New twist on an 'in-dash' CB install

[HoleshotHolset]

It took a LOT of work and patience - but the end result is pretty cool. The pictures are sorta self-explanatory.



You NEED a really good variable temperature soldering iron for this project - ask me why if you really need to.



Basically, I desoldered the front control board from a Cobra 19-DXIII CB radio and relocated the channel, signal strength, and TX indicators to the little dead spot in the speedo cluster where the automatic trucks have the shift indicator. As you can see, I used the little filler piece that just sits in there on the manual transmission trucks. By using a round "ribbon cable" originally designed for a computer floppy drive... I was able to relocate the front control board and end up with a tight pack of small wires that are easier to fish around the dash.



I lengthened the leads for the channel control, volume/power and squelch knobs (along with the mic jack... ) and fitted them into the dash bezel - sorry I don't have a pic for that yet. The whole install is completely stealth.



LOTS of hot glue was used after everything was soldered up and tested... it's cheap and semi-permanent.



The rest of the original CB radio is stuffed behind the HVAC controls. My only complaint is low audio output... I already have a plan to rectify that situation.



I got the idea from a guy that put his Blue Chip FMS display in the same area and figured I'd do something like that with a CB radio.



Here's the mainboard on the CB where the front control board used to be soldered - LOTS of hot glue here: #ad




This is the backside of the front control board - LOTS of hot glue here too: #ad




Here's the finished/modified filler panel: #ad




This is what it looks like sitting in the speedo cluster: #ad




And a closeup of the finished product: #ad




Sorry for the blurry/crappy shots - they were originally 640x480 cellphone pics.



Matt

 

[nixter]

Hey Matt, I was wondering about your set-up yesterday after reading that you were a HAM.



Folks this install is super clean no doubt about it. Oo. I'm really glad Matt spilled the beans about it as I wasn't sure how much attention he wanted over it.



Maybe if I got my hands on a tweaked Galaxy 959 and a couple cases of Guiness, Matt would perform some miracles on my truck... ... .



Nixter



PS. AES (Ameteur Electronics Supply) is right up the road from me.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

And in Muncie I was the Moron that asked "Dude what is that some kinda gear reminder?" being he was on chanel 3 or something DORK!!!! Then MTY laid it on me as to what it was.



WTG MTY!



Me ... mine is in the glove box and is routed behind the dash and all that is visable is a Mic , and a speaker mounted to the airbag control cover on the center hump up where the dash meets it.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

that there is slicker than owl snot!!



clean and clever Matt, I like it!

 

[SmokinRam]

Super Nice

I too saw it at Muncie and I can tell you, it is a SUPER NICE install. Looks factory...



Who would have guesses such a creative idea would come from a guy who can pound 26 beers in one sitting...



Sorry Matt, if my number is a little on the low side... :-laf



Nice Job Matt...

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad ya'all like it.



Like what was mentioned - a few folks in Muncie got to see it - so I figured I'd do a little writeup and describe the process for the rest of the TDR audience. There are a few things I'd do differently - so if anyone's serious about this... I can help steer you sorta in the right direction.



Nick - Yup, I'm a HAM. Get the radio, I'd be happy to help you out.



MMMMmmmm beeeeeerrr. 26 in one sitting? It's possible - with many trips to the can. :-laf



MTY

 

[nixter]

So, you wanna be MTE as well? Matt The Elmer?:-laf











Nixter

 

[bighammer]

Among a group of butchers, there is always a surgeon. Nice job.

 

[Jengle]

Matt, that is one fantastic job. It looks a lot better than the pictures show it.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

BH you gotta catch the latest episode from Hackster garage! Riiiiiiigght Jengle?

 

[rfoust]

There are those who can pull off a job like that and then there is me. You did one helluva job there.

 

[Chipstien]

Very slick. But what if you have an Auto. :{

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I could have put the display just about anywhere... limited only by imagination. It's a time consuming process, but it's not terribly difficult in the overall scheme of things.



Thanks again for the kind words.



Matt

 

[Jengle]

Dang, we didn't get that on tape. Would have been a classic there. BTW, how were the EGTs going home from Hackster Central?

 

[TORQUE THIS]

Originally posted by ToolManTimTaylor

BH you gotta catch the latest episode from Hackster garage! Riiiiiiigght Jengle?

HEY!!! I resemble that remark... It was a good attempt, but didn't work out too well.



Jengle, you should have been there for last nights fun and games!

 

[Jengle]

I always miss the good ones. What happened?