2006 Chevy Malibu w/ amateur + fire radios

[N0BDW]

Hi folks,

This is an update to my previous install:

My Ham Shack (Mobile) | Woodruff Research

Basically everything has changed since then. New antennas, new radios, new wiring, everything. The FT-8800 was replaced with an FTM-350AR, I've swapped all the shoddily done 12 gauge for 10 gauge zip cord, added a Motorola CDM1250 (for fire), swapped the 2M-only antenna for a dual-band Comtelco, swapped the 440 antenna for a Comtelco low-band (for the fire radio), and both antennas are now screwed in (no more magnets!).

Pics:

I wish I could do something better about mounting the heads, but I'm pretty limited with that damn floor shifter. If anyone has suggestions I'd like to hear them.

Full res pics of before and after can be seen on Flickr: Mobile Install - a set on Flickr

 

[emd001]

That is a great looking setup. Nice and clean

 

[Kasmus]

Those zip ties on the CDM head kinda spoil the fun.

 

[N0BDW]

Those zip ties on the CDM head kinda spoil the fun.

I know! I totally agree. I managed to take the big one off from next to the volume knob / mic connector and it still feels stable. Like I said I would love to be able to do something better with the control heads but I've had very limited success finding another method due to the constraints of the car.

It is really tempting to rip that double DIN AM/FM radio out and put my gear in there, but ... alas... one of my goals with this install is not to disable any of the "car" functions, and the radio also serves as my trip A/B odometer, temperature sensor, oil life, average mpg, etc readout.

That is a great looking setup. Nice and clean

Thanks!!

 

[ResQguy]

I know! I totally agree. I managed to take the big one off from next to the volume knob / mic connector and it still feels stable. Like I said I would love to be able to do something better with the control heads but I've had very limited success finding another method due to the constraints of the car.

It is really tempting to rip that double DIN AM/FM radio out and put my gear in there, but ... alas... one of my goals with this install is not to disable any of the "car" functions, and the radio also serves as my trip A/B odometer, temperature sensor, oil life, average mpg, etc readout.



Thanks!!

Would this help? You could maybe gut the OBD parts from it and locate them elsewhere to gain a DIN worth of space. http://assets.sonicelectronix.com/manuals/metra/met-993303.pdf

 

[N0BDW]

Would this help? You could maybe gut the OBD parts from it and locate them elsewhere to gain a DIN worth of space. http://assets.sonicelectronix.com/manuals/metra/met-993303.pdf

Cool thanks for the link. I'll check that out.

 

[CoolCat]

I think the upper remote head looks good where it is, but IMO the lower head looks a bit "hacked" in there . It looks like you have enough room underneath the upper remote head to mount the other one beneath it. You might need to make a larger bracket to hold them both on there but that's easy enough (alternatively, you could bolt a larger bracket onto the existing one as well).

I would normally advise removing the factory stereo for the cleanest look if you wanted to mount the actual radios (with the heads attached) in the dash, but in your case it may not be worth it just to mount a couple remote heads.

Here is what I would do in your case; I would first make a new sunshield that fits directly behind the heads and combine the remote heads and sunshield into a single "unit" that could be mounted as one piece. You can use aluminum flashing to make a new/clean sunshield.

 

[fineshot1]

I wish I could do something better about mounting the heads, but I'm pretty limited with that damn floor shifter. If anyone has suggestions I'd like to hear them.

Did you see this thread - i posted a pic of my 2k impala install. Not great detail pic but it should
give you the idea. I picked up that side mount on ebay, forget who made it but there must still
be plenty of them available. The radio is an icom ic-900A with all band modules(in trunk) and
the head is attached to an ic-706 head mounting bracket which I had to modify by hammering
out some odd bumps for the 706 head and drilling new holes for the 900 head. If i find the web
site for the mount i will post it for you....

http://forums.radioreference.com/radio-equipment-installation-forum/214946-2006-impalla-install.html

 

[CommLt]

These work great.

Ham Radio Outlet | LIDO LM-300 | 15 INCH GOOSENECK W SEATBOLT MOUNT

 

[fineshot1]

These work great.

Ham Radio Outlet | LIDO LM-300 | 15 INCH GOOSENECK W SEATBOLT MOUNT

Thats the mount company i was referring to - thanks, i used the LM-700 model.

Mounting Solutions For Amateur Radio

 

[NWI_Scanner_Guy]

Looks good. Very nice!

 

[N4ADE]

are you a member here Chevy Malibu Forum: Chevrolet Malibu Forums if not i would suggest becoming one and post that question there. most likely someone will be able to help.
nice install by the way!

 

[N0BDW]

Thanks for the feedback everyone!