Topic: Is anyone Running the Cobra 75WXST CB in a Gen 2

[Lava]

Okay, So I went with the Cobra 75 WXST CB for my first radio. I bought it a t Fry's in SD, on sale for $85. A short trip and $123 to HRO for a Diamond K400-3/8C Antenna Mount, Diamond C110 Extension Cable, a 4 Foot Tram Antenna. Got home, Turned around and went to Pep-boys for a Mini Add a Circuit Kit for $10. CB INSTALL GRAND TOTAL $218

I thought I'd show off my handy work with a little Tutorial for those without a radio. See Pics below. (Prior to install, I loosened the headliner on the passenger side, removed the right side passengers seats, and removed the glove box)

Basically, I mounted the K400 Mount on the right rear side of the hatch. I adjusted it, so that if you need to open the door with the antenna on, the 4' antenna will not hit the side of the X.

Once mounted, I ran the mini cable that comes with the mount, behind the door latch. I disconnected the washer fluid tube and pulled it back through the grommet. I then inserted the Mini Cable through the same hole. I then reinserted said washer tube and reconnected.

I then routed the mini cable along the headliner on the right side to the right rear passenger doorway. Once there I carefully routed it down the C pillar before connecting the 10' Extension cable. This cable is thicker. (They do sell a mini cable extension for $10 more, not necessary)

Once connected I pulled it under the carpet along the floor and rocker panel, under the front passenger seat, along the right side of the center console. The cable exits near a small vent in the passenger foot well. I then mounted the CB control box on an existing metal support bar for a good ground. I connected the cable fittings and then wired it for power.

Using the Mini Circuit, I used the empty fuse spot in the panel for the (Heated Seats) which my Pro-4X didn't have. I ran the power wire to the Fused section of the CB as well. I zip-tied this to the air box under the dash for wire security. This location is perfect because you can still change the CB fuse, without having to cut a zip tie.

I then reassembled everything, drank a cold beer, attached the handset to the cable that barely sticks out from under the dash, and fired it up. WORKS GREAT!! This even has an outlet for a remote speaker... More to follow.

All in all I'm happy with the install, and the price. This was my first dis-assembly of a GEN2 so I took my time, overall, 2 hours. If I had to do it again, 45 mins to an hour. Let me know if you need any help. I'm no expert, but have the shop and tools to get the job done.

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[Lava]

Here are the install pics:

K400 mounted to door:
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Cable run through Washer Fluid Grommet (No Holes Drilled )
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Cable through headliner, down C Pillar to floor.
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Cable Connected to CB box (Hanging Cable is for Mic)
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Box Mounted
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Used add a Fuse in the Empty Space on Panel
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Power and Ground Wires run, Cable Zip Tied to Box under dash
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Handheld Mic connected
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CB Powered Up ready for Use
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Let me know what you think?

[Lava]

Almost forgot:

Mount from outside
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Mount with Antenna
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and the Sticker Mod
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Enjoy!

[Blackx]

Good install.  That's the same radio I've been using for years and haven't had any problems with it.

[SoCalXTerry]

Very nice job!!!

[Pro4X-Gremlin]

Thanks for the tutorial. I will definitely bring this to the attention of my man.

[Ghost65]

Great write up Lava...thank you.  This will work great for Big Bear.

Sticker Mod esp. cool. 

[Lava]

Thank you all.

I wanted something simple and easily concealable against theft. It is even possible to remove the mount but still leave the cable intact, just hidden inside the door jamb of the rear hatch while in day to day drive mode. The antenna can be removed by using a small adj. wrench. You can use a quick disconnect also. The spring only allows the antenna to flex at the base. I believe you could combine the two for for a flexible quick disconnecting mount, its all $$ and preference.

And to answer questions about if its ready or not out of the box, it is. No tuning required as long as you use a 4' antenna. This is basically a "1/4 20" wrap as they say in radio speak so I've been told, and is specifically tuned for CB comm's. Its only when you go smaller than 4' do you have to use an SWR meter or tune the antenna.

Thanks again, and See you all at Cleghorn in 2 weeks!

Big Bear still undecided...

[RockinX]

Thanks Justin for posting that additional information.  I tried editing my original post and ended up messing it all up and finally just deleted it.  So I'm really glad you remembered everything I had wrote.  The original write-up with pics and this follow up information was very helpful.

[knightrider]

Many factors can affect tuning including placement of the antenna on the vehicle, and the vehicle itself.  Never believe anybody that says its ready to go out of the box.  I would suggest if you haven't already, buy or borrow an swr meter and check the reading just to be sure you don't burn your radio up.  My friend believed the guy at radio shack, and when we checked his, he was over 3:1.  I have an swr meter around my garage somewhere, if you want to check yours, its pretty easy.

[Lava]

Thanks RockinX!  I saw your post earlier and wanted to answer all the questions, then it was gone. I hope I didn't miss anything.

Knightrider
As far as the SWR meter, I for sure will measure the strength. Thanks for the help! I will definitely take you up on your offer. I was going to say lets meet up before Cleghorn, but your out for Little Blue Guys in Vegas?? Maybe CANVAZ II? if I don't get an SWR before then?
 
Thanks again to everyone for all the reviews!

[CAWoody]

Almost forgot:

Mount from outside
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Mount with Antenna
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and the Sticker Mod
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Where did you get the antenna bracket?
Enjoy!

[Lava]

I bought it at the Ham Radio Outlet in San Diego.

5375 Kearny Villa Road #113
San Diego, CA 92123

store hours:
10AM-5:30PM Mon - Sat
Telephone hours:
9:30AM-5:30PM Mon-Sat

TOLL FREE: 877-520-9623