'98 F250LD CB install

[LocomtvBreth]

Today I decided to pull the headliner out and get serious about installing the CB. I have a Cobra 148GTL that I modded for freebanding, added a variable dead key, and shunted the choke to clean up any possible warbling. I also have a 100W Silverado amp I will be adding later, after i get an appropriate antenna on the roof. The plan is to mount the brackets and punch small holes in the headliner for the brackets to poke through.

148GTL


VDK on the left, and freebanding switches ton the right.


Sliverado 200 100W linear amp that eventually go behind the seat.


Cardboard template taped up and half drilled.

[MDYoungblood]

Nice radio, should have bought it when you had it in the "For Sale" section. Clean looking mod installs. I did a headliner install on my old pickup that had a cardboard headliner, used construction glue like liquid nails to affix a short 1x6 to the metal roof giving me something to screw the mounting bracket to through the headliner. Keep posting updates.

3's

Greg

[LocomtvBreth]

Nice radio, should have bought it when you had it in the "For Sale" section. Clean looking mod installs. I did a headliner install on my old pickup that had a cardboard headliner, used construction glue like liquid nails to affix a short 1x6 to the metal roof giving me something to screw the mounting bracket to through the headliner. Keep posting updates.

3's

Greg

Thanks I tried to keep it aesthetically pleasing. I really like the 2x6 idea. I would be able to keep my visors fully functional. Rethinking now.

[MDYoungblood]

I used a slide mount so i could remove the radio or use one of my others, the pickup is long gone but I still use the slide mounts for all the radios.

My Dodge Ram has that overhead readout so the radios went to the floor.
3's

Greg

[LocomtvBreth]

I went to True Value and picked up two Simpson Strong Tie TP37 7X3" plates. I bent a 90* at one end making sure they were mirror images of each other. The mounting surface in the cab is roughly 68*, so I marked and drilled mounting holes for the radio at roughly 22*. I need to trim the excess off the bottoms and spray them gloss black (it's what I have, gotta keep it cheap). Then i will mark and drill the cab. I will be using pop rivets to attach to the cab because I already have them.

[MDYoungblood]

They look to be pretty tough, should hold the radio with no problem.

3's

Greg

[LocomtvBreth]

Trimmed up.

[MDYoungblood]

I would trim off those points on the brackets, remember it's close to your head.

3's

Greg

[LocomtvBreth]

I would trim off those points on the brackets, remember it's close to your head.

3's

Greg

Not a bad idea. I'll screw them down stacked and hit the corners together with the 4" Makita.

-- Monday, 16 May 2016, 14:38 PM --

Rounded the corners and painted the brackets today. I made another cardboard template, drilled the holes in the cardboard out, center punched, pulled the template off, and drilled. Attached each bracket with four 1/8" pop rivets. I also violated the visors with a box cutter and hacksaw.







-- Monday, 16 May 2016, 14:38 PM --

Rounded the corners and painted the brackets today. I made another cardboard template, drilled the holes in the cardboard out, center punched, pulled the template off, and drilled. Attached each bracket with four 1/8" pop rivets. I also violated the visors with a box cutter and hacksaw.







-- Thursday, 19 May 2016, 23:05 PM --

Was looking at the truck again to plan power feeds for the radio and linear. I followed a 10AWG fused wire from the battery, through the firewall and coiled under the vinyl floor. It was not connected to anything, this will power the radio. For the Linear, I have a stretch of 6AWG red cable I will attach to the firewall mounted "Starter Motor Relay", using a 20A circuit breaker.

-- Friday, 20 May 2016, 10:43 AM --

Radio is wired with the feed running up the passenger side A pillar. Will run the amp feed tomorrow maybe. Will get more pics soon.

-- Friday, 20 May 2016, 21:37 PM --

Built the amp feed line.



-- Monday, 23 May 2016, 13:01 PM --

Went to the wrecking yard today and picked up a couple things for the install.

Wilson NMO27 for $5.


Chevy van power block for the amplifier power feed. $2


-- Monday, 23 May 2016, 13:02 PM --

Went to the wrecking yard today and picked up a couple things for the install.

Wilson NMO27 for $5.


Chevy van power block for the amplifier power feed. $2


-- Monday, 23 May 2016, 19:33 PM --

The Amp is mounted to the back wall of the cab, just below the top of the seat back.


Power feed for the amplifier is in place.


The wrecking yard junction block is soaking in vinegar to remove as much rust as possible.

Wilson NMO 27 is mounted in the top of the cab.

-- Tuesday, 24 May 2016, 10:31 AM --

Larsen NMO-27 mounted.


junction block mounted and power connected to Silverado 200 amplifier.


I tested the SWR yesterday without the amp and got 1:1 on the one channel I happened to be on. I will test further. but the whip is stuck pretty well and I dont think I could adjust it anyway.

-- Tuesday, 24 May 2016, 10:34 AM --

I just need to connect the amp power feed under the hood, and reinstall headliner and interior trim.