I'd like to install a small cobra 23plus cb to the ceiling of my 86 f150, it weighs 2 1/2 - 3lbs and I'm not sure where a good spot to mount it is, but I'd like to put it between the sun visors but not in the view of the rear view mirror, its 6in wide by 7in long and 2in high. Where would be a good spot to put the two screws for it around here?

 

You can get generic radio mounts, either from Amazon or here:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120999...rdash-Kit.html

I used a similar mount when I installed an aftermarket radio in my 71 Oldsmobile 98.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...1-98-a-112090/

When you install it, make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Post any questions you might have and we can help you out.

I teach radio maintenance and installation professionally so it's sort of a big deal for me.

 

I do see some radios mounted on the ceiling but I think I would go with an underdash mount. If you have an AT a hump mount. I wouldn't like the Mike cord dangling in my field of view. Also you'd need to rely on self tapping screws and you'd be going through a pretty decent looking headliner. If you have a manual trans maybe go for a vertical mount right in front of the seat. I might think about mounting to the seat frame so the seat moves with the radio? If your radio has a remote that gives you some latitude on an under dash location. Before going to a ceiling mount be sure to locate it where the roof is doubled and in a frame. Maybe someone can post a pic of the ceiling without the headliner to guide you.

 

This is the mount I have that came with it

 

there are nicks and other stuff in the headliner and it's just begun to sag. I also wanted to install it under the dash but it was sort of awkward for me. If I where to do self tapping screws, how long should they be? And where would a good anchor spot for them be?

 

Short enough to not penetrate the roof...

Sorry, I can't help there. Unless someone has a bare roof pic or experience with fasteners in the ceiling maybe search for images online. You could ask your local radio sales and installation for guidance if you don't get a reply here. I've been into the roof light and I recall framing in the middle area. You might be able to feel where some meat to fasten to is, then stay back from the nose. Short screws is all you need. Get through the liner and the frame, then it's air.

 

I am with Big Blue and not mount to the roof.
The screws can't be to long as they will go thru and hit the outer part and put marks or go right thru.
I remember my truck had a few screw holes thru both from a PO dont know what they tried to mount?
Then how are you going to run the ANT. cable and the power / ground wires and not have them in your face?
Also with the Mic wire hanging down people will see it and you will have someone that needs it more than you (read brakes in to steal it).
Oh the ANT on top of the truck or the 'wip" off the rear bumper is another give away to brake in.

Yep under dash is where I would mount it or front of the seat.

Years ago when I went on trips pulling the car trailer I had a small radio and magnet mount Ant I would use.
Radio sat on the hump, lighter plug used for power and the ant cable ran between the seats and out the back door to the roof.
Could not tell you where that all is as I have not used it in years, just not worth the trouble.

Truth be how often will you be using the CB?
I am a truck driver and have one mounted in the work truck and never use it other than when I have to for loading at yards.
Drove 325 miles today and only used it to load at the NC port.
Turned it on going in thru the gate and off going out. Other wise it stays off.
Just my .02
Dave ----

Oh if you still want it on the roof screws no longer then 1/2" is what I would try to go with.
Then again you are going thru the head liner maybe 3/4"?
Might even try and drop the liner and mount the bracket then cut slots for the bracket to fit thru and put the liner back in place.
Then you can mount the radio to the bracket but you still need to deal with the wires / cable?

 

I would but I have a trailer brake and fm booster controlunder the dash the get in the way and a jc custom cupholder around my stick shift and the transfer case shift also gets in the way, but I'm not sure where to put it under the seat

 

There was a fad a few years ago, where they had a piece that went from one side of the roof to the other. You then mounted the original visors to this piece and radios could be mounted in it and it had storage cubbys in it also. Anyone ever remember these things? That is what he needs. I remember surprisingly they did not block your vision that much.

 

where should I wire it so that when I turn the car on, it turns on? I don't want it to be something continuously on like the lights, id prefer for it to be on when i start up the car

 

when i was younger i always wanted one!!!

https://www.napaonline.com/accessori...-storage-shelf


i wouldn't mount a cb to the headliner. if you knew where there were ribs, maybe then, but i don't see it working otherwise without going through the roof

 

That top shelf might work for you. What Dave says about theft and what do you need one for, how much will you use it, is something to keep in mind. It used to be the trucker's best friend on the lonely longhaul. But today?

There's always the mobile CB

https://www.walcottradio.com/cobra-h...0f60a35e83eda3

 

Picture of cab roof without headliner.

 

As the others mentioned, if you install the radio on the roof make sure you use short self-tapping screws where the roof has a double skin.

Either run the antenna cable along the top of the roof to exit out the back of the cab. Or, exit the cab under one of the doors.

BTW, where did you want to mount the antenna? Center of the roof is the ideal location.

 

My parts truck had this same shelf.
It uses the visor screw holes to bolt in place and then the visors to it.
I felt it hung down to low so did not install it in my truck.
Dave ----