are rubber plugs in the firewall on both sides. I removed the plug and replaced with a grommet, which had an outside diameter roughly matching the hole and had enough inside diameter to fit my coax and power. The one on the passenger side is easier to fish under the dash, as the driver side was very near my clutch pedal. Still doable, but easier on the other side. No need to drill or slice into anything.

 

What did you place the excess length of the antenna cable?

 

Cut the cable and solder on a new (radio end) connector. If that’s a no go, then don’t coil the excess wire as it acts as a choke.