CB installed... for real

[KenP]

Ok, thanks to Klaus for supplying me with the center console removal steps. It would have taken me hours to figure out how to move that thing.

Also, thanks to Rodster for idea of using the blank and to Tootsie for giving me pics of her's (what exactly she sent I'm not telling http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif).

So, here's what I did

Power wire (the red one you idiot). http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif The large grey one is the coax and it's headed up the A-pillar.

[KenP]

Ok, thanks to Klaus for supplying me with the center console removal steps. It would have taken me hours to figure out how to move that thing.

Also, thanks to Rodster for idea of using the blank and to Tootsie for giving me pics of her's (what exactly she sent I'm not telling http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif).

So, here's what I did

Power wire (the red one you idiot). http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif The large grey one is the coax and it's headed up the A-pillar.

[KenP]

Good ground, blurry pic.

[KenP]

Unit location in front of the right knee. I don't care what Rod says, it's hard to fit a few fingers back there. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[KenP]

I pulled the console and according to Klaus's instructions the shift console should pull out with a firm tug. That's assuming there's not good adhesion caused by spilled coffee. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif I lost two of the little clips and couldn't find them anywhere. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[KenP]

I removed the blank and used the mounting braket that came with the CB as a template. A cutting bit on a Dremel type tool cut it like butta'.

Here you can see the small clamp I used and the tool.

[KenP]

Blank in position. This was a PITA to get the wire over there and through it. I'm not sure how long it will last like this. I'm afraid if I push too hard on the coupler the whole thing will slide into the center stack and I'll have to pull all that crap out again.

[KenP]

Finished product looks just like Rod's.

[KenP]

Rubber gasket material. I hope it works.

[KenP]

Mounting the antenna was a pain because I really didn't have the right mount. But I'm a clever fellow and mounted it on top of the roof rack. The lower bolt fit into the top groove perfectly to hold it snug. I also used a large washer on top.

I know, blurry pic.

[KenP]

Since the rack is aluminum, I was concerned about the ground on the antenna. To ensure the ground was good, I used a wire from the mount to the rack rail. I removed some paint on the rack rail and remounted the bolt. The one I chose is also under the rack slide so it's not really seen.

(Yes, I know I used a red wire for this, too, but I didn't have any black. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif)

I discover, after tearing one wire out, that the best way to do this was run the ground from the rack rail first. Then move the rack back into place, cut wire to length, and attach to antenna mount.

That's it, enjoy. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
Unit location in front of the left knee. I don't care what Rod says, it's hard to fit a few fingers back there. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Interesting placement. I put mine under the OnStar, inside the center console, just behind the left cig lighter. (Plenty of room there for big fingers. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif) How did you reach all the way to where the plug is?

Your hole in the blank is the same size as the factory plate, yes? Assuming so, I don't think you could push it through even if you wanted to. The grommet and loose ring on the plug together will keep it from sliding in.

And wow, I thought my center console was a mess under the cup holders! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

All jokes aside, nice job, looks great! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[rodster]

BTW, if you re-remove the floor console and lift it a few inches, you'll probably find the clips. They may have gone under the edge of the carpet. A magnet on a stick is helpful.

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
Unit location in front of the left knee. <span class="ev_code_RED">I edited that to say RIGHT.</span> I don't care what Rod says, it's hard to fit a few fingers back there. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Interesting placement. I put mine under the OnStar, inside the center console, just behind the left cig lighter. (Plenty of room there for big fingers. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif) How did you reach all the way to where the plug is?

Your hole in the blank is the same size as the factory plate, yes? Assuming so, I don't think you could push it through even if you wanted to. The grommet and loose ring on the plug together will keep it from sliding in.

And wow, I thought my center console was a mess under the cup holders! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif <span class="ev_code_RED">Damn coffee.</span>

All jokes aside, nice job, looks great! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Thanks for the idea. Best looking so far.

[KenP]

You put yours UNDER. Maybe I should have crawled around some more.

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
You put yours UNDER. Maybe I should have crawled around some more. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Doesn't matter if it works, right? Looks great Ken!

[rodster]

Oh crap. I just figured where you put the box. Yes, that had to hurt! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[MovinH2]

Great job Ken. I see another MOD to add to my list now.

[KenP]

Right hand. Some small scratches and roughed up skin.

[KenP]

Left hand. More of the same.

Oh, I just went out for a quick smoke and noticed the truck GONE. And so is CP. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

[KenP]

No schlitz. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

[CslRkH2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
Power wire (the red one you idiot). http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Check this out... Tap A Circuit (http://www.waytekwire.com/splash/tapacircuit.htm). They have them at Pep Boys too.

Install looks great.

[TootsSUT]

Very, very nice!!! Makes me rethink my install!!

Nah, maybe not! I like my hand the way they are!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[NJ H2]

Nice job!
What's your handle good buddy? 10-4 http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NJ H2:
Nice job!
What's your handle good buddy? 10-4 http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>H-DUECE bish. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[NJ H2]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NJ H2:
Nice job!
What's your handle good buddy? 10-4 http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>H-DUECE bish. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


H-DUECESKI http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NJ H2:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by NJ H2:
Nice job!
What's your handle good buddy? 10-4 http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>H-DUECE bish. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


H-DUECESKI http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>YES!!!!!

