CB/Ham radio & antenna mounting options?

[Darrell]

I just did a search, but I didn't find any info on mounting two-way radios or antennae in/on a WRX.

I just got a 2005 WRX Wagon and I want to install my Uniden PC76XL CB radio, but I'd like to avoid drilling the side of the center console on the passenger side. That is where I have the CB installed in my 91 Mazda Protege right now. I didn't care about two holes in the console plastic on that car. Here are a couple of pictures of the slightly smaller Cobra 25WX LTD in the Mazda:





Also, what is a good antenna mount that I won't have to drill for? I don't want to use a magnetic-mount antenna, so I was thinking of using an adjustable lip-mount on the tailgate, but I'm not sure which ones will fit best on the WRX wagon tailgate. I have a 5' Wilson Silverload fiberglass antenna right now, but I'd consider getting a thinner steel whip to reduce stress on the mount and tailgate.

The owner's manual says to consult a Subaru dealer before installing CB and Ham radios as they may interfer or damage sensitive equipment in the car. Has anyone asked a dealer about CB or Ham radio installation? What did they say? Have you had any trouble with operating the two-way radio?

Thanks for your help! I miss talking to the truckers on my daily commute

[Darrell]

I installed my brand new peaked and tuned Uniden PC68 Elite where the rear seat cupholders used to be and my Wilson 4' Flex antenna on my Yakima rack with a Mack truck mirror mount bracket for 1-1/8" diamter tubes.

SWR with this setup is 1.4, 1.5, and 1.7 on channels 1, 20, and 40, respectively, and it gets out pretty well.

Here are some pics. Sorry for the size if they're a little large for your desktop resolution.

[audiokid]

are you kidding me? you ACCEPT work like that? I've got pictures of what a ham radio install is SUPPOSED to look like if you want to see. I realize not everyone is a 12v pro, but have some pride in your work, geez. I'm sorry man that looks horrible.

[Darrell]

are you kidding me? you ACCEPT work like that? I've got pictures of what a ham radio install is SUPPOSED to look like if you want to see. I realize not everyone is a 12v pro, but have some pride in your work, geez. I'm sorry man that looks horrible.

Yep.

And I realize not everyone is an ass like you.

[audiokid]

it's a gift hehe

[Darrell]

I'm still waiting for your instructional pictures.

[justboosted02]

my dad is into the whole ham radio thing. he had a 10' whip attenna attached to his van. i just dont see the point sorry but i would never add antennas to my car. to each his own. i guess it dosent matter what i say.

[Sotbas]

I cant look at a ham radio and not think of that movie Joyride with the crazy trucker...


Candycane............ Candycane.............

[Danbob]

Breaker Breaker......this is sexyrexy......how you readin'?.......can I get a niner???? interesting but why teh cb? how about a police scanner and a cell phone?

[Darrell]

Good commentary. I now have the answers to my questions.

my dad is into the whole ham radio thing. he had a 10' whip attenna attached to his van. i just dont see the point sorry but i would never add antennas to my car. to each his own. i guess it dosent matter what i say.

That's ok. You don't have to see the point. Plenty of people would never do anything to their car like what you have done to yours. Many hobbies for many people to be enthusiasts. You know the technical reasons why you installed your mods and your dad knows the technical reasons for his 10' antenna.

Breaker Breaker......this is sexyrexy......how you readin'?.......can I get a niner???? interesting but why teh cb? how about a police scanner and a cell phone?

I have a cell phone. A scanner would be a good addition though! I like the CB for real-time traffic updates, help with local directions and information, and the conversations between truckers.

Besides, when was the last time you heard someone give the exact location of a speed trap over a police scanner? Or maybe I should call the police on my cell phone to ask them where they're staking out.

[njazwrx]

i have a cb in my wagon. I like it for the fact of as said before, the traffic updates, speed trap updates, weather feature, and the hilarity of truckers conversations. Also on long solo trips it gives you something to do. I dont mind the antenna cause I dont care what others think. When im not travelling, i simply take the antenna off the roof. i can still recieve conversation without having it on the roof but keying it up without a ground plane will destroy the crystals