One of the flaws that did turn into a peeve of mine, was the configuration of my CB radio & antenna install.
My installation consisted of the following:
- $40 Walmart CB Radio (hey! its a Cobra brand!)
- $15 Walmart Magenetic Mount CB Antenna
I didn't have the time when I bought the stuff to do a final install, so the CB radio was just bouncing around the cab the entire time. I wheel alone, so most of the time, it would sit in the passenger seat. But it would have to remain upside down so the speaker was facing towards me. If not, I would not hear a thing my buddies would say.
So after getting home, I setforth a more perminant configuration. I actually did something similar like this to my old Pickup, but i ran into problems last time and this time I knew what to avoid.
First thing first was to mount my CB. I was able to move my Stereo down a spot in the console, which worked out great, since the mounts for my CB radio matched the stock Toyota Stereo location.
Where the stereo is now, there used to be a storage cubby. And the CB radio is sitting where the Stereo used to be mounted. Still plenty of space for other goodies.
So a trip to Radio Shack & Ace Hardware, I came home with a couple bags of goodies. I want to make a metal sheet that will cover the stereo & cb, and will also support switches & gauges. Like I said, i did something similar before, but a different aproach this time.
First step was to remove the existing console face, that held the cigarette lighter & window switch. Then I traced a cardboard template to fit over it.
I fixed it to the console with a couple screws, and bent it to shape. Then start to plot out where things would go:
I found some nice switches at radioshack to add to my window switch. These switches are small and compact on the backside, which makes it easy to stack them close together.
There we see where everything should go. Now to trim alittle, and see if it fits the truck without any complications.
From the drivers view, fits perfect!
Now its time to trace the cardboard template onto a metal sheet I have, and make the final piece.
Oh, and you might be wondering how I will hear my friends over the CB, with the speaker facing my stereo??
Aux speaker, mounted to the right of the drivers head
I also had to do something about that piece of crap Walmart antenna. I was suprised to see Radioshack still carried old fassion mirror mount antenna & accessories. So i got a "whip" with mount & cable, and spent extra for a spring to put between the two. I had a problem with branches, or hard jolts dislodging my old magnetic mounted antenna....
...well this baby aint going anywhere!!
Downfall is, i will have to bend it forward while the cap is on, which will mess with its reception. But i dont think im going to be putting to top back on until the end of August, maybe September.
I'll update this, and add more as I get things done.
that's nuts.
