Notices
Audio & Video Systems, Navigation, Satellite Radio & Mobile Electronics
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Innova

CB wiring harness issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 8, 2008 | 11:21 PM
  #1  
godblessmud's Avatar
godblessmud
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
CB wiring harness issues

So ive got a co-phased dual whip antenna kit that im trying to install and have a few problems the wiring harness is 2 into one joining right before the CB radio...
First off i planned on entering both coax cables through the firewall and running up the trim to the CB..
Problem is theres not enough clear area on the passenger side of the firewall to drill through (on acount of the AC/heater box)
So i figured id just route both cables to the drivers side (where there is room) through a single hole..
now the issue is that the harness is nowhere near long enough

And you cannot extend the cable because of severe signal loss...

So i either need a longer 2 into 1 coax cable

OR (and this would be better) an idea of a clean place on the passenger side to drill a 3/4" hole through the firewall that i might have missed.

O ya all this is in the F150
 
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2008 | 08:37 AM
  #2  
justin_jkj's Avatar
justin_jkj
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
where did you put your whips that you need to come through the fire wall?
 
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2008 | 10:45 AM
  #3  
Truckin4life's Avatar
Truckin4life
Street Queen to the extr3m3
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,554
Likes: 3
From: Lubbock, Texas
not really through firewall but down low, underneath the heater and what not, pull carpet up, drill hole and run wire, silicone around wire, as to keep moisture and dirt out and to stop wire from rubbing on metal, lay carpet back over and run cable where you please, probably what i would do, also asking where are your whips for this wiring method? Front fenders possibly?
 
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2008 | 01:13 PM
  #4  
justin_jkj's Avatar
justin_jkj
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
i have mine mounted on my headach rack and through an existing hole behind the seat and ran up along the gear shift. i never really likes the fender/mirror mount cb whips. if you had a magnetic one you could run it into the door and under the trip and you wouldent need holes
 
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2008 | 07:07 PM
  #5  
godblessmud's Avatar
godblessmud
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
They are going to be mounted at the rear of the front fenders with the coax going into the engine compartment at the back corner of the hood.

Truckin4life, your saying run the wires under the truck from the engine comparment and then up through the floor? That would work as long as its far enough away from the headers... I will have to measure and see if my current cable would reach.

If it doesnt does anyone know where i can get a long 2-1 coax cable? I would make my own except that all the radio guys say that when running duals the 2 cables must be withing 1/16" in length or you will get echo on transmit
 
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2008 | 08:43 PM
  #6  
Truckin4life's Avatar
Truckin4life
Street Queen to the extr3m3
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,554
Likes: 3
From: Lubbock, Texas
I have a power cable from my battery to my amp, it runs from the battery on passenger side down alongside of engine bay all the way down to underneath body, i would find the highest place on the floor board nearest firewall to drill hole. Make sure you can get to it from underneath too.

If its not long enough, im sure you can find a longer one. Big truck stops or a local cb shop how long do you need, i know of a guy here in town, im sure he could get one for me if.
 
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2008 | 08:53 PM
  #7  
Greywolf's Avatar
Greywolf
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Out around the door sills, then up and out the cab sides.

DO NOT coil spare wire next to itself.

SPACE the whips at the wavelength of the average frequency.

Never lay one wire next to another. (they cancel signals).

Every length of wire must match the wavelength.
 
Reply
Old Mar 9, 2008 | 09:23 PM
  #8  
MikeSmith's Avatar
MikeSmith
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Linn County, Oregon
Your antennas aren't going to be far enough apart to do you any good. In fact, your performance will probably be worse than if you only had one.

If you're just doing it for looks, then hook up the driver side antenna and keep the passenger side one as a dummy.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 9, 2008 | 10:39 PM
  #9  
godblessmud's Avatar
godblessmud
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
MikeSmith, did i ask for antenna advice? Ive already had these antenas co-phased for the estimated distance between them, and once everything is installed will have them tested,peaked and tuned before use. Please dont turn this into a single vs dual thread, we have enough of them on this site chocked full of false info from both sides of the fence.

Wolf are you saying go out the triangle window or through the door weatherstripping?
 
Reply
Old Mar 11, 2008 | 05:44 AM
  #10  
Truckin4life's Avatar
Truckin4life
Street Queen to the extr3m3
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,554
Likes: 3
From: Lubbock, Texas
http://www.gijoesradioelectronics.co...s/prodView.asp

heres a link to dual phase cables, 9, 12, and 18 ft long, not to bad price wise either. Just saw them and remembered this thread. Good luck!
 
Reply
Old Mar 13, 2008 | 11:52 PM
  #11  
godblessmud's Avatar
godblessmud
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
Thanks friend! Ima do a write up on the whole thing when im finished
 
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2008 | 01:45 AM
  #12  
Don S.'s Avatar
Don S.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 555
Likes: 2
From: Washington state
Could just use this, Use RG8X up to it then Some RG6 or RG11 to each antenna. And honestly that whole 1/4 or 1/2 of full wavelenth thing with coax is myth. You need the antenna to be a 50 Ohm load i.e. resonant at the band of operating frequency. The real issue is having the distance between antennas being a minimum of a 1/4 wavelength apart.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Str8shooter
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
36
May 29, 2011 10:52 AM
irishwrath
2004 - 2008 F150
9
Oct 23, 2010 09:59 AM
olelepoint
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Dec 15, 2009 08:44 AM
godblessmud
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
24
Jan 10, 2008 01:52 PM
ricepaddydaddy
Audio & Video Systems, Navigation, Satellite Radio & Mobile Electronics
2
May 17, 2004 06:19 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:08 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE