Slightly different Midland MXT275 Install

I wanted to approach this Midland install slightly different.
1) I wanted my antenna as high as possible and mounted to my roof rack (I didn't want to do the hood level mount) as when I do eventually get ditch lights, I didn't want that to be cluttered.
2) I did not want it on constantly, if needed I wanted to simply plug it in - but I wanted things as tidy as possible. I wanted to store the mic in the center console when not in use.
3) I wanted the radio speaker to be in open air, not tucked away in a glove box, bc Im deaf enough as it is- haha

Started off with the Midland Universal antenna mount- that apparently isn't that universal - it would not fit on the Prinsu cross bars. However I was able to locate 3 cut outs to bolt the antenna mount to.

Ran the wires along the roof rack, zip tied, and tucked the wire into the windshield weather strip channel.

Ran the wire across the engine bay and located the AC drain plug on the passenger side. I was able to fit the antenna wire, and re-insert the AC drain hose with ease.

Installed the radio where I wanted it.

I added a Blue Sea Systems 12V plug inside my center console just off to the side of the dual USB ports. The 12V plug is something like 1 inch and 3/16th. So I used a 1 inch drill bit, and simply dremeled to fit from there.

I used a add-a-fuse and tapped into the dome 7.5A fuse. There was a convenient place to ground near by (forgot to take picture of that)

The Ghost antenna is between my recovery boards and CVT awning - I am hoping that those will break or deflect any direct impacts from low hanging branches.

Anyhow- I know there are a million ways from Sunday to mount and install these suckers - but I had not seen one quite the way I wanted. SO hopefully this might give somebody an idea.

 

This is very similar to what I want to do with my antenna, thanks for doing the write up and including pictures.