2006 Chev Impala LTZ

[n0vza]

Any suggestions on where to mount two scanners and a ham radio in this vehicle? It has bucket seats and a full center console with shifter right in the middle.

I was thinking about shortening the front of the centrol console (?) and then using a mount under the dash where the center console extended.

I was also thinking about using a Ram Mount (no holes) mount (passenger side) and some how mounting the radios to that.

I know control heads for the scanners will be available soon and I guess I can get a new dual band ham radio with remote, but ....

 

[fineshot1]

Lido Mounts

I have a 2000 Impala LS with the same basic interior config. I have been using super velcro and a somewhat homebrew mount which hasnt worked out too well for the control head I presently have mounted in the dash part of the center console opening. The super velcro adhesive is subject to wareing out due to the winter/summer temp changes over time. So I just recently ordered a LM-700-KHS Lido no holes mount which will adher to the side of the center dash/console area for the control head mounting. There are alot of these for sale on greedbay so I made the purchase. This should work out well compared to what I have now.
Not sure what to tell you about the scanners(you didnt mention any make/model no info). I was going to mount a scanner when I got it but after looking at the lack of mounting options I changed my mind......

 

[mcema699]

Have a 2001 with the open area below the a/c controls. I have a mini CB, a TMV7a Kenwood dual band and a home brew switch box stuffed in the opening. I drilled holes in the back for pwr and ant access. I used the the thick foam type door/camper type material on the sides to make up any thickness diff on the sides. None of it moves but is easily removed if needed. I mounted two rs amp spkrs on the side of the console on the pass side for the Kenwood. The CB sets on the bottom, that seems to be good enough audio for me. The radios wont go all the way to the back, they set out just enough not to interfere with the shifter.

 

[n0vza]

Thanks for the response - On the 06 Impala the center console goes all the way under the dash! I have a BC996 and BC15. The Lido looks interesting. In Minnesota, sticky Velcro is a problem with the "cold" - even though this winter, so far, has really been mild

Any idea on how to shorten the "plastic" center console to open the space under the dash?
I assume that some type of fabrication will be needed but I have now idea on how to do it.

First thought is to purchase a new replacement console, start cutting and then try some fiberglass "thing". I would love to find a business that could do it, but have no idea on what type of business! The local radio shops aren't much help.

I would really like to get a Havis-Shield C-VS-1000-IMP-1 mount (for 2006-2007 Chev Impala). I haven't contact then vendor but plan on trying this week.

 

[fineshot1]

Any idea on how to shorten the "plastic" center console to open the space under the dash? I assume that some type of fabrication will be needed but I have now idea on how to do it.

First thought is to purchase a new replacement console, start cutting and then try some fiberglass "thing". I would love to find a business that could do it, but have no idea on what type of business! The local radio shops aren't much help.

I would really like to get a Havis-Shield C-VS-1000-IMP-1 mount (for 2006-2007 Chev Impala). I haven't contact then vendor but plan on trying this week.

Best idea (in my opinion) is to do the console replacement with the Havis-Shield or Troy console. Trying to modify the original console is a half baked measure unless you really have the nack for it. Radio shops wont want anything to do with it unless you do a complete console replacement and do it proper. Good luck & if you do the replacement please let us know how it works out....Merry xmas & happy new year

 

[n0vza]

Thanks and I agree - fabrication of plastic is not what I know, let alone do! I will contact the vendor and keep the "thread" posted - maybe even with pictures ...

 

[Chipster]

I have the same 06 Impala LTZ with full console. I have a scanner installed on the left side of the console now. I did have a mini CB installed under the dash on the left side of the steering wheel. I made it a point to mount it as high as I could so as not to interfere with the emergency brake cause I use it all the time. It didn’t work out to well, I still kept hitting the wiring and the bottom of the radio. I have since taken it out and have plans to mount the CB on the right side of the console, like I did the scanner. I haven’t done it yet, but I have plans of mounting a Yaesu FT-5200 dual bander in the trunk with the remote head on the left side of the steering wheel under the dash. I figure that will be OK since a remote head is so small. My current problem is I cant find my remote mounting kit. Yaesu don’t make them anymore, and I have not found one to buy that is reasonably priced. May just have to break down and buy a new radio. Mmmm, dilemma.

I stuck a glass mount scanner antenna on the back window between the rear defroster wires. It works remarkably well. I wont do a thru glass antenna for a transmitter though. For that, I have purchased two Comet RS-730 lip mounts to mount just under the read deck lid lip. Hanging them off the back of the lid is the best I can come up with that doesn’t hit the car roof when the trunk is opened. I considered making a strap iron bolted to the frame and bringing it out just above the tail pipes but decided that was to much trouble to properly fabricate. I am pretty fussy about that kind of stuff.

