New car, woohoo perfect platform.

[Para078]

Nice ride, but I'm a little confused. If you got tired of being jacked up while driving a CVPI, then why did you buy a packaged Charger. That looks more like a cop car than a CV.

I've got a 2003 CVPI with the chrome grille and full wheel covers.Looks more like grandpa's car than a police car. I had lights on mine when I was a volunteer firefighter, and got lots of stares from cops, still do with just two antennas on it, but not as mean looking. I've also got EMS specialty tags on it to show it's not still a cop car.

Deal is, you gonna get jacked with more with the Charger. Like someone else said, get HAM tags or something to indicate it's not an unmarked squad. Don't drive like you're a cop on the way to a call. That's a guaranteed way to get stopped. Also be careful driving in not to nice neighborhoods. You gonna draw lots of attention from the hood rats with that car.

 

[W8RMH]

BTW Not to sound like a cop but just providing a helpful tip, I believe those tinted windows may in unlawful in IL. I know they are in Ohio. You may want to check on it. I'd hate to see that nice charger get impounded.

Illinois Window Tint Laws

 

[gewecke]

Just get a dam Honda or Toyota like the rest of the world!

Now WHY would he want to drive "those" when he has a American car? :lol:

Nice ride indeed!

73,
n9zas

 

[CrabbyMilton]

While I did state that I'm not a CHRYSLER fan, I did rent a CHARGER a couple years back for a few days and I gotta tell you that that was really a nice car. It had the 3.6L V6 but it had punch and was a very smooth running engine. Anyway, I drive a '04 GRAND MARQUIS that I love as muchas the day I bought it in January of '04. Often times when merging on to a freeway, people have slowed down until they realize that it's not a cop car. No mistaken that roofline.

 

[davo51]

After 30 years in law enforcement, it amazes me that some folks try their best to look like cops, while cops do their best to not look like a cop, I drive an unmarked Ford Explorer and do my best to make it NOT look like a cop car, even though it is loaded with radio and emergency equipment.....nowadays you can get shot looking like a cop if you come across the wrong persons, I would be very careful with my actions driving a car like this.....Also, hate to be bearer of bad news, but you can bet every major thug and drug dealer will have a copy of your car tag and know the address the car is registered to thinking it is an undercover car.....

 

[safetyobc]

Nice set up!

 

[parkerbs]

I generally don't chime in on the whacker conversations. But Going back to the tahoe with a moto comment got me think about how much I hate when people hit there brakes in front of me thinking I am an "official" of some type. I drive an 03 tahoe with a push bumper (gift from the wife cause she thought it needed one) leds in the windshield and grill (for the fd) and antennas down the roof(fd and ham radio).Alloy wheels and a chrome grill and stock tent. I love my truck but being mistaken for a cop makes me regret buying it even though it isn't a ppv package. In time I am sure it gets old when you have some where to be and cant get there due to others paranoia. OP Awesome looking car fun to drive as are the cvpi, I will never own either due to being called a whacker/wanna be and mainly of the paranoid mentioned above.
I read others experiences and can understand. I have been question a few times by local cops as to the set up of my tahoe. I always invite them to take a look and show them my fd badge. If they said they wanted to take my picture and one of my truck in case someone called then thats cool to cause I know I do no wrong. I almost put FIRE RESCUE across the windshield so that people would know what I was about. Its all about perception and that includes how the cops perceive my attitude. Plus I know most of the cops around and the sheriff (that does help )
As stated above if you are a dealer why not throw a dealer tag on it that would stop any chance of being accused of being an impersonator.
Just my $.02



- Brandon
Sent from iPhone using TapaTalk.

 

[N8OHU]

And from someone that lives in an area where the CVPI and Impala are still the main cop cars: literally the only thing that might mark it as a cop car is the spotlight. I probably wouldn't even notice it around here.

 

[PJH]

Ok, I'll be the rat here...

