Jeep Cherokee install help

[snakecharmer]

I have a 95 Cherokee and have been trying to figure out a good way to mount a 2meter, CB, and scanner without bolting stuff in random placed under the dash or on the side of the console. The floor shift pretty much eliminates the option of a custom floor console. I have been thinking about either a custom overhead console or or some kind of radio "tree" on a pedestal. So if anybody has an pictures of Cherokee installs or ideas, I would appreciate it.

 

[warren]

I had a 1991 until last week. It is very difficult to mount equipment in this vehicle. I suggest an overhead rack/console. I had one that went from the sun visors to the interior light. It was wood and had it upolstered, start with a flat piece and use the front screws near the sun visors and runs to the area of the interior light (you can carefullly drill holes there to hold it, do not go to far or you will go through the roof), remove the interior light to see where to drill the holes) then attach a box to hold one or two radios stacked togather as far forward as possible (so you can see the read outs). I also ended up mounting a CB below this by attaching the factory bracket to the bottom of the box. The wood can be sanded and painted (if you use woodfiller or automotive body filler a smooth surface can be had or cover in fabric, etc. for a finished look.

 

[snakecharmer]

That is kind of the direction I am leaning. I would make it out metal though. Probably take a flat piece and fold it up to match the contour of the roof so it is kind of a channel for wires to run through. I would like to remove the dome light and install a real light on the rear part of the console. Maybe one of the round flat ones you seen in cop cars and taxi cabs. My real concern is the second radio being too far back like you said. Don't want to reach over my shoulder to fiddle with buttons. You don't have a picture of yours do you?

 

[k-9policexj]

Jeep Install

Jeeps are a PITA when it comes to installing anything. I have my BC780 mounted to the side of the console in my 2000 XJ. My friend at Motorola has a Cherokee and was able to mount three radios, but they were all remote head units.

The overhead shelf might be the way to go, I have never used one and not sure how much head room would be lost. When you finish your install, post some pics if you can..I would like to see the finished product .

 

[mtcomm]

Jeep Install

I have a 90 Cheeroke with a stack of radios above the shifter. I made a U shaped metal
bracket that is bolted down to the plastic sides of the console. I have a EFJ 5300 mobile, a
Uniden Scanner, a Pyramid repeater and a cell phone all mounted on top of the U. The
stack is still below the top of the dash. I had to get use to reaching in to the shifter but
being an automatic, I don't have to do this very often. I used to have a Panasonic Laptop
in the mix. It worked fine.

Good luck,
Mike

 

[key2_altfire]

Have you considered using radios with separate control heads? Possible exception is the CB... don't know that any are made with a remote head. But you can definitely find a 2m/440 radio with remote head, and a lot of the Uniden scanners take a remote head for additional cost.

Another benefit of the remote radio is that you can mount the "main" radio close to the antenna for a shorter coax run.

 

[firetaz834]

Well, I know that some CB radio manufactures did make a remote head unit. I have a CB that Motorola made (Yes, Motorola) and it was a remote head (or should I say that all the controls were in the mike (similar to Syntor or Saber linet) that had a head on the mike. Looked pretty cool. I have it around somewhere, I'll have to post a pic.

 

[mjthomas59]

I believe Cobra has a remote head unit available. I would almost swear that it was at walmart a short time ago.

 

[rcvmo]

Think the jeep's bad, how about the new 2008 Explorer Non-public safety version.
I have to fabricate a V mount that will support the MDT, 2096, Maxtrac Remote CH, Siren/switch panel and arrowstick CH. My options are to mount this off the right side of the Center console.
Stay tuned.
I just re-initiated our 2001 Jeep. Stripped it out and was getting ready to ship it off to auction. Then the orders came back to put it all back in. Talk about double work!!!
rcvmo

 

[VE7CFF]

I had a 1088 XJ with 5 speed. Mounted a Kenwood TM V7A with a remote head kit and a Cobra75WX ST CB (palm head) The Kenwood was under the passenger seat with the head where the ashtray is. The CB tucked up under the dash carpet firewall, with the palm head hanging on the console with a mike button holder. Both radios wired directly to the battery. Also mounted an APRS tracker in the rear cargo area. Vehicle parked in front of my home toatalled by a drunk driver. Now mounted equipment into a 1996 Grand Cheokee Laredo. Good Luck

 

[azl]

Overhead

For my 1990 XJ (which I admit may be different than the '95 interior)

Cobra makes a model that is "slimmer" than the standard/typical CB width. I installed this in the overhead console (had to cut out the completely useless sunglasses holder).

There is ample room inside the compartment between both front seats (the one above the parking brake). With some cutting and screwing, you could mount a reasonably sized mobile (or two) in there, with controls at arm's reach.

I also mount a VHF transceiver on the top of the dash, just above the factory stereo location. this works out very well (does not interfere with view of the road, and controls are, again, within arm's reach).

Wiring did require removing the entire headboard and half the body panels.... The coax actually comes out the rear of the vehicle.