Radio Suggestions

[dougw181]

I have a 2012 Expedition EL that I want to install a radio in. I have a 79 model President Grant that wont fit anywhere. I currently am using a Cobra 75 with a Wilson 5000 magnet mount. While it has great ears, it sucks on transmit and has no SSB. I am looking to put a din size stereo in the dash and would like to find a din sized radio to go below it. I understand that a Magnum 257 or a CRE8900 will fit. Has anyone done this type of install. I am looking to get my ham ticket, but understand that I am breaking the rules either way, but these newer vehicles leave very limited choices when it comes to installing any type of two way radio.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You!
Doug

[silvereagle1]

I believe bulldog 777 in maine did that type of install with a 980. he's got a post on here somewhere and also has you tube videos that you can google. I think the 980 is the same size dimensions as what you're looking at for references.

Picture is from bulldog triple 7 out of Maine
Topic product reviews uniden 980

[wi 544]

the magnum 257 is no longer being made so dealers are just selling out what they have left in stock(rf limited / magnum are coming out with new radios later this year)

cre8900 is a good little radio (has noisey receive)

980ssb is good for what it is, very low power and no channel mods

id go for the optima mk3, there are still some left in the usa, many of the features that it has are mods people pay to have done after they buy other radios

[Big blue]

the magnum 257 is no longer being made so dealers are just selling out what they have left in stock(rf limited / magnum are coming out with new radios later this year)

cre8900 is a good little radio (has noisey receive)

980ssb is good for what it is, very low power and no channel mods

id go for the optima mk3, there are still some left in the usa, many of the features that it has are mods people pay to have done after they buy other radios

Maybe you should consider a President Grant 2 ?

[bluemeanie]

OK I'm talking a lot of money but since your talking ham ticket look at a Kenwood TS50. You can find them used in places but its a full featured HF rig. No mods of any kind required except to open up the general receiver to transmit. Super easy. Great little radio, 100 watts. I love mine, wish I had more.
Mark

[rickk]

Alinco makes a couple of HF radios with detachable front panels. You put the radio wherever you want and you can Velcro the control panel someplace convenient.

[dougw181]

Thank you for all of the suggestions. I ordered a double din adapter for the dash and will confirm the measurements I have to work with when it comes in.
I am thinking of looking into the Kenwood suggestion if it will fit. I mainly want AM for when I am cruising the highway, but want everything else when I want
to talk skip. I will let you know which way I go, and provide pictures of the install when I get done to help others out that may be in the same situation I am in
now. Thanks again, Doug.

[silvereagle1]

Pictures would be great Doug if you get a chance. I always enjoy looking at installation pictures of others equipment.

[fat boy]

Yaesu ft857d or ft100 the 100 can only be found used

[MDYoungblood]

Yaesu ft857d or ft100 the 100 can only be found used

I just came across an Icom IC706MKIIG, HF/VHF/UHF, everything you want in one package. The display (head) is removable and can be mounted on a cup holder mount, seat bolt mount, or one of the suction cup windshield mounts. But with ham radios you really have to like antennas, there is no shortie's that will work properly.

3's

Greg

[721HACKSAW]

You want AM (channel 19) for the highway, but also a HAM (SSB) radio for another band?
As MDY posted, the antenna is going to be the big problem, plus a true HAM radio isn't going to perform well on AM.

[Deleted User 14541]

Some Ham radios can do very well on AM with the right filters but you have to do your homework. Will they scream like a Stryker or General Lee?...No, but a rich warm sound is achievable. How easy it is to get depends on the radio. Its not always practical in a mobile but least 6 or 8 k wide makes good sounding AM.