Cheap CP Install

[jfrabat]

OK, I am considering adding a CB to my rig... Unfortunately, my wife has slapped a budget on me, and since I am getting the Rubicon Express Standard 4" lift next month, I cannot afford to get anything too expensive.

Now, I saw a Cobra radio at Walmart for about $36 (it's the Ultra III, which fits into the ashtray, and since my Jeep never had and ashtray, it is as good a place to install it), but was wondering what antena you would recommend and how to install it on a budget (I have installed many car stereos, including the Jeeps, so, other than the tuning of the antena, it should not be so different, right?).

Also, any feedback on this CB? I noticed it does not have the option for an external speaker; I was kind of looking for one that did so I could input the signal to my stereo and use the sound system as an external speaker... But I guess I can always modify this one to do the same thing.

Felipe

 

[jfrabat]

By the way, sorry about the typo in the title...

 

[Utah_jeepster]

Not sure on your model buy I just replaced my RS for a Cobra model 29 night-watch. I didn't need to tune the new fire-stick since the CB had a SWR calibration dial on the CB. The Fire stick (3foot fiberglass antenna) was 17.95 and the radio was 136.

 

[90Xjay]

By the way, sorry about the typo in the title...

wel wel, wat do wee halve hear? Someone hoo can't uuz spel chek?urple: urple:

 

[jfrabat]

wel wel, wat do wee halve hear? Someone hoo can't uuz spel chek?urple: urple:

Guilty as charged!!!:lol:

 

[jfrabat]

Utah,

Where did you install your antenna? I was thinking about getting one of those mounts that go on the tailgate stopper, but then thought that most obstructions are on that side... So then I started looking into the mount that goes between the driver's side rear lamp and the body.

By the way, I ended up buying a Firestick FireFly 4' antena that I got for $14.97 (I thought it was a good deal; is it really a good deal?). I am now also reconsidering the CB radio, as I prefer something with weather alerts.... How about that Cobra one that all the functions are on the mic? Seems nice to hide out of view when not being used...

Felipe

 

[Jason4x4]

I just installed the Cobra 75WX-ST (the one with the display and all controls in the mic) in my TJ about 2 weeks ago. It installs very easily - comes with a small box. The box has a port where you plug in the coax from the antenna, a port to plug in the mic, and 2 wires (red and black). The red and black just ties into a 12v switched source and a ground, respectively.

If you have a TJ, just take out the 2 screws and pop off the panel on the dash below the steering wheel. You'll see a bundle of wires coming from the wheel/ignition area. Find the pink wire with a yellow stripe. Test it with a meter, but that should be what you're looking for (thanks to whoever passed that along when I asked the same question!).

Then you just plug in the mic. I got a Terraflex antenna bracket that mounts behind the driver's taillight for like $20 from Quadratec. I found out later that the Terraflex bracket isnt that great because it is powdercoated so it doesnt provide a very good ground, so look for one that is stainless (they're easy to find). Anyway, just pop the back of the taillight lense off with a flathead screwdriver, then use a socket wrench to take the three screws out that hold the taillight on. Put the bracket behind the taillight, line up the holes and bolt it back on. There is a 4th hole above the taillight that you're supposed to drill through the body and use a 4th screw (included with the bracket) to mount the bracket to the body, but I didn't want to drill through the body so I skipped that step (no issues yet).

Now, just screw the antenna onto the antenna base (Radio Shack sells them for like $20 if you order just an antenna from Quadratec like I did and it turns out to be a replacement antenna with no base). Then you screw the base onto the bracket and plug the coax into the base. I ran the coax back through the hole where the wiring harness for the taillight comes through. There is a plug where the harness comes up by the rollbar in the back of the Jeep. I popped that plug out and cut a slit in it so I could fit the coax in with the harness and then popped the plug back into the hole. Then you just run the coax under the carpet (if you even have carpet) and plug it into the base.

I've included pictures of my install. BTW, I also got the Firefly antenna but I paid like $25 for it from Quadratec. I like it so far, seems to work well but I have no experience to with cbs to compare this setup to anything else. I just know it works (talked to a lot of truckers on my drive back to WV this past weekend ). Let me know if you have any questions.

BTW, Radio Shack has (or had) the 75WX-ST on clearance for $69, and it does pick up the 10 weather band channels.

 

[black87yj]

round here (wisc) cbs are abour $5.00 at garage sales ! no kidding there all over the place .

 

[jfrabat]

round here (wisc) cbs are abour $5.00 at garage sales ! no kidding there all over the place .

The thing about those is that they tend to be the big units... Installing those in the tight space of a Jeep may not be so simple. I prefer the smaller units (like the 75WX, that has no main unit, or those that the main unit fits into the ashtray opening) because of ease of mounting.

I mayself will install the antenna with a Firestick Quick Disconnect (I already have it) because the antenna will not make it into the garage otherwise. As for the CB, I am still not decided, but like the 75WX and the Midland 75-822 (hand held with car adapter).

Felipe