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Installing a CB unit

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Old 02-26-2019, 08:48 PM
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bolevine
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Default Installing a CB unit

I need to install a CB unit in my C-7. Has anyone done this and if so would appreciate any advice. I have a small unit that attached to the passenger seat front bolt with the connection for power and antenna, and the CB unit is all in the head. Had this in my C-5. Any help would be wonderful.
Bob
Old 02-26-2019, 09:33 PM
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KenHorse
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Is it one of the Cobra "all in the mike" ones?

What are doing about the antenna?

Last edited by KenHorse; 02-26-2019 at 09:33 PM.
Old 02-26-2019, 09:46 PM
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3Rivers
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I have a CB installed in mine. I'm using the handheld mic that also allows you to increase-decrease the volume, change the channel and adjust the squelch. I had it installed at a local car stereo shop. The mike is usually removed and stored in the truck when not in use. I have an antenna bracket that mounts in the holes for the rear license plate and use a 4ft whip antenna that is attached using a quick connect so it can be removed when not in use. I'd take some pics for you but it's under cover and awaiting winter to go away.

I will say the CB is a much better way to communicate with the other club members than those dang handheld portables that don't receive/transmit more than a few hundred feet.
Old 02-26-2019, 09:54 PM
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KenHorse
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Originally Posted by 3Rivers
I have a CB installed in mine. I'm using the handheld mic that also allows you to increase-decrease the volume, change the channel and adjust the squelch. I had it installed at a local car stereo shop. The mike is usually removed and stored in the truck when not in use. I have an antenna bracket that mounts in the holes for the rear license plate and use a 4ft whip antenna that is attached using a quick connect so it can be removed when not in use. I'd take some pics for you but it's under cover and awaiting winter to go away.

I will say the CB is a much better way to communicate with the other club members than those dang handheld portables that don't receive/transmit more than a few hundred feet.
That you Jeff?
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Old 02-26-2019, 10:31 PM
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gliot1
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I just did mine. The Cobra one hand unit is the way to go. I put mine in the back next to the fuse box. There is a nice size spot just to the right of the fuse box and it fits perfect. +12v is right there using a double fuse pigtail. The ground is close also with battery right there. You will need 2 mic extensions to run to the front. I ran mine to the carpet break alongside the console on the drivers side. For the antenna I fabricated a bracket that mounts behind the license plate, notched so all lights, backup cam, etc. Work as designed. The antenna mounts on a detachable flat mount that attaches to the main bracket. I wanted to not see any evidence of cb when not using it. If u dont mind seeing an antenna mount, there is one for C7s complete with antenna for about $180. I also had custom antenna cables made with standard pl59 connectors on each end and fme connectors which I can dissconnect in the middle when I take the flat antenna mount off. The final optional thing I added was a small external speaker behind the left side of the driver seat, velcro mounted to the carpet. The whole install is very stealth and unnoticeable.....a few in my club have emulated it. Some members have done the same radio install but simply put the antenna behind the seat as needed. It works but distance us limited to about 1/2 mile.

Yes I am sure we will get the "comments" about using cbs but we have tried many methods but cb us still the best fof club trips.
Old 02-26-2019, 10:44 PM
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Grand Slam
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I second the use of an external speaker. Makes hearing much better. You can also mount an amplifier near the battery if desired. Improves transmission distance but not receiving distance.

If you use a non-removable antenna base above the license plate you can cap it when not in use with a hose cap similar to these (not sure these are the right size): https://www.summitracing.com/parts/r...CABEgK10vD_BwE
Old 02-27-2019, 01:35 AM
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Antenna mount I've used on my C5, C6 and 2 C7's (CB antenna isn't mounted in this shot

But it is in this one:


Old 02-27-2019, 04:36 AM
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Any of these have enough range to be capable of talking with the truckers going in the opposite direction? They are quite often better than Waze for keeping up with leo lacations.



.
Old 02-27-2019, 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by HorsePower Junkie
Any of these have enough range to be capable of talking with the truckers going in the opposite direction? They are quite often better than Waze for keeping up with leo lacations.
Sure! Several miles (if not more) easily
Old 02-27-2019, 11:59 AM
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CB . Forgotten but not gone..
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Old 02-27-2019, 01:34 PM
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bolevine
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Originally Posted by KenHorse
Is it one of the Cobra "all in the mike" ones?

What are doing about the antenna?
i have all-in-one CB with the head and mic all together. I just need a place to mount the unit that the mic plugs into and the power cord comes out of. The antenna is mounted with a mount that mounts behind the license plate
Old 02-27-2019, 01:41 PM
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bolevine
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Any chance you could send some pics? That is exactly what I want to do
Old 02-27-2019, 01:51 PM
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10-4 good buddy!
Old 02-27-2019, 03:35 PM
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bolevine
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How is the antenna mount not interfering with the back up camera? Tried mine and it won’t mount behind the license plate because of the camera
Old 02-27-2019, 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by bolevine
How is the antenna mount not interfering with the back up camera? Tried mine and it won’t mount behind the license plate because of the camera
Gotta have one made for the C7 (has a cutout milled for both the camera, key slot and release button)

Here's a closeup


Last edited by KenHorse; 02-27-2019 at 03:39 PM.
Old 02-27-2019, 04:05 PM
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bolevine
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Where do you purchase the antenna mount for the C7?
Old 02-27-2019, 04:14 PM
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There was a local guy who made them but he no longer does unfortunately (made for all later generations too)

As you have an existing mount, I'm sure you can find a local machine shop that can mill yours?

Last edited by KenHorse; 02-27-2019 at 04:15 PM.

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Old 02-27-2019, 07:21 PM
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budgreen3564
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Go to the Southwest Forum, and ask for help. Most of the people in the Tulsa Corvette Club have one
Old 02-27-2019, 08:18 PM
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So here's a link to a bracket, antenna and other parts one would need. Is it for a C7, no, not specifically but then the bracket I'm using was for a C6 and it works just fine. It also has a cut out for you camera. Good luck.

https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/prod...23903/image/1/

okay, this link doesn't take you to the exact item. Search CB Antenna on their site, it worked for me.

Last edited by 3Rivers; 02-27-2019 at 08:19 PM.
Old 02-27-2019, 10:27 PM
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Gearhead Jim
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Originally Posted by bolevine
How is the antenna mount not interfering with the back up camera? Tried mine and it won’t mount behind the license plate because of the camera
I was in a hurry and bought the antenna kit from Mid-America, probably the same as Eklers. The antenna mount obscured most of the left side of the camera view, so I had to redrill the mounting holes and cut off some of the edge to move it over. Installation was a PITA because I'd never taken the back of the trunk and speaker apart.

If I had to do it over again, I'd use Ron's (gliot1) method.


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