[DDWH]

Install turned out sweet Ken!

[OrangeCrush]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
Left hand. More of the same.

Oh, I just went out for a quick smoke and noticed the truck GONE. And so is CP. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

On the bright side, at least you can reach her on the CB http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

BTW, clean up your freakin console... you got dirt, sand and ashes in there... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Mark

[Dave Compson]

May i have the console removal instructions? Or are they a closely guarded secret?

Dave

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dave Compson:
May i have the console removal instructions? Or are they a closely guarded secret?

Dave </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Here you go Dave. Center removal thread w/ pics. (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums?m=4116071424&a=tpc&cdra=Y&s=2826088551&r=6316071424&f=6706011751#6316071424)

BTW, Dave, want to go with us in two weeks on a trail run?

[Dave Compson]

Thanks, got it.

Dave

[rodster]

Let me know if you need help with your project Dave. I just had the dash apart last week so it's still pretty fresh in my head. The instructions are good so you should have any problems.

Sent you a PM about the trail run.

[ROX]

Nice job, Ken. I'm sure CP thanks you too, wherever she is. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ree]

Ken,
Looks good, except for all that crud.

No complaints about clipping the cup tray back in???

Dave,
Those directions are damn helpful as long as you don't assume that all the white arrows are pointing to bolts that have to be removed http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[ree]

Oh, what's your SWR? Better than rodster's or toot's?

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ree:

Those directions are damn helpful as long as you don't assume that all the white arrows are pointing to bolts that have to be removed http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Huh? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[ree]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ree:

Those directions are damn helpful as long as you don't assume that all the white arrows are pointing to bolts that have to be removed http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Huh? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

My '03 has some bolts in different spots that what is indicated. I think four under the storage console and only two up front that actually needed to be removed. It's not as fresh in my mind as your's rodster, but I'm certain that the arrows didn't match mine.

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ree:
Oh, what's your SWR? Better than rodster's or toot's? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I don't know what their's are, but hopefully I have it tuned tomorrow.

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
I don't know what their's are, but hopefully I have it tuned tomorrow. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Uh oh? The SWR meter in placed in-line between the antenna and silver box. Jumper coax from silver box to meter, installed coax from meter to antenna.

[KenP]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
I don't know what their's are, but hopefully I have it tuned tomorrow. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Uh oh? The SWR meter in placed in-line between the antenna and silver box. Jumper coax from silver box to meter, installed coax from meter to antenna. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Are you freaking kidding me? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif Tell me I didn't read that right. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif Sum Bish. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

[ree]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
Uh oh? The SWR meter in placed in-line between the antenna and silver box. Jumper coax from silver box to meter, installed coax from meter to antenna. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Are you freaking kidding me? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif Tell me I didn't read that right. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif Sum Bish. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I don't think he's kidding at all http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif I hadn't even thought of that since mine was a true all-in-one and the hand unit connects direct to the antenna coax. Man oh man http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

What's the rule? If you do it yourself you'll get it right on the third try...and if you accept help/ideas from others you can't get it right sooner than the second try.

[rodster]

In spite of the typo no, I wasn't kidding. Ruh roh.

[KenP]

So the fricken SWR connects to the box?! Sum Bish!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

On the otherhand, I had it on for sometime today and was getting good reception. I should have gotten a radio-check.

http://blogs.indiewire.com/steve.rosenbaum/archives/network1.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/24/41849789_a1514b9e8e_m.jpg

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

[rodster]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
On the otherhand, I had it on for sometime today and was getting good reception. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You may be on to something there. FWIW, when I hooked up the meter, everything was nearly as good as it could get. No tuning was necessary.

[KenP]

Well, I'm sure as heck not digging around in there until my hands heal. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Ipedog]

Ken -

How do you like this air grinder? How does it compare performance/utility wise as opposed to a Dremel w/flex shaft? Just wondering. TIA http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

http://www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/asset/images/eplus/165879_4.jpg

[dochummer]

Looks great ken. Did you use the coat hanger method for hanging the cb?

[Racer-X]

Ken, did you ever check your tuning? When I bought my antenna at a CB shop the guy told me with the cobra and firestick they should be pretty close to spot on. Said he;s never seen that setup that needed adjustment. Rods results seem to back that theory.

So wondering of you tested and what you got so I can see if I should bother with tuning.

Nice install BTW. I'm doing mine very different and will post my install and ideas.

[KenP]

Rob: I really like it a lot. It's been years since I used a Dremel, but this thing was awesome. Gotten on sale it was cheap and I wanted some more stuff for the new air compressor. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Doc: I did the same thing Rodster did and drilled a hole right-smack-dab in the middle between the factory holes in the mic mount. Then mounted it using the dash bolt. I also used some double sided tape behind the mic mount to keep it from swiveling.

RX: I did not tune it. The thought of pulling all that crap out to do it really pissed me off. However, unlike our old setup, I turned it on and was receiving right in the driveway. That's great because we're a long way from the highway or any truckstops. I didn't receive anything with the old truck.

I did use 18' of coax and ran an extra ground wire on the antenna. I'm sure that has something to do with it.