soonenough's 2008 Super White Tacoma

soonenough

Explorer
Very nice build. I like all the clean installations of the accessories. The 3d printer mount is great. Excited to read more about this one.
Thanks! Not sure if you noticed or not, but one of your racks (well two actually, truck + camper) is on the wish list. When I look at them side by side, I honestly think the Prinsu rack is cleaner-looking than the Front Runner.

:drool:
http://www.prinsudesignstudio.com/#!2ndgen-tt-toprac/c12ps said:
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1 Bored Clerk

Explorer
I have the same CB and I have yet to figure out exactly how I want to mount it. I'm glad I found your build because you mounting location looks pretty good! The power and antenna mount locations in the cubby look perfect. And, like you, I never use that cubby. Do you still like that setup? Anything you'd do differently for CB? HAM is next but CB is first in line for now.

You have a great build here!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

soonenough

Explorer
I have the same CB and I have yet to figure out exactly how I want to mount it. I'm glad I found your build because you mounting location looks pretty good! The power and antenna mount locations in the cubby look perfect. And, like you, I never use that cubby. Do you still like that setup? Anything you'd do differently for CB? HAM is next but CB is first in line for now.

You have a great build here!
Thanks! I've had that setup for ~6.5 years now and it still works well. I've since ditched the mic-hanger brackets I made to hold the handheld portion of the CB. I tried a few different iterations of them, but all were attached with double-sided tape (since I didn't want to drill holes in the dash), and they just didn't hold up well over time. I think part of the problem is that I wasn't using a high-adhesion tape that's rated for higher temps (think TX summers); had I been using 3M VHB they might've worked fine. If I was going to try to make another mic-hanger today, I'd do something like Barlowrs using rare earth magnets epoxied to the inside of the dash. These days, I just toss the handheld portion of the CB into that same cubby and let it rest on top of the 12V outlet and coax connection. I've been running it like that for prob 5+ years now with no problems. The cord hangs down in front of the dash a little, but not enough to bother me. It's right there when I need it, and out of the way when I don't. If I'm going to be parking my truck somewhere for an extended period (i.e. airport) I just remove the CB and store it in the glove box...it takes less than 30 seconds to remove it. I don't think I'd change anything if I were doing it again other than not wasting time on the cheesy mic-hanger brackets.

Oh and if you're going to get a quick-disconnect for the CB antenna, pay the money to get a good one, preferably stainless steel. The cheap ones just corrode over time, and become a PITA to disconnect...not to mention probably reduce signal strength. I'm on my 2nd one now and it's gonna be due for a replacement soon.

And once you get a ham radio, you will despise having to use the CB...the difference in sound quality (FM vs AM) is incredible.
 

1 Bored Clerk

Explorer
HAM is definitely on the list but I need to wade around in the kiddie pool of trail comms before I dive into the deep end. I've been 'learning' about HAM in a book I have but I gloss over when they start talking about electronics theory and wavelengths and whatnot. Its a lot to remember and be able to use. Someday I'll get there but CB will be enough for now, I think. It should be slightly more entertaining than FMRS.

Your advice on quick disconnects is noted and appreciated. Same goes for the mic holder. I didn't plan on using a mic holder as I HATE stuff flopping around and rattling when I'm driving. I'll likely just tuck it into the cubby and call it done.

I'm having a hard time finding the bulkhead piece you used anywhere locally. I try to shop locally but sometimes you just have to go to the web. I just realized that Radio Shack is barely a shadow of its former self. They have a VERY limited selection of anything for builders anymore. Bummer.
 

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