I have used lots of CB in the past and really loved a
few that I had. Well with the new TJ's space is at a premium and
I didn't want to make the interior any more inviting for those that just
can't keep their hands off of things. I looked around at all the
CB's and even tried to test fit a few into the vehicle. I saw a
few articles about cutting the center console so that they would fit,
and more about mounting it up on the roll bar. I saw the Cobra 75wx
in an ad and later found it on a few websites. All the controls
in the handset, and a box that remains hidden behind or below stuff.
The best thing is that you can buy extra boxes and mount them in your
other vehicles. That way you only need to move the handset from
vehicle to vehicle. The Rubi just isn't good on real long trips.
That's why I have a ZJ. Most of the club outing that I have ever been
require a CB radio to keep in contact. Now with the limited space
that comes standard with every Jeep the question arises where to put one.
There are all sorts of great products out there to mount a CB radio to.
Additional
Parts:
Mini Fuse tap
Wire end connectors
Tools
Needed:
Drill
Flat tip screwdriver
Pliers or small adjustable wrench
#1 Phillips/ Prince & Reed screwdriver
File or Dremel
Installation:
The
hardest things about install is where to drill the hole for the connection
and how to wire it up. In my '99 I drilled a hole in the side
of the center console and ran the connector out the side. Now
with my new one I wanted to put the connector somewhere that if I
ever decide to move it the cost of replacing that piece of plastic
would be minimal. I decided that the coin holder would be a
great place to put it. Now in hindsight it is a real pain to
try and hook up the handset. I can live with it, but it would
have probably been better to just run the cable out the bottom edge
of the center console.
Connection Box: 1. To install the box, all you do is gently pry up the coin
holder
2. Now drill a hole in the center of it. I took the mounting plate
for the cable, inserted the grommet in it and then carefully traced
the outline on the plastic bottom of the coin holder. Just to
make certain that I didn't make an error I drilled the hole a little
smaller, I could always enlarge it with the Dremel.
3. Once I got the hole to fit the grommet, I inserted the plate
and drilled the 2 holes for the screws. Run your cable
through the grommet and bolt the plate in.
4. Now just slide the box under the front edge of the console, it will
sit forward of the 4wd selector lever. I do have a few concerns
about filling the cab up with water with this sitting so low, but
I will try not to do that.
5. Run the power and ground wire out. I kept these together
and ran the power cable to the fuse box. I spent a little while
searching for the old wires that used to be here, but to find out
that they removed them. Since there is no accessory wiring anymore
in the '03's I decided to tap into an unused fuse location on the
fuse box. This spot would normally house the fuse for the hard
top, but now only has power going to it. The wiring to the fuse
box is temporary until I can put in an accessory fuse panel and ground
strip or I connect directly to the back of the fuse box. I found
a convenient ground nearby.
UPDATE: I rerouted the power wire to the new plug that I installed as part of the
Painless wiring harness.
Antenna:
Now that we have the hard part over with it is time to install an
antenna. Okay I went with a cheap Magnetic mount antenna for
the time being. I need to decide on a rear tire carrier before
I buy an antenna. So in my case just run the wiring down along
the driver side along the existing wiring harness holders and over
to the box. You should still be able to get a hold of it to
connect the cable. Then just stuff it back under. I don't
have anything holding mine, and it doesn't rattle, nor has it come
out. If that ever does happen I will put it down with a little
bit of Velcro.
Mic:
This just screws in to the connector and then ends up lying in my
cup holder. I also have a FRS radio that I take off-road, so
I use that most of the time when I am in a small group.
Speaker:
I haven't installed one of these yet. I still need to figure
out where I want to put one and then find one that will suit my purposes.
