CB Radio question

[motornut]

Some of the unit when I got,The CB guts are in the second box.

[chiro22]

Any opinions on which of these simple models would be the best option?

found this handled one that converts:
Amazon.com: Midland 75-822 40 Channel CB-Way...
or this mountable one:
Amazon.com: Uniden 40-Channel CB Radio...
Also both of these look like they could plug into the cigarette lighter and work. The mountable one needs a converter to do that. Does that mean I would just plug it into the lighter, connect to the antenna and be ready to go>?

[Liberty]

I wouldn't power it through the cig lighter if you don't have to.
Just wire it up to the fuse panel, crimp some of those cheapo speaker connectors to the wiring of the CB.

[chiro22]

Originally Posted by Liberty

I wouldn't power it through the cig lighter if you don't have to.
Just wire it up to the fuse panel, crimp some of those cheapo speaker connectors to the wiring of the CB.

Sounds good. I'll look into doing that. I'm sure there some online tutorials.

[chiro22]

Anyone have a strong opinion on antennas? I was looking at the 4-5' fiberglass Fire Stick and a stake hole mount, or a wilson/cobra magnetic mount and finally a 102" whip with ball joint and tie down. I've heard the 102 can have high swr while driving because it bends.

This is a weekend warrior, hunting truck, so I was considering the magnet so I can pull it off when I'm not using it.

Thoughts?

[chiro22]

Also where do people run the coax, window seals, drain plugs, drill new holes?

[chiro22]

^^^bump

[Eraser475]

Here's my setup. 1976 Midland 23 Channel. 2 3' Firestik FS-4 Tunable tip antennas. Mounted to the front of my toolbox. 18' Coax run between the bed and cab, along the frame rail, and around the front of the cab through the firewall. The extra is coiled in a figure 8 under the dash since I've heard you can get interference if it's just a single coil. I honestly haven't had a chance to test the range on it yet since I don't drive it on the salty Minnesota roads. I would have 4' antennas if I had the clearance for them in my garage. If I were you, I'd go with a single 4-5' Firestik antenna and tune it correctly

[chiro22]

Originally Posted by Eraser475

Here's my setup. 1976 Midland 23 Channel. 2 3' Firestik FS-4 Tunable tip antennas. Mounted to the front of my toolbox. 18' Coax run between the bed and cab, along the frame rail, and around the front of the cab through the firewall. The extra is coiled in a figure 8 under the dash since I've heard you can get interference if it's just a single coil. I honestly haven't had a chance to test the range on it yet since I don't drive it on the salty Minnesota roads. I would have 4' antennas if I had the clearance for them in my garage. If I were you, I'd go with a single 4-5' Firestik antenna and tune it correctly

Great looking set up and GREAT shifter head!! haha

[chiro22]

Does anyone know of a shop in the Bay Area that has and can install cb/antennas?

[jjmorrse]

They are not at all difficult to install and set swr, if a person is deliberate about it. If nobody suggests a place in your area, a lot of times interstate truck stop staff will know who might be good locally.

[chiro22]

Originally Posted by jjmorrse

They are not at all difficult to install and set swr, if a person is deliberate about it. If nobody suggests a place in your area, a lot of times interstate truck stop staff will know who might be good locally.

Thanks!

[Prerunner1982]

Originally Posted by chiro22

Anyone have a strong opinion on antennas? I was looking at the 4-5' fiberglass Fire Stick and a stake hole mount, or a wilson/cobra magnetic mount and finally a 102" whip with ball joint and tie down. I've heard the 102 can have high swr while driving because it bends.

This is a weekend warrior, hunting truck, so I was considering the magnet so I can pull it off when I'm not using it.

Thoughts?

A 102" whip (with a spring) is the best antenna option you can run. Downside is that it's long, but it works well. The shorter the antenna the more of a compromise. You could also run the 102" whip on the stake hole mount if you want, unless you just like the ball mount whip look. If you are just wanting it to talk to your hunting buddies that are in same general area you could get by with a shorter antenna.

Originally Posted by Eraser475

Here's my setup. 1976 Midland 23 Channel. 2 3' Firestik FS-4 Tunable tip antennas. Mounted to the front of my toolbox. 18' Coax run between the bed and cab, along the frame rail, and around the front of the cab through the firewall. The extra is coiled in a figure 8 under the dash since I've heard you can get interference if it's just a single coil. I honestly haven't had a chance to test the range on it yet since I don't drive it on the salty Minnesota roads. I would have 4' antennas if I had the clearance for them in my garage. If I were you, I'd go with a single 4-5' Firestik antenna and tune it correctly

Instead of coiling the coax you can also shorten the coax and use just what you need. No reason to have to find a place to stash all the extra especially if it is only mounted to your toolbox.