2020 Chevy Silverado install

[mmckenna]

So mmckenna, am I seeing this right, you like encryption?

I like encryption. It absolutely has it's place in the industry.

I run a couple of systems, one has many encrypted talkgroups. I'm working with a consultant on a new system for our PD, and it will include some encrypted channels. I believe that primary dispatch channels in the clear make a fair amount of sense in most situations, just like encrypted channels make sense in others. Most hobbyists comprehend the need for encryption, unfortunately some do not.
The mention of it is sort of a test to see how others react. Sort of like posting political beliefs.

 

[N0ZQR]

If you use the "right" antenna hole saw, it takes the "scary" away! Also, if you use "quality" mounts you should not have a problem!

 

[mmckenna]

If you use the "right" antenna hole saw, it takes the "scary" away! Also, if you use "quality" mounts you should not have a problem!

Exactly. But fear is powerful, and it causes people to dream up all kinds of reason for not doing it.

I'm totally good with "I don't want to.", but when I hear the "resale value/leak/damage" etc. it makes me want to puke. Either do it right or not, but don't make excuses.

 

[belvdr]

Exactly. But fear is powerful, and it causes people to dream up all kinds of reason for not doing it.

I'm totally good with "I don't want to.", but when I hear the "resale value/leak/damage" etc. it makes me want to puke. Either do it right or not, but don't make excuses.

It’s quite possible they don’t have the skills and it could cause those issues. I’ve never drilled a hole in the top of any of my vehicles. I wouldn’t trust myself doing the first one without skilled assistance.

 

[03msc]

It’s quite possible they don’t have the skills and it could cause those issues. I’ve never drilled a hole in the top of any of my vehicles. I wouldn’t trust myself doing the first one without skilled assistance.

That's certainly something to consider. But, I have taken my vehicles to a radio shop and had them do it. Yes, it's more expensive and I could buy a hole saw cheaper but this gives me a little bit more comfort. Now, if @mmckenna was doing his nationwide tour I might coordinate with him to do it.

 

[KG4INW]

I still have a hard time visualizing how to not have to pull down the headliner. Instead of " Just drill the damn hole.", maybe the signature could say "Just pull down the damn headliner."

Perhaps you're thinking of completely pulling down the headliner, as in completely detaching it? Not usually needed as other have said. I have two antennas in my roof and removed one visor, a few handles, and pillar trims to drop the headliner just enough to visually inspect and make sure I wasn't drilling into crossmembers or support structure but only had to drop the corner to achieve this. Turns out I could've done with even less of a drop but I had the time and it also meant I didn't even need fish tape to route the cables.

 

[03msc]

Perhaps you're thinking of completely pulling down the headliner, as in completely detaching it? Not usually needed as other have said. I have two antennas in my roof and removed one visor, a few handles, and pillar trims to drop the headliner just enough to visually inspect and make sure I wasn't drilling into crossmembers or support structure but only had to drop the corner to achieve this. Turns out I could've done with even less of a drop but I had the time and it also meant I didn't even need fish tape to route the cables.
View attachment 91331View attachment 91332

While this is what many do, some do it without even removing it that much.

 

[mmckenna]

It’s quite possible they don’t have the skills and it could cause those issues. I’ve never drilled a hole in the top of any of my vehicles. I wouldn’t trust myself doing the first one without skilled assistance.

I can understand that. But that's what radio shops are for.
Mag mounts, trunk lip, etc. all have their place, and if someone wants to use them, then fine. No one should be forced, cajoled, or pressured into doing something they don't want to do. A shop should be able to do an NMO install for you for probably less than $100, including installing the correct coaxial connector.
Or wait for me to retire and I'll make a swing through your state.

For $50 extra, I'll do the install after midnight when your wife is asleep and be gone before daylight.

 

[KG4INW]

While this is what many do, some do it without even removing it that much.

Right, I've done many vehicles without much drop, especially when I've already done several of the same (as in a fleet). Some vehicles it's much easier to drop the headliner than others. Mine was super easy and didn't take long.

 

[kb4mdz]

I can understand that. But that's what radio shops are for.
Mag mounts, trunk lip, etc. all have their place, and if someone wants to use them, then fine. No one should be forced, cajoled, or pressured into doing something they don't want to do. A shop should be able to do an NMO install for you for probably less than $100, including installing the correct coaxial connector.
Or wait for me to retire and I'll make a swing through your state.

For $50 extra, I'll do the install after midnight when your wife is asleep and be gone before daylight.

Might require an upgrade on the brand of beer. Like, no Jenny Cream Ale, thanks.

 

[mmckenna]

Might require an upgrade on the brand of beer. Like, no Jenny Cream Ale, thanks.

I do have standards, although when cold enough, most beer goes down easily. Except IPA's. That $&!† is nasty.

 

[sallen07]

no Jenny Cream Ale, thanks.

LOL. That's Genny Cream Ale, as in Genesee Brewing Company.

 

[N0ZQR]

Drive to northeast Nebraska, and I'll do the drill for $35.00.

 

[OhSixTJ]

Okay, you have the cable to the edge of the headliner. The A and B-pillars in the four door cabs have airbags in them. Which way did you go to get the cable down without interfering with the bags?

behind them. Airbags stay between the cab and the cable.

 

[ems55]

Retire soon. I need some work done...

Coming to NW CT ???? PLEASE

 

[ems55]

I can understand that. But that's what radio shops are for.
Mag mounts, trunk lip, etc. all have their place, and if someone wants to use them, then fine. No one should be forced, cajoled, or pressured into doing something they don't want to do. A shop should be able to do an NMO install for you for probably less than $100, including installing the correct coaxial connector.
Or wait for me to retire and I'll make a swing through your state.

For $50 extra, I'll do the install after midnight when your wife is asleep and be gone before daylight.

You need my address now ?????

 

[lu81fitter]

I've done about 20 drill installs. At about # 12, I went to a guys house and he said he had everything we need. He was about 90 minutes away, so I was just making a day trip out of it. When I got there, he had the wrong size hole saw. Sunday... Rural area... Nothing open for miles. We dug thru his tool box and the only thing we could find was a 3/4" wood spade bit!! We did a test run on a piece of metal he had laying around, and it did ok, so we took it to his truck. It hasn't leaked so far. That was almost 2 years ago. I don't recommend that, but it worked.
I'll say this spade bit had the cutting tip protruding from the edge of the spade, so you had to go very easily when drilling. I wouldn't advise this to anyone, but it did work in this case.

 

[lu81fitter]

On another note, mmckenna doesn't do anything 2nd rate! We should all take notice of his craftsmanship and expertise on doing radio installs! I have learned a lot from reading about the things he has done on this forum. Kudos to you mmckenna!! You always do it right!

 

[mmckenna]

Coming to NW CT ???? PLEASE

Some day….

 

[mmckenna]

On another note, mmckenna doesn't do anything 2nd rate! We should all take notice of his craftsmanship and expertise on doing radio installs! I have learned a lot from reading about the things he has done on this forum. Kudos to you mmckenna!! You always do it right!

Thanks man. I've been doing telecommunications work for a long time. It didn't take long for me to realize doing it right the first time was the best solution. To me, doing a job half way is an embarrassment and reflects on the craftsman. It also results in getting called back to fix it later. For most of my stuff, a half way job would endanger someone else and that would require me explaining to someone high up why I didn't do it correctly. Officers rely on their radios, and letting them down because I'm feeling lazy doesn't work. It also would end up in me getting called out on a cold rainy night to fix whatever was screwed up. I don't like that and neither does my wife. I don't get overtime, either.

Doing the job right the first time and preventative maintenance keep me employed and in my warm bed at night.