There is nothing special about this setup as seen. Its whats IN the console for wiring, fuse blocks, proper connectors. The car pictured above is just rank and file. Consoles and floor mats can cover up quite a bit of incompitence.

Lets see the electrical work.

BTW, you don't need a 220AMP alternater to run a 45 watt radio that might draw 12 amps. Unless your transmitting all of your radios at the same time, with the AC on full, with the highbeams on etc, a normal car properly wired can handle the electrical load just fine.

 

[bill4long]

That is one HamSexy ride!

 

[SCPD]

I would lose the spotlight ... makes it way too whacker like.

 

[Spankymedic7]

So if someone prefers to drive a base model pickup truck (sans chrome and nice wheels) should they be accused of said "whackering" (lol) on the gas, power or telephone company? I've never seen any DOT or Federal law about what color, shape, trim level, configuration or anything else a vehicle can or cannot be and who is allowed to own it. Granted, I see the issue, but people are obviously fixated on things that they think are exclusive to them or infringed on their self proclaimed power. Unless you are striping and decaling your car with numbers and stars/shields....I really don't think you are hurting anyone.

Nice car, enjoy.

Well said! Ditto!

 

[szron]

While I get why people think that CVs are the domain of whackers I don't get why the hate on Chargers. Plenty of civie Chargers out there. Same with Tahoe/Explorers.

There is one valid reason why a HAM would want a police package though, and I hope I can get my hands on a Charger or a Impala with it. Column shifter. Gives you plenty of space to mount all your crap.

Newer cars are surprisingly tight and it's really hard to found space to mount all your hardware without it looking hideous.

And PPV have usually better specs than your regular ones.

And yes if you have a CVPI or an Impala with antennas people will think you're a cop but if you use common sense and don't be a obvious whacker (like the stars of HamSexy) you will have no trouble. Just don't try to impersonate police. And enjoy people pulling out of your way on the freeways.

Amateur radio tag will usually clear any confusion for curious onlookers.


//edit:

Definitely would lose the spotlight tho.

 

[Spankymedic7]

Seriously? Again?

Hey, I think it looks cool. It definitely looks like a police car, and the console, etc adds to that. Does a police car make a great platform for radio equipment? Certainly. I have had radio equipment in every car I have ever owned since I was 18 years old and I never felt the need to purchase a police car or specialized police consoles to install the equipment. But I don't want to look like I'm driving a patrol car, either.

I'm not trying to knock it, it's just funny to see the great lengths people go to in order to NOT look like a cop. And the postings here about how to make a cop's job more difficult by calling out an officer who is expressing concern at your whacker mobile adds to the perception that the OP is a cop wannabe. I'm sure driving down the highway and watching other drivers slow down or pull out of your way is a cool fringe benefit of owning a radio equipment platform.

Thankfully, most of us amateur radio operators do not find it necessary to get a decommissioned Crown Vic or new Police Package Charger to accomplish mobile ops.

I have no idea why folks have to get on a rant about this...like others have posted, there are no laws defining what vehicles people can drive. If it were a demo fire truck or ambulance, would it be any less "whackerish"? How about a utility truck? Milk truck? I don't own a retired squad, but if given the opportunity I'd definitely buy one. They're well built, have all of the extras not commonly found in "civilian" vehicles, and for the radio operator/scanner enthusiast, they just happen to have excellent platforms for radio/scanner installation. Whether or not the vehicle is perceived as a squad is, IMHO, NOT the owner's problem. This is said, of course, with the assumption that the owner isn't attempting to drive around imitating a LEO. I have friends who drive retired squads, and none of them abuse it...I'm all for it.

Why does "calling out a cop" add to the perception that the person is a wannabe? If no traffic laws have been broken, and the driver hasn't impersonated a LEO, by all means they should stand up for their rights and question the cops. What's wrong with that?

