2005 Ford Five Hundred (Revision 7-2-2010)

[KM4WLV]

Hey there folks. Some of you may remember my Ford Five Hundred install from not to long ago. Revised the antenna setup a little bit. The pics from the previous install can be found here : http://forums.radioreference.com/pi...le-setup/163181-my-new-ford-five-hundred.html

The antennas are used for the following :
Antennex 800 (with spring) - BCT 8 Scanner in dash
VHF 1/4 wave - Motorola Syntor VHF with A9 head
UHF 1/4 wave - BCT 8 scanner
Rain capped mount - Future exspasion
Antennex (Rear deck inside) - GPS

Hope you guys enjoy the pics. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks !!!

Shot of the whole car
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=Fullpic.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/Fullpic.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Starting to take dash apart
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=DashApart2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/DashApart2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Space in dash
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=DashApart3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/DashApart3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Dash pic
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=FrontFinished2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/FrontFinished2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Another interior shot
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=FrontFinished.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/FrontFinished.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

GPS Antenna on rear deck
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=RearDeckGPSfromDS2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/RearDeckGPSfromDS2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Trunk lid with antenna arrangement
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=TrunklidFinished2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/TrunklidFinished2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Hope you guys enjoyed. If there is anything specific you want to see I can post more detailed pics. Just let me know !!!

 

[ScanWI]

Antennas

I see two radios but 4 antennas how are they hooked up?

 

[Gezelle007]

Its actually really cool that the GPS Phantom is inside- thats pretty bad a**. Looks like you have, in order from left to right, uhf-vhf-and 800? Is this all connected to the scanner and radio?

 

[mrweather]

Very nice work! The scanner in the dash looks factory-installed!

Where's the Syntor drawer? In the trunk?

 

[KM4WLV]

Thanks for the compliments so far guys.

***To kc0wkp - The antenna use/setup details are at the top of the post before the pictures start, however I'll run it down again for ya. Looking at the rear of the car all the way to the left is a UHF 1/4 wave, middle is a VHF 1/4, and right is an Antennex 800 with spring, and then the GPS antenna is mounted inside on the rear deck. On the trunk lid you'll notice a chrome cap. That is an extra for a very near future expansion.
Anyway they are used for this : 800 & UHF are hooked into the BCT-8 in the dash. The VHF in the center of the trunk is for the Syntor. Chrome "rain cap" is for a radio to be added shortly. And again the antenna on the rear deck inside is for GPS.

***To Gezelle007 - Thanks for the compliment. I kinda like the GPS antenna on the inside too. Out of all my radio buddies around here I'm the only one that did that with my car. Used to do it on some undercover patrol vehicles when I was still in the radio shop full time.
Also you are correct on your assumption of the antennas from left to right : UHF, VHF, 800, then the rear rain capped mount is going to be for a UHF mobile soon. See above for antenna use/setup.

***To mrweather - Thank you for the positive compliments on the job. Also, yes, the drawer is mounted in the trunk. Took some work to get it in a good place & not be obstructive. Great radio too. Manufactured in 1987 & still pumps out the power.

Thanks again guys !!!!!

 

[KM4WLV]

Couple more random pics from the install

Here's a couple more random pics from the other day.......

Underside of trunklid with cover removed
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=Trunklidunderside.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/Trunklidunderside.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Top side of trunk with 2 of 4 NMO mounts in place
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=TrunklidTopinprogress.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/TrunklidTopinprogress.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Top side of trunk finished (pic shot from driver side)
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=TrunklidFinished1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/TrunklidFinished1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


Antenna on rear deck again ( Shot pic from passenger side back seat)
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=RearDeckGPS.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/RearDeckGPS.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Center console taken apart (Shot pic from outside passenger door)
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=FrontInprogress.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/FrontInprogress.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Back seat out
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=BackseatRemoved.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/BackseatRemoved.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

***Those were just a couple extra random pics I didn't post yesterday. Below are some of the original install from October 2009. The Midland SynTech 8 channel VHF & old 800 Moto Syntor were removed. I replaced the 800 Syntor with a VHF Syntor (800 couldn't be rebanded) and kept the BCT-8 in dash. Plan is to eventually install either a UHF or finally take my Ham test & intall a dual band VHF / UHF of some sort. Anyway, here are some original shots*** :

Previous trunk mount antennas (Both used for BCT-8):
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/?action=view&current=100_0926.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/100_0926.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Shot of all antennas from rear (Driver side was for VHF Midland & 800 on passenger side was for 800 Motorola Syntor) :
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/?action=view&current=100_0927.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/100_0927.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Original interior shot (Showing Midland VHF, 800 Syntor, & BCT-8 in dash):
<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/?action=view&current=100_0929.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/100_0929.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Again, hope you guys like the pics. Once I either get the UHF installed or switch the VHF out for a dual band I'll update the pics again later. Thanks again for looking guys !!!!!

