CHEVROLET/GMC full-size Ham CB GPS setup (PICS)

[General Automag]

We're are just starting to get into Ham radio. We drive a 2001 Chevy Silverado with the extra cab. We're looking for the best way(s) to mount a Ham radio, CB, GPS, and an antenna. Particularly, we're interested in perhaps using the overhead "console" where the map lights are located, and the space below the factory radio and in front of the console. Our model has factory bucket seats with a console. Did you wire everything into factory fuse boxes or run everything from an external fuse box such as the ones from Blue Sea. I'm sure it's simple, but taking off the trim and interior panels to run wires seems a little daunting.

If you have any pictures or can offer any recommendations, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[General Automag]

Here is a picture of the interior. We're thinking that perhaps we could use the area under the radio (where there is now a cassette player) and somehow utilize the overhead space where the map lights and CD/sunglasses storage compartments are located. The console and cup holders are very functional and I prefer not to take them out. Thanks

 

[gary in ohio]

Thats very similar to my Avalanche.. I have my Icom 706 in the glasses case on the overhead console. I cut a piece of wood to fit in the opening then screwed the radio head into that.. Works well up near the rear mirror so you dont have to take your eyes off the radio to see freq.

 

[gary in ohio]

here is another one, Not mine and could be made to look a little nicer.

 

[wirenut]

I would take all of your power wires, positive and negative, directly too the battery. A new fuse block, from Blue Sea or someone else, mounted near the battery would work well. I wouldn't just tap into existing circuits in the cab. Not only could you overload them when transmitting but you invite all sorts of noise and interference problems.

 

[Pacific Northwest yetti]

General Automag,


In my 04 I used the factory sunglasses case for my bearcat uniden scanner. My CB is under the dash as shown in the pic. I will have a Ueasu FT8900R within the next few months and will remote mount the head using the small alcove above my CB. The toggle switch you see is the power for all the radios so I can control power to all of them through 1 switch with my truck off. ( I work SAR, so at times i need them w/o truck on) On my headache rack I have 2 k40 antenna's, The antenna for my scanner is in the a pillar on the passenger side. I have a remote mounted cell amplifier mounted behind the rear seat, the antenna for that is mounted to the top of my rig. I have routed a lot of my power wires through the fuse block * I agree with the above posts be careful if you do that. My truck has an 20a spare fuse in which I used for the radio power. Most rigs have spare fuse circuits, esp if you dont have the loaded models( I ahve the LS model so no heated leather, sunroof, etc those what i tap into) if that is the case they are stock fused and wired all you have to do is find them and use them. being careful not to over/ or under power what you are tapping into them for. My amplifier is routed through my ignition so its only on when my truck is running.




A good google search or chilton, will help with any of the trim. But most of it removes easily. Of coarse you always have Expo Portal

 

[HenryJ]

here is another one, Not mine and could be made to look a little nicer.
View attachment 127899

Looks better in person

BLT Offroad Avalanche

 

[kd0ezq]

Here is mine...

I changed over to the newer console in my suburban but you get the point.

The faceplates from places like Jotto Desk, Havis Shield or Troy will work in your console.

In my wife's 2001 Tahoe, I used a Alinco DR-605T dual band. It fits EXACTLY in the spot where the factory tape player was, it even mounted into the factory bracket that held the tape player.

I would look at a Kenwood TM-d710, or TM-V71A since both of those are remote mountable and small enough to fit where you are looking at.

Depending on what you are looking at radio wise, there are options for the antennas like this one from West Crystal Inc.
http://www.westcrystal.com/products/hardware/at10.htm

If you are looking for a simple ease to use solution, I would suggest looking at a Yeasu FT-857D HF through 440 radio, and use a Yeasu ATAS-120 antenna. The radio is remote mountable, and the antenna will allow you to tune any frequency from 80 meters (3mhz) through 440. (an illegal modification would allow it to transmit in CB territory too)

I am going to be putting on in with my Uncle Sam check in April and use one of these brackets for the control head...
http://www.westcrystal.com/products/hardware/br136.htm

I am a comericial radio tech, so I use tried and true NMO mounts with holes drilled in the roof. I can put an antenna in your truck in about 15 minutes and you will never see the wires. I use only Larsen antennas.

If you need any help, let me know....

Tim B.
KD0EZQ
Victoria, Kansas

 

[brian90744]

2003 chevy radio

Just installed my radio in dash, cut a little at a time without screwing up dash, Hardest was snaking the wires thru the firewall and console for power and antenna. I mounted my diamond folding antenna on the hood near w/s.
thanks=brian

 

[crazyeyes]

Looks better in person

BLT Offroad Avalanche

What software is being used on the ToughBook?

 

[HenryJ]

What software is being used on the ToughBook?

I have been using Delorme Topo North America for many years. I have 20 gigs of downloaded maps from the $29 subscription. Awesome value. USGS 24k , Satellite and aerial maps.
Just upgraded to Topo 10. Seems pretty good this far.