External Speaker for CB mounting

[criket]

*I moved this thread here form Interior Modifications. I forgot we had this area*

Heys guys, I bought an External Speaker for my CB from RadioShack. I need some help on where to mount it.

THe pics posted shows where I'd like to have it. It's outta my line of sight for driving and outta the way for airbags. I took apart the dash and the screws will not hit anything (they are pretty short). THe instructions say to mount out of direct sunlight (how true is this?). Also, the location will be away enough from the heat/defroster thing under windshield.

Help me out guys. Opinions? Likes? Dislikes? Where else would be better?

Thanks!!!

[Matt]

I had one like that in my explorer. I actually put it down by my feet were. The thing was so loud it was like listening to the radio anyways. Hell you could probably mount it under the seat.

If I were you, i'd wire it up and test it out in different locations until you find a place you like it. It'll work up on the dash like that, but I personally think it's somewhat of an eye sore.

[Sal-XK]

Not sure where to,put it but I don't like the it there to much either.

[criket]

Hmm, yea I haven't thought about under the seat. I could probably have it under the seat and facing towards my feet. THat way the sound will come up towards me somewhat.

When I was moving it around on the dash I too thought it looked like an eyesore. That's why I came here

Another area that I thought about was the big panel that opens up under the steering wheel. You know the part that hinges open right at your knees. What if I mount the speaker under there, get it pretty close to that panel and drill small holes in that panel so the sound could come out there?

I'll check under the seat tomorrow. THat'll probably be the easiest place to put it.

[Matt]

Another area that I thought about was the big panel that opens up under the steering wheel. You know the part that hinges open right at your knees. What if I mount the speaker under there, get it pretty close to that panel and drill small holes in that panel so the sound could come out there?

That was actually the first thing that came to mind but i wasn't sure how much you were willing to drill/modify the dash like that.

[criket]

That was actually the first thing that came to mind but i wasn't sure how much you were willing to drill/modify the dash like that.

Well that panel at the knees I don't mind. You can't really see it and I'm sure a replacement would be cheaper than a whole dash.

I'll play around with it tomorrow and see what I can find.

Thanks for all the help. And let me know if you come up with anything else.

[cico7]

I mounted mine under the headrest. The speaker is about 2.5in tall and 4 wide,
a little smaller than the inclinometer. It sets between the posts held in place by
the rest. I ran a coat hanger down the back of the seat and ran the wire through,
and put a plug there so I can remove the speaker and tuck the wire when I am not
using it. This puts the sound close to you so you don't have to blast the sound.
I have put an ear plug in too...just be careful of that...I will post a pic tomorrow.

[pjmjr508]

I have mine on the floor between the front & back seats attached to the back of the arm rest. Will post pics tomorrow. it came with a ear plug jack as well. Its out of the way & when using it sounds good.

[criket]

Well I took Matt's advice and installed the external speaker underneath the front seat. Here is a short, not the best, hope you like it, give me yo opinions write up.

There is a small bar that runs cross ways under the seat. I zip tied the mounting bracket to that with 2 zip ties. If you look directly above the speaker itself, you can sort of make out the bar, bracket and 2 ties.

The speaker will not come loose from the bracket and the speaker is not in the way of my feet. Also, I can pivot the speaker up so if I ever move my seat forwards or backwards, it can pivot outta the way.



After that I put the speaker on the bracket and ran the wires out to the left of the seat, under all the plastic, and under all the plastic trim up towards the CB in the cubby hole.



Here is another shot of it under the seat.




The speaker is plenty loud under the seat. It's prob 10X louder than using the speaker in the CB. So this turned out great. And the other thing is, since I zip tied it under the seat and ran the wires under all the plastic trim, I can remove it and it'll be like it was never there.

Thanks for the advice Matt. In the future, I may put the speaker in that knee panel but this will work just fine.

[Matt]

Glad it worked out man!