Neat CB Holder

[Pahaska]

I have the CB with all controls in the head and a small metal box that connects the antenna and power. I also had an overhead console with a pretty much useless rear compartment that would accept the metal box.

I installed the metal box in the overhead console with the cord to the head coming out the rear between the console and headliner. Power comes from the wiring to the map lights. A through-the-glass antenns is at the top right of the windshield with the antenna wire above the rigid headliner.

I recently found that by lowering the sunglass holder lid, the notch at the center of the lid perfectly fit the mounting button on the CB head. The CB is close to my head so that it is easily heard. It is also easy to pick it up to answer calls. Just like the 18-wheelers.

[Pahaska]

Here's the connector box in the rear of the console.

The black patch is velcro fuzz used as padding.

[davidz71]

John,
That looks like the Cobra unit sold by CW. I have an old Cobra 29XLR and was thinking about going to what you have instead. It must be nice not to have a bigger unit in the way. Now if they could just figure a way to work in upper and lower side bands I would buy it right now.

[Pahaska]

It is the Cobra and I did buy it on sale at CW. It is a good working CB.

[Jabba]

Since you guys are on the subject, I recently got an SBE cb from my Dad, but the antenna is not correct for the unit (the range seems to be about a mile and a half with optimum conditions). How do you size a cb antenna or extend the range? (I'd like to stay with a magnetic mount) I'm unfamiliar with the setup of them so please forgive my ignorance. Thanks in advance!

[Silver Bullet]

You'll have to get a SWR/Power tester and macth the CB to the antenna for optimum range. Some antennas are crap to begin with, the best I have found is the K40 antenna. (they have a web site). Placement on the vehicle will also be another issue. Oscar

[davidz71]

I second that on the K40 antenna. I had a magnetic one on my Z71 when my son rolled the truck. He bought a new K40 trunk mount for the Camaro RS that replaced the truck and then a magnetic base for that K40 when he bought the '90 K1500 4X4 Sport truck. I've had other CB antennas but seem to like the K40 best.

[Jabba]

If I took the cb to the dealer, am I safe to assume they could tell me the setup I need? Thanks for the info, found a K40 dealer 3 miles from the house.

[RoadKingMoe]

Also check out Wilson Antennas

[davidz71]

A dealer should have an SWR meter which connects in between the CB and the antenna. They key the mike on the CB and adjust the height of the antenna mast to the correct setting. They can also detect power output from a specified distance. Some places may charge to check this while others may throw it in with a purchase of their antenna. I have also used fiberglass antennas and found them to be satisfactory but I have never read a bad review of the K40.

[John]

David,
I was just at K40's web site and the only magnetic mount was the K30. Is this what you have?
On a 2000 Silverado, which is the best way to route the cord without going through the window?
Thanks, John

[John]

do you run the cable inside the cab from underneath?

[Silver Bullet]

Check the site again, M40 magnamount bracket 31.95. Click on K40 and scroll down for parts and price. Oscar