UHF CB install

[Lancer1993]

So started talking about this else where but thought it might be worth its own thread.

Basically planning a 'out back' trip through parts of the NT, SA and WA in the near future to visit relatives and as part of the prep I'm seriously considering a UHF CB for my CJ.

Would love to see how others have set theres up, so photos would be nice.

My plan is to get a modern unit which are tiny and mount it above the head unit in the centre of the dash, using velcro to hold it there to my dash matt. The antenna might be mounted on a light bar (for some spot lights) above the number plate. But I'm open to other options.

Also this is a budge install, looking at sub $150 units and I know this time of year is great for bargains like this.

[Lancer1993]

Just chucked this on...

Had forgotten how heavy the bar is, it's probably stainless as its non magnetic but too heavy to be alloy. Yes some idiot thought it would look cool to have tinted covers for the lights, kinda defeating their intended usage LOL



The plan would be to mount the antenna in the centre of the bar.

[bumblebee]

I just arrived in sunny Brisbane yesterday arvo..Hopefully this arvo now that i have emptied the car of my belonging i can get a photo of how my cb is mounted and my led bar

[adamhumphrey]

With mounting on the driving light bracket just be careful you have a strong earth otherwise it will affect the antenna operation.

[Lancer1993]

So I'm planing to weld up my own bracket. Something out of mostly flat steel that will be hidden behind the number plate and curved to match the front of the car, also thinking for added support I'll add extra bolts behind the number plate with something behind that bumper skin to support it, still working out the details.

But the idea is to have it mostly hidden for a clean look. I know a few local fabrication shops where I can probably pick up the scrap metal I need. Would love to make it out of alloy but don't have a suitable welder for that and it might be too light.

[bumblebee]

Lancer CJ GME electrophone UHF https://imgur.com/gallery/iG7b4

[Lancer1993]

Only issue I have with the CB mounted down there on a road trip is the amount of crap we usually have around the floor.

What the thoughts on sitting the unit above the head unit on the dash?
I guess the downside is heat and possible theft or reason for someone to break into the car?

BTW the unit I'm looking at is way smaller at 22.5(h) x 100 (w) x 84 (d) mm.

[bumblebee]

If you have heaps of crap on floor theres a few ways to fix that.
Put a tow bar on car and tow a small trailer eg classic motorcycle trailer
Or put roof racks (rola brand) on your car and a pod.
I have rola roof racks and 450 litre pod. Worked a treat on the trip to brisbane

[Lancer1993]

When I say crap its stuff around the passages feet like drinks and things for them to do on a long drive, nothing worth towing a trailer or putting a pod on the roof for.

This is all academic until I get one and see where it can go.

[bumblebee]

CJ lancer 450Litre pod and Rola roof racks https://imgur.com/gallery/xVOEK

[Lancer1993]

I agree a roof pod is a great idea if you have a car full of people and need the extra space but don't need to tow a trailers but with just 2 people on this trip I'm sure we'll have enough space. Went to Adelaide with 3 in my CJ and found enough space, so 2 should be a breeze.

As for the CB well they will have to wait until (ironically) I get a new tow bar next month.

On a long remote road trip (compared to the east coast) I figure a CB is more useful than spot lights, but I'm still gonna try for both for this trip.

[bumblebee]

I saw a white VRX this morning on Wynnum road. It had 4 x uhf aerials on it. 2 were mounted at the back off the boot wing. One at each end of the wing. The other 2 looked like they were on Z mounts. One each side of the bonnet where mine is mounted. If you pop the bonnet there is a bolt towards the back that holds the mudguard on. Looks like they used it.
I got a photo of it driving from behind but its not great but you can see them though.

[Lancer1993]

4 is kinda over kill, wonder what it was set up for?

I looked at the boot but there is no place to put them on the sides with my VRX wing. I'd say the best option for top reception might be a roof bar/surf rack with the aerials mounted up there and the wires just running through the rear door rubbers?

I'd still prefer to run it off a mount on the front number plate.

On that, did some welding on the trailer to practice. Now the holidays are over I'll be looking to get some scrap from a metal fabricator in the coming weeks to make an aerial/spotlight mount.

[Lancer1993]

I know this didn't happen last year but I just realised where I could mount an antenna now, use one of the boot wing holes!

Also there should have enough clearance when open to be at least 50cm tall.

[bumblebee]

Paint the lancer Orange and put a huge 01 on the doors as well