CB and Antenna Install
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Victor, MT
CB and Antenna Install
So guys I forgot to tell you how things went with my CB before I left back to Iraq, I got a piece of aluminum from Quality Supply and bent it to have it sit on the lip on the passenger fender inbetween the hood and fender, I then had it rise 3 inches above the hood and bend outward to avoid it hitting it. I used 9 ft of CB cable to run along the fender and inside the door, across the cab, and into the CB itself, I wanted to know if you guys think I should add a second antenna on the left when I get back or should I stick with one. And where you guys think I might be able to place the CB itself, idk where to put it at the time, so its right above where my right leg would sit. Its mic gets knocked off when i brush it hard. Any ideas? And What about tuning this stupid whip. Its a 5' black whip. To power the CB, I ran wire off my drivers side battery, with a 15A in-line fuse. Good enough for it or should it be stronger? Take it away guys I dont wanna fry this thing lol.
CB Under the Steering column
5 ft Whip
CB Under the Steering column 5 ft Whip
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 495
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From: Florida
I know when you put dual cb antennas on they need to be at least 8ft appart to get maximum reception if you dont put them 8ft apart they can interfere with eachother, That cb antenna you have there is a fire stick i am pretty sure, i have the same one in white with a red tip =) , to tune the antenna you take the little rubber cap off the top of the antenna and there is a little screw that you screw in and out to tune it when you have it where you want it slide the cap back on and your good !
I have a souped up US. ARMY cb radio(160 watts) and a 5ft fire stick antenna
EDIT: you may be able to put the cb on your dash and then get one of those dash board carpets and put it over it to keep the sun off,
just a thought, i cant remember how we wired it for the life of me and i cant get to the truck right now
I have a souped up US. ARMY cb radio(160 watts) and a 5ft fire stick antenna
EDIT: you may be able to put the cb on your dash and then get one of those dash board carpets and put it over it to keep the sun off,
just a thought, i cant remember how we wired it for the life of me and i cant get to the truck right now
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Victor, MT
So I need someone else with a CB to tune it im assuming, how far apart would you recommend me having my friend be? Across the driveway or in the parking lot across the street? Its a firestick yes lol. So any other thoughts on placement of the CB itself, can you post a picture of where yours is located? I dont like the ARmy CB's cause I know they are outdated and whatnot. We use something a lot different now lol. And what about the power supply for the CB? I watched my buddy try and put one in with solid copper wire and a 10A inline fuse, that didnt work so well for him they touched at some point and melted right through the rubber cover.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Princeton MN
The solid wire needs to be unsulated and im sure he did it to combat radio frequency. but forgot to inulate it, anywho one antenna is more then enough i have two but only one is hooked up, when you put then on the mirrors you need two otherwise it looks kinda odd.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Florida
I was tuning it with some one about 2miles away from where i was and it turned out pretty well doing it that way so i would have a freind go across the street and do it that way, i cant tell you off the top of my head how my father did it and i dont want to give you any wrong info and have you fry something i will try to get some pics later, try looking on youtube and see how other pepole wire theres up.
When i say army cb i didnt mean actual arm isssue cb i meant one with like the go army stuff on it with the olive drabb outer casing, =)
When i say army cb i didnt mean actual arm isssue cb i meant one with like the go army stuff on it with the olive drabb outer casing, =)
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Victor, MT
I like it on the fender where its at lol, I made this mount because I dont like the mirror mounted ones, they look goofy. He ended up using copper twist wire for it like I did. Well I've only got the placement of the CB left, pics would be awesome so I can get some ideas. I use my ashtray lol so i cant take it out and plus the stick is right there so its just in the way haha.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: West Valley Utah
Luke66 is right! You tune the antenna with an SWR meter (standing wave ratio) A 1.5 to 1 ratio or less is ideal.
Aune163rd, you should be pretty close to tuned with the way you set up. Cable lengths are kept in 3 ft increments, as a general rule.
A high swr can knock out finals in a radio. High being above 2 to 1.
My setup is about 22 yrs old. Cobra 128 GTL sideband tuned with a 200 watt Texas Star bi-linear amp. I run a single Francis antenna.
Aune163rd, you should be pretty close to tuned with the way you set up. Cable lengths are kept in 3 ft increments, as a general rule.
A high swr can knock out finals in a radio. High being above 2 to 1.
My setup is about 22 yrs old. Cobra 128 GTL sideband tuned with a 200 watt Texas Star bi-linear amp. I run a single Francis antenna.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Terre Haute, IN
Seems like the placement of the antenna would be distracting... My grandad had a similar idea with his '99 Ram, but mounted it on the drivers side near the hood hinge. He lays it back along the A pillar when he's not on the open road and you can't even see it... 
X2 on using a SWR meter to tune. When you get back, look around and you might find a CB shop near you that can tune it for you...
X2 on using a SWR meter to tune. When you get back, look around and you might find a CB shop near you that can tune it for you...
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From: Terre Haute, IN
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what i have now a cobra 29nhst with a 102 inch whip cobra is mounted on dash and i had it on the tranny tunnel you can also do a roof mount or where my gauge pod is easily
mounting the mic hold it out where it easily reaches it dont have to be on the radio you see where mine is now im moving it to a gearkeeper on the roof i think
id move youre antena back towards the cab some though itll look much better
to tune get an swr meter or you may have one built in i cant tell what youre radio is but if you have one built in you wanna key the mic and adjust the swr til its low as possible i get 20 miles on a good day with my setup and theres no mods on the cb
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
I don't know about you, but I preffer my CB on the roof of the cab. No chance of hitting or, or getting in my way.
First time I see a CB antenna mounted on the fender like that. I've heard of people doing it, but never seen one.
I like better mine on the mirrors though.
First time I see a CB antenna mounted on the fender like that. I've heard of people doing it, but never seen one.
I like better mine on the mirrors though.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 821
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From: 50450 IOWA
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=36291
when i mounted mine i just taped the first layer of metal and used some nuts as spacers
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=36290
when i mounted mine i just taped the first layer of metal and used some nuts as spacers
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/p...ictureid=36290
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
They are very short small screws but I wouldn't recommend screws. Unless you have a headliner then you don't really have a choice. Mine doesn't have a headliner, it's right on the medal so in my new cab i'm gonna use some strong magnates.