Ok, I know some of the older guys will remember these...JC Whitney used to carry this universal overhead console to mount a CB radio. Does anyone know where I can find one of these, or some other alternative. I've been looking on EBay for some console that I can hack up and make fit, but all of them are just a little too narrow or shallow.

Any Ideas??

Sean

 

You might have to make your own - I think they went the way of the 'do it yourself sun roof' (which went away because a lot of times they leaked if they were not done just right).

Check to see if the roof of your cab is double walled. If it's only one layer of steel, you cant run screws into it, so making an overhead shelf would call for some kind of ribs to keep it from sagging.

If it's doubled, you can use anchor bolts or PK screws to help support it. IF there is enough space between layers.

 

There is a product out there that makes this kind of work soooo much easier - it's called a "rivnut". Similar to a pop rivit, but it pops in place a threaded insert. Comes in choice of from 6-32 to I think 1/4 20. Can be installed blind - (from one side. Just drill the appropriate hole, and pop it in. I think I ordered mine from Harbor Fright. Just be sure to order extra rivnuts, you'll usem up quick!

 

Well, I had pretty much accepted having to make something, but was hoping for a longshot...as for the blind nut(rivnut), I've got one. It certainly is handy for fastening anything to sheet metal, but I think my roof is only single layered.

Sean

 

Think in terms of fastening it along the sides, but make ribs by folding sheet metal, or using angle stock to go from side to side as a stiffener.

I have a picture in mind of how I would do it, but I'd have to do a full sketch or drawing of it and then post it online.

 

I installed a shelf-in in my van, it screws in place of the visors, then the sunvisors relocate to it, I have my CB on top of it between the shelf and roof, I have a large trucker type Uniden.

 

Im getting the CB that installs under the seat with all the controls in the mic. On ebay they run about $100. There just isnt a place to make them look good in the cab of a newer truck.

 

If I had to buy one again, it would be the kind where everything is in the handheld. However, I already have a Cobra 29, and it works perfectly. So, I guess I'll either have to settle for a Shelf-it, or build something myself. Oh, well...what's another project????

Sean

 

Screw hand held, if I'm gonna talk on a CB, it's gonna be a modded one, I'd not trade my juiced Uniden for 2 hand helds.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...287_7_full.jpg

 

Looks good. Any problems seeing around the Shelf-It? I was a little concerned that it may hang too low and interfere with the line of sight.

 

No, I have a Lund Visor, it just keeps you from viewing it, I made brackets from flat aluminum stock, screwed it to the visor end tab holder's and the shelf, to support it in the middle. My CB is rather heavy, and I wasn't too happy with the bounce as I drove. It does eleminate some of the sun problems, the blinding is no more.