Navigation & Audio A CB radio in the MINI?
iv always been interested in having a cb in my mini, but i havnt (like most) been to keen on having such a big antenna on such a small car. But just outta curiosity, does anyone know of the shortest(and maybe 2nd shortest) antenna that actually works well and picks up good reception? Also, is there a way to mount the radio, in such a mannor that doesnt require any drilling? Thanks
Go with a Cobra 19 or Uniden 520 and I bet you could get away with 3m interlocking tape, otherwise the Cobra 75WX is a ecent little radio you could rest on the parcel shelf or in a cup holder or in the cubbie area, and secure the box behind the dash with some zip ties.
And since the photos on the above posts are dead links now here's the updated/current photos of my CB in the MINI.....
Here's my RC antenna
Hopefully the snow was white enough tonight that you can see the antenna.
Where the cross hatch is unscrews, so that's the part I separate for pulling into the garage at night; I can open the boot with everything attached though. It'd definitely work on the Cabrio.
CB antenna is the one on the left here...
And because it is NMO I could screw it onto the roof here if I wasn't running a HAM radio (that's due to be replaced by a commercial grade GMRS rig so leading runs in the mountains this summer I'll still have an easy 5+ miles range talking to the bubble back FRS/GMRS radios)
Hopefully the snow was white enough tonight that you can see the antenna.
Where the cross hatch is unscrews, so that's the part I separate for pulling into the garage at night; I can open the boot with everything attached though. It'd definitely work on the Cabrio.
CB antenna is the one on the left here...
And because it is NMO I could screw it onto the roof here if I wasn't running a HAM radio (that's due to be replaced by a commercial grade GMRS rig so leading runs in the mountains this summer I'll still have an easy 5+ miles range talking to the bubble back FRS/GMRS radios)
And here's another video with some CB conversation....
Anyone else have pics of where they installed their unit? I just got a cb for my bf, he has an fj cruiser. It's pretty fun to play around with, and the weather stations are cool. I'd consider one for my mini, but thats probably further down the road. Neat thread though!
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: Pensacola, FL
Used to have a CB in my truck... got rid of truck and CB. I should get a portable one to transport between my new (old GMC K2500) truck and my MINI. Any recommendations on portables? And what kind of antenna would you use with that?
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
From: Vermont, USA
It's 1970 all over again. Can you say "convoy"?
10-4
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Not to dig up an old thread, but I was looking to put a CB in my car. I am having trouble, finding a location to mount everything.
Motor On: What mount is that for the antenna? and does it mar the paint at all?
Also, would it be possible to mount it on the OEM bike rack?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Brandon
Motor On: What mount is that for the antenna? and does it mar the paint at all?
Also, would it be possible to mount it on the OEM bike rack?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Brandon
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 593
Likes: 3
From: Rootstown, OH
Resurrecting again, years have passed, still looking for some help. Mostly for what may just be a ground plane issue on a 2020 Clubbie. Tried a Nagoya UT-72 which is a black, magnetic and relatively short antenna.
I went to tune it with a SWR meter and it pegs well over 3 (red) on channels 1 and 40 which is bad and possibly destructive. Reception was poor at 30-40% if I trust the CB’s meter. My initial thought was it could be a ground plane problem with the Clubbie’s roof which includes the sunroof glass. But after trying several locations with no change in SWR, I decided I made the usual mistake when choosing an antenna. So I ordered a K40/K30 today which will arrive in a couple days.
Years ago I had a 4’-5’ K40 twist lock removable antenna on a Ford Expedition and loved it. That tuned to a 1:1 and reached a long way. The Expedition. . . . . that was 3 MINI’s ago. I might be dating myself.
Has anyone tried something else like adding a ground wire from the roof steel down to elsewhere where a good grounding spot can be found? Would I be wasting my time? My other choice will be to get out the multimeter and do some resistance testing. I’m not sure I would trust what I find.
I went to tune it with a SWR meter and it pegs well over 3 (red) on channels 1 and 40 which is bad and possibly destructive. Reception was poor at 30-40% if I trust the CB’s meter. My initial thought was it could be a ground plane problem with the Clubbie’s roof which includes the sunroof glass. But after trying several locations with no change in SWR, I decided I made the usual mistake when choosing an antenna. So I ordered a K40/K30 today which will arrive in a couple days.
Years ago I had a 4’-5’ K40 twist lock removable antenna on a Ford Expedition and loved it. That tuned to a 1:1 and reached a long way. The Expedition. . . . . that was 3 MINI’s ago. I might be dating myself.
Has anyone tried something else like adding a ground wire from the roof steel down to elsewhere where a good grounding spot can be found? Would I be wasting my time? My other choice will be to get out the multimeter and do some resistance testing. I’m not sure I would trust what I find.
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