 

[jeepmansro]

Thats a beautiful install of aftermarket stereo and scanner in the dash like that. I never seen one look that good and streamline!! Excellent idea if you have the double DIN radio space.

 

[radioman2001]

Really nice install, giving me some new ideas for my wife's 2005 Ford 500. She didn't want any holes in the car so I used trunk grips. BTW for a really undercover install I mounted the 110 w Spectra upside down on the bottom of the rear shelf inside the trunk. You can't even see the radio when you open the trunk lid. The car presently has an A-3 HHCH UHF Spectra, but that particular radio doesn't do trunking, so I have to install an A-7 or A-9 head. I might try and use your idea and mount it in the dash panel or just mount it as you did you A-9.
I also have done a lot of undercover installs for those three letter agencies and others years ago. The glove compartment was a staple for installing the old Motrac and Micor radio heads. I would be a shame to hide an A-9 or A-7 in there.
I am still looking for a inside rear window CB antenna made in the 70's for use with my low band radio in my 2009 Charger. Other wise I am going to use a base loaded coil antenna like you did inside the rear shelf area and replace the stainless whip with a piece of wire.

I looked through your post. I am interested in how you dissasembled the console. I don't want to damage any of the parts, it's the wife car you know. Any help would be appreciated, I do have to replace the A-3 with an A-7 or A-9 so I have Type II trunking in the radio.

 

[N8DRC]

very nice

Looks great, you did a great job on the install, I always like the DIN installs they look clean and neat..

 

[N5TWB]

Thumbs up on the install. I replaced a double DIN radio in my Nissan XTerra with a single DIN radio/CD and a BCD996T. I also really like the GPS antenna "hideaway". I am working on an APRS project that will require a GPS antenna -- have you liked the performance and what was your source? What are you using as a GPS receiver and application?

 

[KM4WLV]

Thanks for the positive compliments guys !!!

To radioman2001 - I can post some pics on how to take the center console apart but it may take me a day or two before I can post them. Recovering from a cold today. Email me at daniel.michael4724@gmail.com so I have you address & I'll send you the pictures there.

Thanks again everyone !!!!!

 

[b7spectra]

I Like!

 

[commscanaus]

Nice neat job!

You have more courage than I when it comes to drilling those NMO's!

Regards, Commscanaus

 

[dragon_slayer79]

Doing a great job so far! I wish on a daily basis that my car had a double DIN dash. I would love to be able to put my scanner in the dash to get it out of the way and cleaner looking. Maybe someday.... I did have one question, In your photos, more specifically the one with the back seat out, there are 2 black circles in the floor. What are those, or what do they cover? Thanks!

 

[KM4WLV]

Doing a great job so far! I wish on a daily basis that my car had a double DIN dash. I would love to be able to put my scanner in the dash to get it out of the way and cleaner looking. Maybe someday.... I did have one question, In your photos, more specifically the one with the back seat out, there are 2 black circles in the floor. What are those, or what do they cover? Thanks!

I'm not sure what those are. They are made out of rubber and sounded hollow when I thumped them but I didn't try to take them out to see what was underneath. Looked under the car & you can't see them from the bottom. Best I can figure is it just covers up some kind of hollow space or something.

 

[AK9R]

Daniel, I'm interested in more details about how to remove the trim around the center stack and console. I have a 2009 Taurus which is basically the same as your Five Hundred. I'm in the process of installing a Kenwood TM-D710 in the car, so I'm following your thread with great interest.

 

[THETINMAN]

I have that same gps antenna! I love it- havent had less than 5 bars since! I have mine on a mount outside though- my wagon doesnt allow me to mount it inside

 

[OpSec]

I'm not sure what those are. They are made out of rubber and sounded hollow when I thumped them but I didn't try to take them out to see what was underneath. Looked under the car & you can't see them from the bottom. Best I can figure is it just covers up some kind of hollow space or something.

The fuel tank is under there, and those rubber plugs cover up access to the top of the tank where the fuel pump and sending unit are.

 

[dragon_slayer79]

The fuel tank is under there, and those rubber plugs cover up access to the top of the tank where the fuel pump and sending unit are.

Ahh Very clever! Thanks for the info!

 

[BonziBuddy]

<a href="http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/?action=view&current=TrunklidFinished2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w295/badazzfireman/Ford%20Five%20Hundred%20Install%207-2-10/TrunklidFinished2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Does having the VHF antenna mounted so close to the edge of the trunk hurt the radiation pattern at all? Wouldn't having it centered on your trunk improve the ground-plane?

Does the rear deck act as a ground plane at all?