Vladislav Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Need an advice. Some while back I started planning interior rebuild on my R and initiated some jobs having spare elements of the dash etc. Tinkering with partly cracked headliner console I reinforsed it with steel plates on the inner side. By my original idea those were purposed to support a radio at the stock location. But further thoughts moved me to organize a slot to put big Cobra CB at the left above the driver side and make a second slot at the passenger side for a common radio/CD. I don't like lissening to radio when driving so would let a passenger to play waves. But keeping this solution in my mind for a while I became less sure on the perfection of the idea putting CB above the driver seat. The mic cord seems potentially hanging right in front the driver's nose or so. Taking this I strted looking for different locations. Suppopse Cobra would look nice being attached right on the center of the dash. But in this case it might attract too much of attention from the outside and I don't want anybody in my cab trying to pull it off and run with. Making a hole in the dash insert plate might be a good idea but it looks like there's too much of stuff behind the dash to allow whole body of the CB to go in. Hanging CB to the bottom of the heater unit wouldn't give good access to the controls. So I'd like to hear meanings of folks who were experienced using Cobra's or other CB's in a R/RW/DM. Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtymilkman Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 On my old 88 R, I made a bracket out of stainless that bolted to the headliner by the roof vent. The cb bracket then attached right to that. The mic hung from the handle on the roof vent. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383617 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobert62 Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 No help here, but some questions. Is a cb used in your part of the world? Is it the same as an American cb? I'm not being an ass, just never traveled anywhere. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383618 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted October 28, 2017 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Any chance you could remake the headliner out of something more durable? Like sheet metal or aluminium? I say that cause I'm pretty sure the Aussie ones are made of sheet metal. Think ive also seen some bolted to the top of the dash, above gauges and switches. 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383643 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmyb Posted October 28, 2017 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Also, a lot of Aussie manufacturers are making smaller radios now, like half the size. Not sure if that would help you any? Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383644 Share on other sites More sharing options...
41chevy Posted October 28, 2017 Share Posted October 28, 2017 The CB in my R when I got had whats called a Slip Seat Radio box. Housed a CB and Stereo radio with two speakers. Slid into a bracket between the seats with power, just needed to plug in antenna leads It was removable to go from truck to truck. sold through Overdrive magazine a few years ago.. You could probably make up a similar one. 1 Quote "OPERTUNITY IS MISSED BY MOST PEOPLE BECAUSE IT IS DRESSED IN OVERALLS AND LOOKS LIKE WORK" Thomas Edison “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy shit, what a ride!’” P.T.CHESHIRE Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383656 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted October 28, 2017 Author Share Posted October 28, 2017 12 hours ago, Hobert62 said: No help here, but some questions. Is a cb used in your part of the world? Is it the same as an American cb? I'm not being an ass, just never traveled anywhere. Yes, truck drivers use CB's overhere. For about the last 20 years now. Not local runners like dump or mixer trucks but the most of those who cover highways. Common info you can hear is what's going on 10 km in front of you, including hard jam and which lane to get to pass a car crash initiated the jam. Also some owners of truck stops and repair shops advertize their yards. And the most popular request with answers hearing rarer and rarer nowadays is to buy stolen diesel fuel It was a pretty common practice just about 5-7 years back when about everybody working for a company or so sells what he could save of fuel or just steal using false odometer readings or any other possible way. Now it mostly impossible with a help of installing GPS trackers in company vehicles. Of the type of CB's they are probably the same as American ones. I haven't investigated the theme completely to the moment. Just know a guy who uses Cobra 178 in his Pete and is lucky with it. Don't know if he made any tuning for work here or not. Going to learn that. The most people use different China made radios I didn't pay attention to what they are and how good or bad some particular model is. When I bought my truck there was some off-brand unit there which allowed me talking and recieving answers until died a couple of seasons ago. I didn't drive the truck for the last two years excepting a few local 50 km runs so had no need to fix it so far. My general idea is to bring the R to a restored show-condition being avalible to travel with it at the same time. So I'd like to install a classic look Cobra radio but also want to have it usable. 1 Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383666 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted October 28, 2017 Author Share Posted October 28, 2017 12 hours ago, Dirtymilkman said: On my old 88 R, I made a bracket out of stainless that bolted to the headliner by the roof vent. The cb bracket then attached right to that. The mic hung from the handle on the roof vent. Ok, I will think over this option. Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383667 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted October 28, 2017 Author Share Posted October 28, 2017 7 hours ago, Timmyb said: Any chance you could remake the headliner out of something more durable? Like sheet metal or aluminium? I say that cause I'm pretty sure the Aussie ones are made of sheet metal. Think ive also seen some bolted to the top of the dash, above gauges and switches. A later style American R-model headliner console has relatively complicated shape to be reproduced of sheet metal. I'm going to keep it original of its form using SS inserts glued up to the inner surface to reinforse the plasic body. With edges bent with holes drilled to attach the whole part screwing it to the cab through metal parts also. Those consoles used to start cracing from the mounting screw holes. Then after the "shaping work" is complete I'll bring it to upholstery guy to skin it up at the outside. So CB installing question should be resolved before the final step. The one at the picture is not mine but a nice work of one of our members. 1 Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383668 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted October 28, 2017 Author Share Posted October 28, 2017 5 hours ago, 41chevy said: The CB in my R when I got had whats called a Slip Seat Radio box. Housed a CB and Stereo radio with two speakers. Slid into a bracket between the seats with power, just needed to plug in antenna leads It was removable to go from truck to truck. sold through Overdrive magazine a few years ago.. You could probably make up a similar one. Paul, this solution won't work for me since I have a walk-in sleeper behind the cab. But the idea worth attention no doubt. Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383669 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted October 28, 2017 Author Share Posted October 28, 2017 7 hours ago, Timmyb said: Also, a lot of Aussie manufacturers are making smaller radios now, like half the size. Not sure if that would help you any? They're avalible here too. But I want a LOOK 1 Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383670 Share on other sites More sharing options...
6368 Posted October 28, 2017 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Does your mic attach to the side or out the front of the cb ? I had mine mounted on top the dash ( covers part of the ash tray) and it worked ok, but if i were to do it again i would put it above, in front of the passenger. Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383673 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted October 28, 2017 Author Share Posted October 28, 2017 3 hours ago, 6368 said: Does your mic attach to the side or out the front of the cb ? I had mine mounted on top the dash ( covers part of the ash tray) and it worked ok, but if i were to do it again i would put it above, in front of the passenger. The mic port is on the front - Cobra 29LTD. I don't smoke and would't allow others to do it in the truck. So no need in the ash tray. Putting the mounting bracket onto the upper dash board which conteins the tray seems as a easiest way to install CB. But I still hope to hide it from every eye to some reasonable location. Can you access CB at the passenger side when driving? Seems like a trouble to. 1 Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383680 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted October 28, 2017 Author Share Posted October 28, 2017 Maybe it worth to buy a different model CB with a mic port on its side and install it into console at the left and then put the cord behind the radio to get it outside at the right of the CB? Do any mic cord stretchers exist? Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383681 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobert62 Posted October 28, 2017 Share Posted October 28, 2017 8 hours ago, Vladislav said: Do any mic cord stretchers exist? 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383701 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted October 29, 2017 Author Share Posted October 29, 2017 Studied some basic things on using CB in Russia. Learned the range of 27 MHz (CB) is allowed here along some other ranges. And surprized that maximum output power limit is 10 Watt. Not 4 as in the States. Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383735 Share on other sites More sharing options...
85snowdog Posted October 29, 2017 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Vlad, my favourite spot is on the dash by the ash tray. Its easy to mount and easy to use there. My 1988 R has it mounted in the overhead console. It looks really good and is tidy. But its not as handy to access controls though. But it is certainly manageable. My off breed truck has it overhead as well. in the centre. the mic cord hangs down in front of me . but it doesn't bother me at all. its nice and handy. I have added pics for you. Maybe it helps a little . 2 Quote Keith Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383756 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobert62 Posted October 29, 2017 Share Posted October 29, 2017 (edited) My opinion only is I don't like it center on top of the dash for 2 reasons. - it just kinda seams cluttered & in the way to me, but I sit low in the seat and not aired up to the roof. - when its there everyone can see it. Not a big deal with a $100 radio but spend $500 on one and you don't want everyone seeing it as they walk by. Out of sight, out of mind. I've seen them mounted on the side of the passenger side seat base towards the shifters facing up & down. Also under the dash in front of the shifters. Edited October 29, 2017 by Hobert62 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383758 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted October 30, 2017 Author Share Posted October 30, 2017 On 29.10.2017 at 8:01 PM, 85snowdog said: Vlad, my favourite spot is on the dash by the ash tray. Its easy to mount and easy to use there. My 1988 R has it mounted in the overhead console. It looks really good and is tidy. But its not as handy to access controls though. But it is certainly manageable. My off breed truck has it overhead as well. in the centre. the mic cord hangs down in front of me . but it doesn't bother me at all. its nice and handy. I have added pics for you. Maybe it helps a little . Keith, Thank you for these detailed pictures. They show out things very actual. Just want you to know - did you put the CB in the hole above the passenger seat a bit biased just to have better access to the controls? I mean I hope the reason was NOT because of the space short to clear all the length of the unit. Of what I see in the pics the best location is the off-brand truck with special CB slot in the center of the console. But don't plan to go off-Macking so continue figuring the matter out. 1 Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383872 Share on other sites More sharing options...
