First mod on my new XJ - Sirius/CB mount

[mizedog]

Hey all. Here's my first mod. I needed somewhere to mount my Sirius radio and the CB. There's not much out there that would do what I want so I made my own. I've still got room to add an indoor/outdoor thermometer under the Sirius. I'll be making a similar mount for the GPS that will go on the left side.

I'll be wiring the CB cord into the blank where the factory fog switch would go and the Sirius into the lighter plug wires. Then I'll make a Fitch VA box up top for 7 switches.
Oh, one more comment - Greatful Dead just came on this channel - not my fav. I'm usually a Boneyard/Bluesville guy.

I'm open to suggestions for improving the design. I used curves and kept it as narrow as possible to better clear the air bag.

 

[VE2WHZ]

HMMM

is gret idea !!!

 

[GTABurnout]

Just a thought but I woul never have any thing in front of the airbag like that.

 

[mizedog]

Just a thought but I woul never have any thing in front of the airbag like that.

Point well taken. However, since there's just not a lot of options for an XJ, and this is so close to what Bracketron does, I went with it. Here's their JK version:

I kept it as rounded as possible to help prevent airbag ripps. Plus, it's just rivetted to the plastic, not bolted to metal. So, it may push out of the way. Originally I had planned on a full metal mount going over the top of the dash that would have space for switches as well. It was just a little high for my tastes. I may redesign. I wanted to avoid using a bunch of RAM-style arm mounts.

 

[JeepN95YJ]

Plus, it's just rivetted to the plastic, not bolted to metal. So, it may push out of the way.

I hate being one of those "arm chair web wheelers" with an opinion on everything telling people why their hard work and good ideas won't work, but this one would worry me if it were in my vehicle. The mod you made DOES, in fact, look very nice.

Knowing that airbags have the ability to "kill" from the violent inflation, I'd not want to add any item as potential scrapnel flying about in an accident. Just because another company did it in another vehicle, does not mean it has been thoroughly tested and is safe. It is likely they haven't considered the consequences or perhaps it is mounted differently than yours.

I understand we all face the consequences from the mods we make to our vehicles. In the end, it is up to each of us to decide what we are comfortable with.

 

[GTABurnout]

I think a quick trip on Google to find out just how fast airbags deploy is in order. That part may not rip the airbag but it will cause your cb,bracket and XM to become bullets that will cause rips in you or your passanger. I agree that with out an air bag I would mount all sorts of MMMM there but with one your asking for a simple airbag deployment to be come a serious deal.

Oh and I have the same CB where did you mound your brain box? thanks

 

[mizedog]

Thanks for the feedback. It's interesting how the folks on the JK-Forum are loving something very similar. But, my wife was also concerned with this. I'm just not finding decent alternatives to mounting that darn radio while avoiding a arm-style mount.

Any suggestions (along with pics) would be welcomed!!

 

[sandalscout]

Thanks for the feedback. It's interesting how the folks on the JK-Forum are loving something very similar. But, my wife was also concerned with this. I'm just not finding decent alternatives to mounting that darn radio while avoiding a arm-style mount.

Any suggestions (along with pics) would be welcomed!!

I think it turned out really nice, but understand the concern. What about mounting the Sirius on the opposite side of the center console? In front of the grey strip of plastic between the radio and the steering column surround? THere might be enough room. The cool thing about your CB is that there are TONS of places to hang it from easily.

 

[mizedog]

I think it turned out really nice, but understand the concern. What about mounting the Sirius on the opposite side of the center console? In front of the grey strip of plastic between the radio and the steering column surround? THere might be enough room. The cool thing about your CB is that there are TONS of places to hang it from easily.

Unfortunately, it's just a little to long to that spot. Plus, its obscured by the steering wheel. My Garmin eTrex Legend will go there quite nicely. I'm still concerned about it's reception in the Cherokee. I may have to switch to a gps w/ an external antenna.

Here's my next project which may see the Sirius radio mounted on the right side:
http://fitchva.com/jeep/?p=42
I plan to move the ARB switches up there which would bring the total to severl on the Carling switches (already have). But, if I can bring myself to use smaller switches for aux. lights, I should be able to fit the Sirius on the face of the housing. Otherwise, I'll mount it on a metal bracket extending to the right.

 

[XJINTX]

Mizedog, I'll be the "scavanger" if you remove My 87 XJ does not have airbags

I like it!!!!

 

[stomperxj]

So here's my 2 cents worth... i think you could make a bracket that comes from behind the center housing off of the dash frame in there somewhere... not 100% sure about that. The CB can be mounted next to the steering wheel. i mounted my Cobra 75 in that spot in a TJ i used to have. You can reach it easier too...

 

[mizedog]

Wow! Thanks for the Photoshop work. Nice. I originally thought of building a mount over the top of the dash. Here's a drawing I did when I had a JK:

I made a paper model for this box but it ended up being too high, and to industrial-looking for me. It's a folded box design from sheet metal. It was tough to accomodate the slight curve of the upper dash.

I will probably put the switches up above the rear view mirror a la Fitch VA with the Sirius attached off the side of the upper switch box. That would keep things simpler around the dash.

 

[jeepmedic46]

On top is definately safer.:smiley_drive: