CB Antenna Mount for JK Installed
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I just got the license plate mount antenna kit delivered on the porch today when I came home, shipped via DHL. Nice packaging, detailed instructions, nice quality kit, everything it claimed to be.
Just an FYI it looks like you have to remove the LR tail light assembly and modifiy it slightly. But as the kit mentions, that is much easier than drilling holes through the sheet metal of your new vehicle. (I already drilled the bumper for my Hella 500's...)
Again nice job on the kit, packaging, marketing and logistics. I'll post a picture once I install it and tell you how long it took me. Now for the CB...
Just an FYI it looks like you have to remove the LR tail light assembly and modifiy it slightly. But as the kit mentions, that is much easier than drilling holes through the sheet metal of your new vehicle. (I already drilled the bumper for my Hella 500's...)
Again nice job on the kit, packaging, marketing and logistics. I'll post a picture once I install it and tell you how long it took me. Now for the CB...
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Thanks for the update. I guess it's a case of RTFM for me. I just glanced at the pictures and saw the LR tailight off. I can't wait to do the install, but I am afraid of what the saleslady did with the cordless drill mounting the bolts for my license plate- on one corner she actually pushed the plastic frame away from the body by using too long a bolt. Note for future, never let the dealership mount your plates......
Ciao! Ted
Ciao! Ted
JK Newbie
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: vancouver,wa
CB wiring
The Ultramount is perfect and the antenna does not hit the hard top when driving. I haven't had any problems with it.
But I have yet to wire the CB because I can't find a way to get to the battery through the firewall. Anyone done this yet?
But I have yet to wire the CB because I can't find a way to get to the battery through the firewall. Anyone done this yet?
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I ordered the Uniden PC68XL Pro CB to go with the Ultra Mount FireStik FireFly Antenna. I am hoping to find enough room under one of the front seats to mount it. Does anyone know anything about Uniden CB's, how they compare to Cobra and Midland?
Ciao! Ted
Ciao! Ted
Last edited by JeeperTJ; Feb 5, 2007 at 05:17 AM.
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
Wiring through the firewall...
I just finished installing my CB (Midland 1001z 5w) and VHF (ICOM f521 50w) radios.
I ran the wires from the battery along the firewall to the driver's side. I went through an existing foil covered hole about 8" below the hood level. You can see this hole from under the far left side of the dash (somewhat far up, but pretty easy to work with.
I mounted the antennas on side-of-the-hood style mounts. I think they were from a Dodge. I had to adjust the bends to fit. I used existing bolt fender bolts and drilled a couple of screw holes in an unseen area under the hood. I get great reception with both radios.
As for the radios themselves, I custom bent a simple bracket and mounted both radios on it and attached it to the left side of the center console. The radios sit close to my right leg but do not interfere or bother me at all.
I spent a lot of time before doing any of this mounting and am very pleased with the result. I will attach pictures soon.
I ran the wires from the battery along the firewall to the driver's side. I went through an existing foil covered hole about 8" below the hood level. You can see this hole from under the far left side of the dash (somewhat far up, but pretty easy to work with.
I mounted the antennas on side-of-the-hood style mounts. I think they were from a Dodge. I had to adjust the bends to fit. I used existing bolt fender bolts and drilled a couple of screw holes in an unseen area under the hood. I get great reception with both radios.
As for the radios themselves, I custom bent a simple bracket and mounted both radios on it and attached it to the left side of the center console. The radios sit close to my right leg but do not interfere or bother me at all.
I spent a lot of time before doing any of this mounting and am very pleased with the result. I will attach pictures soon.
Last edited by srhewlett; Feb 4, 2007 at 08:40 PM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Newnan, GA
Splicing to the Power Outlet....
I agree with Srhewlett....