As far as purchasing a commercial console. Don’t waste your time. I have researched those things to death. None of them will fit unless you remove the factory console. I will not do that. I like the factory console to much to remove it. That makes it harder to put radios in, but the commercial consoles look like crap in my opinion. Not that a rolling antenna farm looks any better…..

I will try to post pictures here in this thread, but I have never had much luck with that. Anyone can E-Mail me at N9QKG@SBCGLOBAL.NET and I will happily send the pictures straight to you.

 

[n0vza]

Way cool, thanks. Looks good and provides some ideas. I was trying to do something "professional", but have run into the same issue, there really doesn't seem to be anything available.

How did you "power" the radios? Typically I just run a large feed wire (8 guage) from the battery and then split the power from the feed cable.

When the Uniden remote heads become available, I really like the idea of trunk mounting everything in the trunk!

As far as the remote head for the Yeasu, this time of year is the time for giving. So give yourself a new present!

 

[Chipster]

When I put more radios in, I will run a 10 gauge in from the battery, right now, I tapped the cigarette lighter under the console.

I have been considering and new Yeasu.

 

[AC7NT]

Be careful when mounting under the driver side dash... Lots of shattered kneecaps and similar things result from this kind of mounting options when the vehicle in question is in an accident.

Just some thoughts.

CB Hedricks
AC7NT

 

[OpSec]

That CB is a kneecap buster if you get in a crash.

You should really move that.

 

[oregontreehugger]

You may want to wait a couple of months. Uniden is coming out with a remote head kit that will work with the -15/-396/-330/-996.

Check out the Uniden forum for more info. Should make mounting a lot easier...

 

[kskarma]

Just an observation about wire sizes...

I noticed there were several references to using 8 and 10 gauge cables to power a scanner and CB. Now, I like to overbuild things as well as the next guy, but in checking the current carrying capacity of wires of that size, I see that those sizes are rated at 30 amps and on up to 60 amps, depending on the wire type! I have measured the current of my scanners and a CB unit...and find that the scanners each draw from about 350 millliamps to around 600 mills. The CB will draw closer to an amp...so wiring in the size of 16 and 18 (zip cord of that size is rated at 13 and 10 amps respectively) is more than adequate. The total load of several scanners and a CB will be under a couple of amps in most cases. To further visualize this, take a look at the tiny fuse link in the 'in-line' fuse of your radio or scanner. That being said...do what makes you feel good....<G>...just some FYI here...!

 

[vsny]

This may sound off topic but how about a view inside of a law enforcement vehicle...they put electronics in these cars as a way of life and perhaps you may get an idea of how to arrange things.

 

[tnf]

I don't have any pictures of the Dallas Police 06 impalas, but I think one major difference is that the shifter is behind the sterring wheel, and not in the middle console, so looking at a picture wouldnt do much good. What if you mounted the CB and the scanner in the same manner you mounted the scanner, but on the passenger side? you might not be able to see them, but then again should you be looking at them while driving?

 

[kingpin]

This may sound off topic but how about a view inside of a law enforcement vehicle...they put electronics in these cars as a way of life and perhaps you may get an idea of how to arrange things.

I'm an installer and I've got my 5th '07 police package here in the garage. As mentioned above, the shifter is on the column (where they all should be IMO. I use Jotto Desk consoles in my impalas and they work well and look nice. I have seen the ones for the civilian impalas and they are nice too. They are VERY easy to install. If you are looking at installing multiple radios, a console is the way to go. Ditto on that cb being a kneecap buster, I've cut out plenty of people from car wrecks and your knee is going to get it if you get in a frontal crash. If you survive, you;ll never walk the same. Go with the console. You'll be glad you did.

 

[Grog]

Are all of the impallas getting colum shifters, or just the special service versions?

 

[OpSec]

Are all of the impallas getting colum shifters, or just the special service versions?

9Cx only...all civvies are center consoles with floor shifter, just like the 2000-2005's :roll:

 

[Grog]

9Cx only...all civvies are center consoles with floor shifter, just like the 2000-2005's :roll:

Oh well, I'll be rebuilding my 94 anyway, so I'll have another 200,000 miles to think about a replacement

I've been renting cars lately. The charger has no room at all, the monte carlo has even less, but the 2007 taurus has the shifter on the colum where it belongs. Nice midzise car for radios.

 

[kingpin]

9Cx only...all civvies are center consoles with floor shifter, just like the 2000-2005's :roll:

I don't see why they just don't leave them on the column... but I'm sure there are those who like them on the floor too....

Finishing the last one now... WHEW!