I own a SUV, and DO happen to have inboard emergency lights installed, along with 2-way radio gear. The lights are for Fire/EMS use. Am I a "whacker"? Can't MY vehicle be perceived as some sort of law enforcement vehicle? I mean lets really look at this... Police vehicles aren't limited to Crown Vics, Chargers, or other related models. I've seen a wide and unorthodox variety of makes/models used in law enforcement.

I'm really fed up with people who are quick to bash those who own/drive retired squads. I believe that all of the hoopla against said people is just rhetoric, and that these posts are simply knee-jek reactions. Lets stop complaining about what cars people drive, and start worrying about more pressing issues. To the OP...good for you.

 

[Spankymedic7]

Enough with "whacker"

There's nothing wrong with driving a model car similar to a police car. But setting it up in a similar fashion as a patrol car with antennas, tinted windows, consoles, etc. makes it look wackerish. And getting snippy with a cop or calling a supervisor because a real cop is double checking a fake police car is a little messed up. I often hear/read news stories of people in cars like OP's involved in incidents of harassment on the road, pulling over people, etc.

To clarify: I think it looks cool and very much like an undercover police car, which I imagine is what the OP was going for.

Dude, what's with the "whackerish" term?

I don't recall ever reading "snippy" in the post that you're referring to, standing up for your rights is something that more responsible citizens should do. You should search "stand up to police" on YouTube... Knowing more about traffic law than the cop who was going to cite you, for nothing more than your car being parked in your driveway...well, like I said, more people should question poor decisions. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but the utmost respect for law enforcement, but simply wearing a badge doesn't make one a good cop.

As for you "hearing" stories...I think these "stories" are far outnumbered by incidents of legitimate cops doing questionable/illegal acts during a traffic stop.

 

[Spankymedic7]

I'm the author of 25, so since you didn't get it, I'll explain further.

The point was to say that an overzealous fool was the root of the issue...no one would have really assumed that a Tahoe, Black in color, LS trim, chrome bumpers, aluminum OE wheels, +1 tires was a "Sheriff's vehicle" just because it was Black, and said fool saw a Motorola mounted in it. The true story ended with him walking away, because his mouth was about to write a check his *** couldn't cash.

So I think, the main thing to remember is, yes there are people who go too far to try to look like who they are not, in the end those games don't pay off. No good will come of someone trying to be something they are not. The lightbar is not why a cop chooses to be a cop, or a fireman chooses to be a fireman. A guy that drives a utility company truck with a light on top and a radio antenna is not trying to be a cop...many businesses, utilities and services use vehicles that are plain in nature with work equipment affixed, and that's all a cop car is...a work vehicle with equipment on it.

So let's not get our panties in a wad over something someone else has. If he is out of line, he will find out soon enough...it sure won't be decided here....or Facebook!

Well said...thank you!

 

[Spankymedic7]

Just get a dam Honda or Toyota like the rest of the world!

Yes, let's all conform! Individuality? Naaah!

 

[NS8N]

Totally a whacker-mobile. The OP seems to have a history of going out of his way of picking up used police vehicles (all those crown vics he mentioned). Definitely wants people in traffic around him to perceive him as an officer. Pathetic really. Take the spot light off, what does that have to do with your hobby?

It this illegal? No. Are you going to be harassed by both private citizens and REAL police officers? YES. But perhaps you like that.

 

[WB4CS]

Okay, I’m jumping into this conversation too!

First all, to the OP, that’s a great set up you’ve done. Very professional and functional. Prior to buying my Impala I looked at a Charger but couldn’t bring myself to buy a Dodge. I had a lot of issues with Dodge in the 90s which left a bad taste in my mouth. The only good Dodge I ever owned was a 1986 Diplomat, which was a retired patrol car. The other Dodge’s I’ve had have been CRAP.

As to the “whacker” comments… I think there’s a fine line to be drawn here. As someone mentioned above, police vehicles are great cars for hams because of the room it allows for radios. That’s the exact reason I purchased my Impala, a column shifter which allows room under the dash for radios.

