Classified

I recently bought a used Icom 207 dual band radio and wanted to install it in the JK, but where? There's really no room and I like stealthy installations. After removing the plastic cover under the steering wheel and removing a metal plate, I found plenty of space that fit the needs of my radio install.


First, I had to make some brackets to support the radio. After some measuring, cutting, bending and drilling metal, the brackets were made and fit great!


Next, a test fit to make sure everything fit well. While seeing it in place, the space looks to be well ventilated too for cooling.


After tightening all the screws on the brackets and radio, it was time to wire it. I ran power to another piece of equipment I have under the seat and the coax cable from the antenna I mounted on the tire carrier. I bought a separation cable from eBay and ran the wire around the window frame to just above the rear view mirror for the face of the radio. The green cable is an RJ45 with an female-female plug on the other end for the mic.

Classified

Another bracket had to be fabricated and mounted for the face plate. After some paint and a little Velcro, the detachable face was mounted.


Because the radio will be hidden behind the dash, the built in speaker would be muffled, so I had to have an extension speaker to hear clearly. I mounted that to the front of the plastic panel next to my CB radio.


Lastly, the female end of the RJ45 cable was routed next to the driver seat for the mic. This way I can detach it and hide it in the glove box when not in use or when my wife wants to drive the Jeep to the store.


With the project complete, I now have Ham radio communication in the JK that's out of view from prying eyes!

Sparkplug

You may have just solved my biggest, most frustrating, still unresolved Jeep problem. I'm pretty sure I have mounted my FT-857 everywhere except there. The other spots sucked. This just might work.