I have the factory CB setup in my 78 F-250 but am missing the handset. I plan to put in a Cobra 29 NW LTD that I already own until I find a factory handset but wanted to use the factory antenna. Have any of you done this? Any idea if the whip can be adjusted for SWR calibration? It looks like there are a few holes that may be set screws in the cone at the bottom of the whip. I don't have the CB manual and there is nothing about it online.

 

I'm not familiar with the factory setup. Could you take some pictures?

Every antenna has some way of adjusting it.

 

Here's a picture I stole from Ranger429. I can take more pictures when I get home.

 

ranger 429 is the OEM CB guru and all parts knowing guy on them. And he has parts, not that means he will "part" with them, but he has them. Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Profile: ranger429

 

Yeah I tried to send Ranger429 a PM about it before making this thread but his inbox is full! I'm not looking for parts, just insight. I looked at the splitter tonight and it looks like the coax is crimped onto the splitter. I know from the drawings there is a connector between the harness and that cable coming off the splitter, I just can't see it to know if I can plug a new cable from the cobra in there. I think I could feel it above the heater box behind the dash but I ran out of time. I'll keep digging.

 

Ranger429 hasn't been back for several months!! If you wanna reach him, go to FSB.com he's there daily!!

 

The handsets pop up on ebay all the time. I would keep an eye out for one. In the mean time I would simply put a standard cb antenna on the bed, bolted into the stake pocket so it can be easily removed once you find a factory CB mic.


I also have a factory CB setup, but never came up with a factory antenna. My setup will end up on ebay this winter.

 

fwiw the factory antenna is not very good as a CB antenna, you would get far better reception with a decent whip. I think you are right about setting the SWR by adjusting the antenna into the holder - been forty years since I installed one and I don't think I installed more than one. Honestly, the factory unit did not perform that well compared to a decent aftermarket unit and cost 'way more, if I recall right.

Mikes were also standard, just look for one with the same size DIN plug on the end of the cable and it should work fine.

 

I'd start by taking it to a local cb shop, you may have to get online to look for one, the radio mic should be a fairly universal fit, the big difference is with the number of Pins (wires) it might have. they should also be able to point you in the direction of the right antenna to use for this set up. I appreciate the fact that you want to keep it factory. They will probably tell you otherwise, unless they feel the same way for preservation purposes.

 

The Quack Shack CB Shop by dxzone.com

if I'm not mistaken, there's a guy from WA that is a member of this forum, who owns a cb shop. seems pretty knowledgeable.

 

Any chance you would be willing to sell the original equipment? I would throw in a cobra with cash.

Thanks, Aaron

 

I thought I was a member there, but when I recently tried to sign in, not only would it not recognize anything I sent, but it won't even let me view the forums directly. The only way I can view is to click on a link to a single post. Then I can see that particular thread, but no others.

I've e-mailed too, but have received nothing back.
Oh well, this place is pretty fun most of the time too!

Paul