OK guys, a buddy of mine gave me a CB radio yesterday. He got it for a few bucks at the local flea market and thought I could use it when I go offroading. Great idea!

So today I decided to mount it down where the tape deck is on my ZR2, and ripped everything apart. I made a little cover plate for the opening in the console, and will just cut a hole in it for the CB to stick through.

Then I noticed a problem... The speaker for the CB faces down, right into the floor if I mount it this way.

So, two questions here: First up, if I drill holes in the faceplate I made (pictures below) do you think the sound will come out well enough to make this useful, or should I try to wire the speaker somewhere else?

Second, what should I pay attention to when buying/mounting my antenna? The speaker didn't come with one, so I'll be buying one probably this week. I considered mounting it on the rear bumper, but I go through an automated car wash frequently and don't want it to get ripped off. Thoughts/ideas/suggestions?\











I know it's just a radio shack one and probably won't be great, but I only need it for roadtripping or offroading where I'll be within a few blocks of any of my friends, so it should be fine.

 

I believe it all depends on how many holes you drill. The more the better. The good thing with the CB is your not really looking for quality you just want to hear what the other person is saying.
As for the antenea I'd look too see if there is one that unscrew for when you go throught the car wash. Thats what we used to do with my dads but it was a little annoying getting out and unscrewing it before the wash.

 

If it unscrews and I can mount it in a location that is close enough to the body that shouldn't be a big deal. I can toss it in the cargo area during the week and just screw it on when I want/need it, right?

As far as holes, you mean holes in the console piece I cut out? I figured I'd leave the area in that piece right under the CB mostly open. If I angle the CB enough, I think I can hide most of it.

The other option is to remove the speaker from it and wire it in somewhere. I thought about the ash tray since I don't smoke and don't allow it in the car.

 

Yeah if the antennea unscrews from the base you can do that.

If you dont use the ash tray and you have confidence in your re-wiring i'd go for the ash tray. That would be cool to open and close the tray as you please

 

I considered actually putting the whole CB in there, but I don't think I would like that since I'd basically have to get rid of the cigarette lighter in there. I like having as many outlets as I can have, haha. But putting a speaker there would be really easy, couple quick disconnects and some solder and I can put it there in 20 minutes, max.