I did this same thing back in 2016 with my 2010 F250! Worked great. I used a Cobra 29 LX and ran an external speaker down by the cup holders. Zero holes drilled. The speaker fit snugly. Id do it again in my 11 f350 if i didnt have double din factory navigation.
I put a 40 channel SSB radio in the dash of my '99 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP many years ago. What I did was to take out the top of the console and cut the back out so the radio would be under the ashtray and be invisible from the outside. I guess the antenna mount over the right rear tailpipe was a giveaway but I'm proud of the install.
That really did take no time at all. For most people who have never taken a dash apart, that could be a 1/2 day excursion unless you researched it ahead of time - on YT of course. That looks really great, sir.
Great idea! I’ve got an 01 Ranger with a double din opening and a McKinley that is in desperate need of a home. Think it’s gonna happen. Thanks for the video.
I have the McKinley in my pickup, but it's mounted to the top of the dash, use a 102" whip, and of course I never use an RM Italy amp. When I put the McKinley II in my other truck I'll install it in-dash since I'm also replacing the factory stereo. I've done it in many other videos, but I have to thank you again for getting me back into CB and especially for recommending the McKinley. I speak almost exclusively on SSB and have made contacts all around the world while driving around Western MA and Southern Vermont.
Eric, I have a 2014 GMC Terrain. That thing has a crazy design that incorporates a whole bunch of functions that prevents me from doing that kind of install. I'm a HAM operator, but I still love CB!
One more thing not to like about newer cars, the stereo is so integrated these days. When I was a teenager I was really in to car stereo systems, probably another hobby that the kids these days aren't doing.
That actually looks great. I recently seen where some car manufacturers are eliminating AM radios on their new vehicles which I think is a political move because most talk radio is on AM. I like my CB and my AM radio .
Thank-you for the video Eric. I have a new to me Datsun Titan that I am in the process of refurbishing. It has a double din with a factory Satellite radio. it only receives the satellite providers advertising channel. It is an old 3 g radio. Which is no longer working due to the fact that the provider now uses 4 g. For me to use it I would have to purchase an additional converter module to plug into the radio. I like my old duel radio cd player from my old truck that I could use in its place. The bottom would be a perfect place to mount my old 2 meter Yassue din radio.
Excellent video Eric :) also myself always used External Speaker on CB radio on mobiles types because internal crank volume up hear most certainly and heard better on base too! I use a old Realistic TRC telephone radio mount bracket for Speaker and bracket to other radio main too also black knobs ! If have L bracket mount radio bracket knob top or bottom L bolt up to adjustable angle too and so hear radio volume okay ! Do wishes lots CB or Ham radio had front fire Speaker more made too be nice also!
McKinley with the forward facing speaker, cool. I saw the speaker position and I'm almost ready to buy one. Will you do a review after the SWR video? I hope so.
Love your channel! You do great with all your videos! I’m newer to cb and just ordered the Walker III. Might consider a similar install as I too am limited on space.
There used to be radio antennas (in the 1980s GM cars, I think) that were embedded in the front window or attached to the inside top of the window. A friend even had a short CB whip antenna that was stuck to the back window. I'd like to learn about CB antennas for cars, that doesn't scream CB radio, or make you look like a big-rig trucker or a suburban station wagon vacationer...
ProComm Im-AF Splitter CB AM FM Radio Audio Stereo Antenna MultiPlexor. Glass mount induction CB Antenna. Both are Line of sight products. See it you can talk to it and not much more.
Unless my car was designed to house a two way am radio . To modifie my car MY SELF is not a wise idea . I prefer to be able to move the radio with me . Because , my radio does not require an app to operate it , I’m free to communicate with anyone OUT SIDE any network . Computers only get in the way .
Thanks for keeping it legal, Erik... I love your channel! I plan to set up my base station in the spring, simply 4 watts. The Solarcon A99 and a McKinley II looks right for me... thanks for all of the info! I wish I had your email address, I'm sure I'll have many questions 😊
That's a nice clean install looks great, that's a problem with new cars there's no room. What would you recommend for a radio with ssb, Im debating between a uniden 980 or a McKinley to replace the old radio shack?
The feature set of the McKinley is top notch, it's like a loaded Cadillac compared to a well optioned mid level trim Chevy for the Uniden 980. The McKinley is my first President radio, I also have a Uniden 78 and owned a Uniden 76 in the past. Both are very good and tuned by a top notch shop. i like my Unidens but the McKinley provides a much better user experience and is higher quality in my opinion... and the price difference for the added features is negligible , from what i see, 18 to 25 $ more than the 980. Now that the McKinley II is out that has FM mode and a few other features, the " McKinley " can be found for 179.00 I run my McKinley with a Stryker SR-A10 magnet mount antenna on a Honda CRV and get a flat 1 to 1 SWR. The reception is excellent and I get compliments on the sound quality regularly . I purchased mine from a very well regarded CB shop in Strattanville PA, with their Tune service. To me it is worth it to buy from an old school radio shop as apposed to the average retailer, yes more money but the relationship & the technicians skills are where the value is....just my two cents ✌
I had it in dash in my 4Runner….only problem is that the McKinley runs hot on the right side of the radio. Start talking and it gets hotter. Took it out and now it’s near the gear shifter. Runs A LOT cooler now. Good idea on President but poor execution IMO.
I know I can get the adapters to replace the stock radio in my car. I can't seem to get an answer as to how it works beings that my radio is hooked into the car computer and it displays the back up camera as well as the efficiency of the vehicle over the past certain amount of time. I don't want to do anything that might make the computer throw codes or cause any drivability issues. I think love the car and the way it sips fuel but they wanted you to buy an expensive package to get the upgraded radio. Now having a radio with apple car play and android play is the biggest thing that I really wish I had. If I could go single din but have a decent sized slide out screen and be able to put my McKinley in the dash would be awesome. All of the install places around here closed, so I can't ask them if they did a prius and how did it work out? I would even pay a good place to do the installation with a piece of coax like you used. I would set up the cb antenna myself. I just can't believe that all the install places closed up.
Hey Brother I’m just curious, what is the 707 in your call sign? I first thought maybe you’re area code but I looked that up and that’s in California, anyway I was just wondering. Thank you for the videos, my cobra 29 just gave it up so I ordered a President McKinley 2 AM FM SSB for Christmas!!!!
Back in the day there might be a lot of guys with the same call sign. Maybe not in the same town, and that was fine, but if they wanted to talk skip, they would add numbers to the end of their handle to make sure you knew who you were talking to. These numbers are picked by yourself. In my case they were an employee number from 35 years ago!
Those blue "connectors" are the worst thing to use..... Look up "Scotch Locks" and you'll see why. They cut the strands, Allow moisture in, just over all bad. Only thing they're good for is speed and lazy installers at those "strereo shops". Crimps would work way better and of coarse bst is solder and heatshrink. But good video overall.
Hey Eric , Brady here from eastern VA handle knightreaper92 hope to catch you on a skip soon on my bearcat980 ssb , also studying for my ham license tech , my cb is currently installed in a Ford fusion se 2020 on the trunk of my car hard to find locals to talk to but truckdrivers , I am running a firestick 5/8 4ft open to any tips my swr is at 1.0 flat on ch1 and a 1.6 on ch 40
