CB in a Libby!!!

[Marlon_JBT]

Wait, people mod KJs? Since when? Well, yea, at least I did... somewhat. I finally finished my CB radio install today. It's been going on for months, and everybody around here should know me, I'm a VERY IMPATIENT PERSON when it comes to these Jeep things. Well, I stole my dad's drill charger, so no more excuses, even in snowy weather! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/woot.gif

What you will need:

1. CB Radio. I chose the Radio Shack TRC-503 CB for its size and price. ($29.99!!!!!)
2. CB antenna cable. Cheap @ RS. I got a 20ft cable for a price, which now, I cannot remember. Whatever it was, it wasn't expensive.
3. CB Antenna Mount. I said that I was impatient, so I picked up RS's Luggage rack mount. It's supposed to mount on the tubes of a luggage rack, but, um, I didn't, because the bars on the KJ are too big. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
4. CB Antenna. I chose the Firestik II, 4'. $22.99 @ Jeepersandcreepers.
5. A drill of some sort. I have a Black and Decker 14.4V cordless drill. Worked perfectly for this project.
6. Drill bits. Craftsman is the only brand I trust.
7. A Jeep of some sort. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hee.gif

__________________________________________________ _________

I started by taking off the spare tire off of the carrier with a 4 way lug wrench I picked up last year. Everyone should have one. I then proceeded to drill 2 pilot holes for the mount. Always drill pilot holes before the final holes. Makes it easier, and you're less likely to mess something up.
http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/data/15266/6DSC00116-med.JPG

After that, I drilled out the pilot holes for the final holes. I used a 1/4 inch drill bit. The mount is on the other side of the tire mount.
http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/data/15266/6DSC00117-med.JPG

Bolts are tightened!
http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/data/15266/6DSC00118-med.JPG
http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/data/15266/6DSC00121-med.JPG

Now, for mounting your receiver, you can just let it dangle whereever you want...or you can permanently mount it somewhere. I chose the blank location right of the steering wheel, left of the radio, and under the instrument cluster. Works good for me, because I don't have to reach over to adjust anything, and it's not in the way. Since I did NOT want to drill a single hole at the time (now, I wouldn't care), I used Industrial Strength Velcro to mount the receiver. Holds up fine...even survives Michigan Potholes at 40MPH. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hee.gif
http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/data/15266/6DSC00125-med.JPG

I ran the wires under the steering wheel.
http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/data/15266/6DSC00126-med.JPG

And into the interior side panels.... the wires are not seen until right here, in the cargo area.
http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/data/15266/6DSC00122-med.JPG

I got power from an add-a-fuse. $9.99 at your local auto parts store. This is wired to fuse # 3, front power adapter outlet.
http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/data/15266/6DSC00127-med.JPG

Fully operational!
http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/data/15266/6DSC00131-med.JPG

Special thanks to:

mikea - Thanks for the drill advice.
JoplinJeeper (Alan) - Thanks for the advice on the industrial strength velcro.
gblue (Gill) - For hosting this write up and pics! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

All pics are here.
http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/6

[gmbtj]

That looks great Marlon.

But you should never resort to stealing!!!!!!!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Landon]

Nice job Marlon. In fact, I have that same CB. Wait a minute.......where's my......MARLON!!!!!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hee.gif

[Don]

Landon, I was telling Nick in a PM, that he should look into the radio. He doesn't have a CB yet, and this may fit into his budget without too many problems. I asume that you and Marlon are happy with the performance of this CB?

[Landon]

I sure am. It's been working very well so far, easy to mount and install, and easy on the budget. Can't beat that. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Marlon_JBT]

I'm happy with it too. Volume from the speaker is great /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

It's not really the CB... your reception comes from your antenna selection and your SWR tuning. My CB hasn't been tuned just yet... I don't know how much of a range I have.

[Tomster]

Nice job, Marlon. Good write up, good pics.

Tomster

[Paul E]

You got more specs on that add-a-fuse thing? When I set up my light bypass, I had to work it special. That add-a-fuse sounds like the ticket. any part #'s and store where you got it would be great.

[Matt]

Paul, just ask for an inline fuse. if its for a radio, they should come with one. If not its usually a 2.5 amp fuse

[Paul E]

I have an inline fuse already in the setup, but getting connected to the fuse box like Marlon did is what I'm really wanting... this is how it is currently attached...

http://www.itsajeep.org/PhotoPost/data/15261/163DSCN00901-med.JPG

Looks lousy and I want it to be a bit more secure.

Marlon, your install looks real good. Good details too. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/goodpost.gif

[mawardjr]

Good job Marlon!

[Marlon_JBT]

Just ask for an add-a-fuse. Or if you don't like asking... it's usually near the bulbs. I bought it from Murray's Discount Auto Parts, but they're sort of a regional chain.

[Paul E]

I did ask for that kind of thing. they looked at me like i had bugs coming out of my ears or something...

[Marlon_JBT]

[ QUOTE ]
I did ask for that kind of thing. they looked at me like i had bugs coming out of my ears or something...

[/ QUOTE ]

OK, print out my Picture. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Then look at them like they have bugs coming out of their ears! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hee.gif

<! This is my 1000th post! !>

[Don]

[ QUOTE ]
<! This is my 1000th post! !>

[/ QUOTE ]

CONGRATULATIONS, MARLON!!!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tu.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tu.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tu.gif