Being a HAM radio guy you learn that even a 4 watt CB radio to preform at the optimum level you need to run your power directly to the battery. The resistance on the power outlet wire going thru the fuse block will not give you the best power for any radio gear that transmits out(VHF,UHF,CB,FRS). You really need to connect to the Battery and Fuse this line on the hot and ground. This is just a little tip. Hope this helps......... If you want the full range and power try running to the battery. The power into the radio is much cleaner.... Chris Kf4wum
Being a HAM radio guy you learn that even a 4 watt CB radio to preform at the optimum level you need to run your power directly to the battery. The resistance on the power outlet wire going thru the fuse block will not give you the best power for any radio gear that transmits out(VHF,UHF,CB,FRS). You really need to connect to the Battery and Fuse this line on the hot and ground. This is just a little tip. Hope this helps......... If you want the full range and power try running to the battery. The power into the radio is much cleaner.... Chris Kf4wum
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Hey Csims723- Thanks for the tip on connecting the CB Power cord directly to the battery for more power to the radio. It makes sense, similar to wiring fog lights using a relay directly sourced from the battery, also car stereo amps worked better following this guideline...
Does anyone have any photos they could post of clever radio mounts in a JK?
Ciao! Ted
Does anyone have any photos they could post of clever radio mounts in a JK?
Ciao! Ted
Last edited by JeeperTJ; Feb 11, 2007 at 04:41 AM.
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It's DONE. Cool Mount Antenna Install Completed. 
Named appropriately, of course!
It was easy...Again, nice Kit!
Pictures step by step:
Parts Breakdown:
The drill shot, instead of using the template provided, I lined up the bracket using the provided bolt and marked the hole location with a silver Sharpie pen! Start with a pilot hole first. The hole needs to be large enough to fit the large double sided mounting nut through it.
Inside the mount detail:
More detail inside the license plate bracket:
Rear view of mounting hole, yes I got out the silicone sealant gel to seal around the edges where the nut comes through the hole in the plastic license plate holder:
Wiring coming through the rear corner gromet:
Feeding the wires in to the cab:
Finished install:
Total install time was less than 60 minutes including stopping for pictures. Sweet. Now for the CB...
Update 2/15 - I just bought a Uniden PC 68XLC CB from Buy.com for my JK, $77 :toung: shipped is what it cost me. It's 4 watts and works nicely with the Cool Mount antenna, which I am going to tune the SWR on. It's a full featured radio, but not loaded and it weighs 3 pounds. Other options are Midland and Cobra, but most are made in China now it seems. I'm very happy with it's features and function so far. Here is my quick, cheap and adjustable mount that I came up with, Velcro on the dash...It really needs to be bolted if it is going to stay there longer term. I was considering the Arizona Rocky Road overhead radio mount, but was unsure how it would work with the freedom top. This location is really easy to view and tune the radio. Yes I still need to route the wires behind the dash...
Goodluck!
Ciao!
Ted
Named appropriately, of course! It was easy...Again, nice Kit!
Pictures step by step:
Parts Breakdown:
The drill shot, instead of using the template provided, I lined up the bracket using the provided bolt and marked the hole location with a silver Sharpie pen! Start with a pilot hole first. The hole needs to be large enough to fit the large double sided mounting nut through it.
Inside the mount detail:
More detail inside the license plate bracket:
Rear view of mounting hole, yes I got out the silicone sealant gel to seal around the edges where the nut comes through the hole in the plastic license plate holder:
Wiring coming through the rear corner gromet:
Feeding the wires in to the cab:
Finished install:
Total install time was less than 60 minutes including stopping for pictures. Sweet. Now for the CB...
Update 2/15 - I just bought a Uniden PC 68XLC CB from Buy.com for my JK, $77 :toung: shipped is what it cost me. It's 4 watts and works nicely with the Cool Mount antenna, which I am going to tune the SWR on. It's a full featured radio, but not loaded and it weighs 3 pounds. Other options are Midland and Cobra, but most are made in China now it seems. I'm very happy with it's features and function so far. Here is my quick, cheap and adjustable mount that I came up with, Velcro on the dash...It really needs to be bolted if it is going to stay there longer term. I was considering the Arizona Rocky Road overhead radio mount, but was unsure how it would work with the freedom top. This location is really easy to view and tune the radio. Yes I still need to route the wires behind the dash...
Goodluck!
Ciao!
Ted
Last edited by JeeperTJ; Feb 16, 2007 at 03:00 AM.