Smokin Lariat

I finished the radio install. I'll try to get pics tomorrow.

snakecharmer

I mounted my 2 meter radio in the ashtray spot. There is all kinds of space back there and there is actually enough room to mount another radio above it if you lose the lighter plate but the bezel would need to be cut. I bought an extra off of ebay that I am going to modify to allow me to mount my CB where the ham is and move the ham up into where the lighter is now.

Smokin Lariat

Same idea here - only I kept the ashtray door to maintain the woodgrain look. Used a Dremel tool to cut the opening. It's not as clean as I would like but best I, as an amateur, could do.

dplummer87

How much is a PA system lol...I would love to have one of those just for grins..One guy had one and pulled up at sonic one time and started talking to his friends (that were sitting outside) through his truck...I thought it was funny as H E Double Hockey sticks!

snakecharmer

I have a no cut/no drill rule. Kind of a personal restriction I hold myself to. No way I could cut up my ashtray door unless I had an extra. I think its my OCD My install is actually unfinished since I planned to build a trim panel out of fiberglass but I might just hold out and find a spare to build a trim panel out of like you did. I have a tendency to change my mind a lot and switch out/upgrade equipment and I have found that it makes my life easier if stuff inst modified to hold one particular piece of equipment. I built a bracket out of aluminum channel to hold the radio that attaches to the dash using the screw holes for the ashtray. I did break my no drill rule to mount the antenna for the scanner but its just 2 screw holes on the inside of the fender so i can live with it since it could be removed and nobody would know it was ever there.

So what is that radio for? Do you use it for your business or is is programmed for 2m HAM freqs?

Smokin Lariat

I agree. First thing I did before starting this mod was to buy a new matching ashtray assembly - in case I screwed things up too bad, or for when I want to remove the radio or sell the truck.

The mic cable was a challenge since the connector is on the side of the radio, now inside the console. Solution was to by a second cable, plug it into the radio and then route it out under the right side console kick panel. A quick female/female pass thru connection and I was in business. Eve the mic clip is tie wrapped to the bracket that holds my cell phone and it just snaps in place.

So what's the radio for? It's a VHF business band - in the 150 range. We use it for communications between the truck and my hot air balloon when flying and to communicate with other balloon teams.

mxracer49

Snakecharmer do you have the ashtray out of your FX4? If so would you be willing to sell it or know where I can get one relatively cheap?

I screwed my up. I had one of the flat cardboard air fresheners in between the ashtray and the console. I don't like crap hanging from my mirror. Anyway, the oil from the air freshener bubbled the finish on the front bottom part of my ashtray.

I've been to OEM parts places online tonight but none of them list the ashtray even in the search.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

nichos

What is that mounted below your pioneer stereo? The thing on the bottom is the CB, right?

wadiie36

I mounted the controller for my 10 disc cd changer in there, fits great and when the door is closed you don't even know it's there

Lad79der

I like how you did your install. Do you have other pics? I dont have the console shifter like you guys have. Mine has a pull out ashtray/cupholder combo that I couldnt figure out on how to move. Anyone have info on that?

Matt