My Impala makes the third police package vehicle I’ve owned: 1986 Diplomat, 1994 Crown Vic, and 2012 Impala. I love driving full size cars and the police just happen to also drive full size cars. I also love being able to mount radio equipment without having to work around a center console. That doesn’t make me a whacker, it just means I like to drive dependable and well-built, large comfortable cars.

I don’t believe the OP is trying to be a whacker. Unless I missed something, he hasn’t installed any flashy lights or sirens. That to me is what would be considered a police-wannabe. It doesn’t matter if a ham drives a Charger, CVPI, Impala, Toyota, Honda, etc., we as hams will generally have more than a few antennas on our cars. I’ve seen plenty of whacker-mobiles that were not police vehicles but yet had plenty of flashy lights, decals, and sirens. A true whacker wants lots of flashy lights that say “look at me!” I don’t believe the OP is trying to attract that attention, or at least that’s the impression I get.

However, I will agree with others that it might be a good idea to remove the spotlight. More than likely the spotlight isn’t illegal but it does give the car a more police look than a civilian model. I will also echo the advice of being careful in bad neighborhoods. To the untrained eye, my Impala looks like an undercover LEO. That’s because it’s black and has a big antenna on the roof. I’ve had my fair share of stares from some street thugs, but the LEO’s in my area don’t even pay me any attention. Granted that could be because Impalas are not used for LE anywhere around my city.

I would also suggest a ham radio license plate to give the car a less official look, however be sure your call sign is registered to a PO Box. That way if some law-breaking person does mistake your car as an undercover agent, at least they can’t Google your call sign and find your address.

Enjoy your ride and your radio setup! <O</O

 

[Spankymedic7]

Very well said!

Okay, I’m jumping into this conversation too!

First all, to the OP, that’s a great set up you’ve done. Very professional and functional. Prior to buying my Impala I looked at a Charger but couldn’t bring myself to buy a Dodge. I had a lot of issues with Dodge in the 90s which left a bad taste in my mouth. The only good Dodge I ever owned was a 1986 Diplomat, which was a retired patrol car. The other Dodge’s I’ve had have been CRAP.

As to the “whacker” comments… I think there’s a fine line to be drawn here. As someone mentioned above, police vehicles are great cars for hams because of the room it allows for radios. That’s the exact reason I purchased my Impala, a column shifter which allows room under the dash for radios.

My Impala makes the third police package vehicle I’ve owned: 1986 Diplomat, 1994 Crown Vic, and 2012 Impala. I love driving full size cars and the police just happen to also drive full size cars. I also love being able to mount radio equipment without having to work around a center console. That doesn’t make me a whacker, it just means I like to drive dependable and well-built, large comfortable cars.

I don’t believe the OP is trying to be a whacker. Unless I missed something, he hasn’t installed any flashy lights or sirens. That to me is what would be considered a police-wannabe. It doesn’t matter if a ham drives a Charger, CVPI, Impala, Toyota, Honda, etc., we as hams will generally have more than a few antennas on our cars. I’ve seen plenty of whacker-mobiles that were not police vehicles but yet had plenty of flashy lights, decals, and sirens. A true whacker wants lots of flashy lights that say “look at me!” I don’t believe the OP is trying to attract that attention, or at least that’s the impression I get.

However, I will agree with others that it might be a good idea to remove the spotlight. More than likely the spotlight isn’t illegal but it does give the car a more police look than a civilian model. I will also echo the advice of being careful in bad neighborhoods. To the untrained eye, my Impala looks like an undercover LEO. That’s because it’s black and has a big antenna on the roof. I’ve had my fair share of stares from some street thugs, but the LEO’s in my area don’t even pay me any attention. Granted that could be because Impalas are not used for LE anywhere around my city.

I would also suggest a ham radio license plate to give the car a less official look, however be sure your call sign is registered to a PO Box. That way if some law-breaking person does mistake your car as an undercover agent, at least they can’t Google your call sign and find your address.

Enjoy your ride and your radio setup! <O</O

Nicely said.