crawler#976
Expedition Leader
I replaced my trusty Yaesu FT-2800M with a Yaesu FT-7800R. Since I was doing that, I decided to clean up the Lowrance 3500C cabling and to re-install the chicken band radio too.
I ordered the FT-7800 with a Larsen MNO 2/70 antenna and 3/4" thru roof mount. I had to pull the headliner to install it. What a huge PITA!
I removed both seats to access the panels and headliner, pulled out all the old cabling and wiring, and mounting brackets. I can't believe all the "stuff" I carry in the truck - it filled a large plastic bin...
Since I was drilling one 7/8" hole for the radio, I decided to drill a second one to move the GPS antenna from the top of the camper shell to the roof. Moving both antennas eliminated the cables going thru the lower body grommet, and will eliminate the paint chaffing that happened with the mag mount antenna. After running the cable to the GPS antenna and routing it thru the B pillar, I filled the hole w/ silicone chalk. The Larsen NMO mount had better sealing surfaces so I left it as is. I did use a sander to clean off the paint on the underside of the NMO mount to assure a good ground. I left the GPS unit in its previous location, but did clean up all the wiring/cables by running them under the carpet. I chose to mount the main body of the FT-7800R on the back wall of the cab. Using the separation kit allowed me to locate the head unit under the dash where the ashtray used to be. It's off to the left side so I can reach it better. I left the remote speaker behind me - it worked well there.
I mounted the CB where I had the previous 2M rig. The CB antenna is mounted off the d'side corner of the bed - didn't feel the need to put it on the roof too - the antenna is 64" tall. The CB had been mounted under the drivers seat- worked OK, but was impossible to see to change the channel. It's now easy to see and use. I used a small remote speaker mounted to the side of the shifter console. It's better than the stock speaker, but it's still tinny and obnoxious compared to the Yaesu...
I'll snap a couple photos later.
Removing the interior of the truck was a serious undertaking - I like the results, but the time required was way to long. I spent nearly 14 hours - 4 on Sat afternoon, and 10 on Sunday to complete the task at hand. Thoughtfully re-routing wires and cables was perhaps the longest part of the job. I re-did every wire in all three systems (less the CB antenna). I'll definitely say the interior is clean tho - vacuuming the carpet is pretty easy with no seats.
Mark
I ordered the FT-7800 with a Larsen MNO 2/70 antenna and 3/4" thru roof mount. I had to pull the headliner to install it. What a huge PITA!
I removed both seats to access the panels and headliner, pulled out all the old cabling and wiring, and mounting brackets. I can't believe all the "stuff" I carry in the truck - it filled a large plastic bin...
Since I was drilling one 7/8" hole for the radio, I decided to drill a second one to move the GPS antenna from the top of the camper shell to the roof. Moving both antennas eliminated the cables going thru the lower body grommet, and will eliminate the paint chaffing that happened with the mag mount antenna. After running the cable to the GPS antenna and routing it thru the B pillar, I filled the hole w/ silicone chalk. The Larsen NMO mount had better sealing surfaces so I left it as is. I did use a sander to clean off the paint on the underside of the NMO mount to assure a good ground. I left the GPS unit in its previous location, but did clean up all the wiring/cables by running them under the carpet. I chose to mount the main body of the FT-7800R on the back wall of the cab. Using the separation kit allowed me to locate the head unit under the dash where the ashtray used to be. It's off to the left side so I can reach it better. I left the remote speaker behind me - it worked well there.
I mounted the CB where I had the previous 2M rig. The CB antenna is mounted off the d'side corner of the bed - didn't feel the need to put it on the roof too - the antenna is 64" tall. The CB had been mounted under the drivers seat- worked OK, but was impossible to see to change the channel. It's now easy to see and use. I used a small remote speaker mounted to the side of the shifter console. It's better than the stock speaker, but it's still tinny and obnoxious compared to the Yaesu...
I'll snap a couple photos later.
Removing the interior of the truck was a serious undertaking - I like the results, but the time required was way to long. I spent nearly 14 hours - 4 on Sat afternoon, and 10 on Sunday to complete the task at hand. Thoughtfully re-routing wires and cables was perhaps the longest part of the job. I re-did every wire in all three systems (less the CB antenna). I'll definitely say the interior is clean tho - vacuuming the carpet is pretty easy with no seats.
Mark