85snowdog Posted October 30, 2017 Share Posted October 30, 2017 Vlad, the previous owner put the CB above the passenger seat. I had always figured it was turned a bit for a little easier access. It could be possible though, it is because of room. I never thought of that . I have never had it out , so I can't answer you properly. I will try to do some investigating for you on the weekend. Quote Keith Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383889 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted October 31, 2017 Author Share Posted October 31, 2017 13 hours ago, 85snowdog said: Vlad, the previous owner put the CB above the passenger seat. I had always figured it was turned a bit for a little easier access. It could be possible though, it is because of room. I never thought of that . I have never had it out , so I can't answer you properly. I will try to do some investigating for you on the weekend. Keith, a bit of help with that is too appreciated. I sure could do it myself since I have a truck with a correct hole and the radio. But the trouble grows up from a positive matter. The Cobra CB I bought is new. And I too dislike to get some fresh scratches on its body moving it inside the hole. Should put some self adhesive paper bend on to protect. No issue with scratches if I install it there. But not nice if on the ash tray in the center of the dash. Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-383938 Share on other sites More sharing options...
85snowdog Posted November 5, 2017 Share Posted November 5, 2017 On 31 October, 2017 at 7:59 AM, Vladislav said: Keith, a bit of help with that is too appreciated. I sure could do it myself since I have a truck with a correct hole and the radio. But the trouble grows up from a positive matter. The Cobra CB I bought is new. And I too dislike to get some fresh scratches on its body moving it inside the hole. Should put some self adhesive paper bend on to protect. No issue with scratches if I install it there. But not nice if on the ash tray in the center of the dash. So after some investigation Vlad, I found the CB is mounted with 2 screws mounted to the front. Screwed into some home made brackets. The CB is actually resting on some foam so there isn't much stress on the front. I attached some pics to help. As for the amount of room . It fits no problem. You could even set it in a little farther if you want . Just a little though. Remember you need room for antenna and power wires . Please keep us posted on your progress Quote Keith Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-384389 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted November 6, 2017 Author Share Posted November 6, 2017 22 hours ago, 85snowdog said: So after some investigation Vlad, I found the CB is mounted with 2 screws mounted to the front. Screwed into some home made brackets. The CB is actually resting on some foam so there isn't much stress on the front. I attached some pics to help. As for the amount of room . It fits no problem. You could even set it in a little farther if you want . Just a little though. Remember you need room for antenna and power wires . Please keep us posted on your progress Wow! Keith, thank you so much for the investigation job. Today I made a bit of dancing with a measure bend and it seemed like there's place enought there indeed. But I wasn't 100% sure, there's insulation wool hanging there together with some wires and so on. Mu current option is to buy another radio with a side mic connector, put it above the driver seat and extend the mic cable behind the console to a hole in the middle area I'll drill for. So the outside mic cable would hang from near the center of the wind screen and to the mic bracket somewhere at the right to the radio. And by the right driver's hand at the same time. There's another nuance though. Isn't there a speaker at the bottom of a Cobra CB? And can you hear from it when the unit is slid inside the console? 1 Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-384420 Share on other sites More sharing options...
85snowdog Posted November 6, 2017 Share Posted November 6, 2017 Mine has an external speaker Vlad . I would never be able to hear it without . 1 Quote Keith Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-384425 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vladislav Posted November 8, 2017 Author Share Posted November 8, 2017 To my shame I still haven't switched the radio on and tried how it works Quote Никогда не бывает слишком много грузовиков! leversole 11.2012 Link to comment https://www.bigmacktrucks.com/topic/51525-best-place-to-put-cb-radio-in-a-r-model-cab/#findComment-384453 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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