Mounting GMRS antenna

[DocMike]

I'd love to see some pics.

I have the same unit. I was able to tuck it under the carpet below the glove box and behind the dash area. Out of site. I used the pre-wire from the factory for accessories. Also used an NMO mount antenna on my back rack. Night and day different than the one that ships with it.

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[LostWoods]

Be careful mounting the mic to the right of the HVAC controls... I did that and now my panel has a nice gap on the back side where it meets the handle.

 

[DocMike]

Was this with the universal mount?

Be careful mounting the mic to the right of the HVAC controls... I did that and now my panel has a nice gap on the back side where it meets the handle.

 

[LostWoods]

Was this with the universal mount?

Mounting to the panel itself because I was being cheap. I'd imagine the ones that slip behind the grab handle are solid and those that mount between panel and handle are fine as well.

 

[DocMike]

I will post and document my results for the good of the group.

Mounting to the panel itself because I was being cheap. I'd imagine the ones that slip behind the grab handle are solid and those that mount between panel and handle are fine as well.

 

[DocMike]

I put this in. Gap is not too bad. I could probably mod the HVAC control piece for a more flush fit...but.... Pulling HVAC controls is scary as hell. You will think they will break. Also the 10mm bolt on the gladiator is a bit different. IT does not come out all easy like in the video. The washer is held in place by plastic. Overall I like the location and I feel this is a robust mount with options to add on. Still waiting on my antenna and mount.

https://topsyproducts.com/collectio...ccessories/products/universal-cb-mic-mount-jl

Cool Tech shipped it on the 7th of December and it has been in post office hell. Generic scan on the 11th of December that it was "in transit" finally appeared in Denver today. Cool Tech has not been exactly Johnny on the Spot with helping locate my items. 3 emails to their sales and customer support people has yielded zero response.

 

[Elkaholic]

I am a dealer for Midland and am working on my install now. I will be working with a PCTEL glass mount antenna on the rear window as I do not intend to remove the hard top. Additionally, I am reserving the Topsy Products fender NMO mount for a dual band antenna for my HAM rig

 

[Jay Gatsby]

Midironman, do you have a brand name for that bracket and where i can find it.. What's used to tighten it down to the hood?

Sorry, I just saw post. It's a Diamond K400SNMO lip mount. Tightens down using set screws.

 

[DocMike]

Install done. I pulled the plug from the firewall for what was supposed to be the clutch pedal. Do they make one that I can replace it with that has a hole for the cable?

Tested. Some static over 6 miles. But @FR33DOM was also in a bowl.

Finally, I have the excess cable zip tied at the moment. It's in a bit of a bundle... Not ideal. Should I run it length wise along the cowl? I could zip tie it down.

 

[johnparjr]

Motobilt has the mount for trail rail system. Have not seen it in person, its been out of stock.

https://motobilt.com/collections/je...oducts/gladiator-bedrail-cb-antenna-mount-kit

I have one haven't installed it yet I think I bought their last one as they had to look in the shop for it

 

[DocMike]

Ok, I did not like the hole in my fire wall so I went to Ace. Bought a grommet and modified my firewall plug.

Now I need to ask an expert here. I read on here that you should not coil the excess GMRS antenna.
I used zip ties on the cowl. Good idea or bad? I am concerned about engine heat. Better ideas? Open to suggestion here. Please give some ideas. No snowflake here. Not happy with it. It's not very clean.

All in all happy with the install. I'd like to hard wire the power, bit I'm going to try real hard to save my aux switches for lights etc.

 

[sarguy1941]

Cut off the excess and put a new connector on it. Thats the best way to go.

 

[prerunner1982]

Now I need to ask an expert here. I read on here that you should not coil the excess GMRS antenna.
I used zip ties on the cowl. Good idea or bad? I am concerned about engine heat. Better ideas? Open to suggestion here. Please give some ideas. No snowflake here. Not happy with it. It's not very clean.

All in all happy with the install. I'd like to hard wire the power, bit I'm going to try real hard to save my aux switches for lights etc.

You can coil the coax just be mindful of how tightly you coil it. Too tight and you will break the dielectric insulator and the center conductor can short to the shield. A broad coil will not harm your signal. However, as mentioned shortening the coax and putting a new connector on it is the best option, this is the case with most properly mounted mobile communication antennas except dual phased or NGP (No Ground Plane) antennas.

 

[DocMike]

I will be making the trip to radio shack and cutting the cable.
It's sloppy stretched across the engine bay like that.
After that will be the hard wire of the power source.
hopefully others can use all fo this discussion and photos.
I will say this was the MOST PAINLESS breeching of a firewall I have ever encountered and I am pleased with Jeep for having the sense to make this an easy job.

You can coil the coax just be mindful of how tightly you coil it. Too tight and you will break the dielectric insulator and the center conductor can short to the shield. A broad coil will not harm your signal. However, as mentioned shortening the coax and putting a new connector on it is the best option, this is the case with most properly mounted mobile communication antennas except dual phased or NGP (No Ground Plane) antennas.

 

[jtforrester]

I have the mount from Rugged Radios. I like the mount but the bolt they provided started rusting after a few months.
https://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=736_1353&products_id=2759

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