Well I got busy this weekend. I decided to get my 2m installed and clean up the CB install. I also tidied up the GPS install. All while work was very taxing and occupied a lot of my time so I still need to install the scanner.

First the GPS; I got a radio bar from Arizona Rocky Road at the same time I got my dual antenna mounts for the spare tire carrier. I installed the Garmin 276C using a Garmin bracket that allowed me to mount it upside down and still have full viewing control over the GPS. This way if the navigator is actually navigating, they can turn the GPS so they can see it fully. I went with the Garmin 276 because of the large color screen and with copious amounts of memory I have streets on on card for the Western US and topo on the other card for the entire Western half of the US. Plus the big screen I can read without my glasses on which was becoming difficult with my GPS V.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/gps-01.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/gps-02.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/gps-03.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/gps-04.jpg

The CB was installed with some haste but I cleaned it up and still need to make a better microphone bracket. But the cable is all run under the carpet kit and tucked cleanly away. There isn't much to see as everyone has seen something like this before.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/cb-01.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/cb-02.jpg

The ham radio took me a while to figure out where I was going to put it as I didn't want it under the seat as there could be water there with some of the water crossings on the trails around here. So I had to get it at least a little higher. Fortunately the radio is a remote head style so I can mount the big part on place and the head in another and elect to have the microphone come out of the head or the base. In this case I elected to have the microphone come from the base so I didn't have any dangling cables with an overhead mount. But back to the radio. I found this perfect space just dying to be a radio location. This is above the drivers left foot and enough room to not get in the way of my driving or my big feet. The pics are kind of blurry but considering I was just about standing on my head to get the pictures I think I'm lucky I got that. Oh and yes, the wiring and mount install is a royal PITA! But it seems to be well worth it.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/ham-01.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/ham-02.jpg

And the remote head install.
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/ham-03.jpg

You can also see my powered/amplified communications speaker that is attached to the headliner. This may be a problem location for some as you loose some view out the rear view mirror (at least for my height) but I have found the rear view mirror to be more in my way of the front view for driving and am considering just taking it down. I figure with the two side view mirrors I am legal otherwise.

Switches: As some of you may have read I succumbed to switches for driving lights, rock lamps, back up lamps etc. So I went out and got some switches. I actually ended up with 6. I have no idea what I will use them all for, yet, but since they all fit I think it made for a cleaner look in the end. The switches fit in between the two top tabs on the plastic piece above the center console. I had to notch out the backside where the smokers package would go to ensure the switches fit without any difficulty. I still haven't done the actual wiring part but now all I need to do is feed the wires.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/switch-01.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/switch-02.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/switch-03.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/switch-04.jpg

Well that was my weekend of JK projects. I hope you enjoy. Let me know if you have any questions.

BTW, is it just me or is the dang Jeep a static magnet. I can't believe the dirt and dust that is attracted to the inside of the Jeep.

Nice write up. I am going to have to order one of those slick cooltech CB mounts one of these days. Any trouble with it or did everything work out pretty well? What is the range on a HAM compared to a CB?

-Living Still

Thanks!

The Cooltech antenna mount installed pretty easily. I would recommend it.

The difference between CB and 2meter is this, there is a network of repeaters for the 2meter so You can talk pretty far. I overheard a guy on a quad talking with a 2meter handheld on top of a hill outside of Lovelock. Yes you need a license to use a 2meter radio but the test is really easy with a little studying. ;)

those switches look nice. where did you get them?

I got the switches from Napa. They were the smallest lowest rear profile ones I could find so they fit in behind the plastic panel after the minor modification. Most full sized rocker switches were too big in back.

Switches: As some of you may have read I succumbed to switches for driving lights, rock lamps, back up lamps etc. So I went out and got some switches. I actually ended up with 6. I have no idea what I will use them all for, yet, but since they all fit I think it made for a cleaner look in the end. The switches fit in between the two top tabs on the plastic piece above the center console. I had to notch out the backside where the smokers package would go to ensure the switches fit without any difficulty. I still haven't done the actual wiring part but now all I need to do is feed the wires.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/switch-01.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/switch-02.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/switch-03.jpg
http://www.mjw.com/jeep/radio-1/switch-04.jpg



Hey Michael, could we see a shot from the back of that panel. I'm curious about the holes you drilled for those switches. and how you attached them. Looks good man.

Thanks and welcome to the list.

I don't know if I have a pic laying around......nope. Next time I have the panel off I'll try to remember to shot a shot.

Basically it is a string of 1/2" holes drilled into the plastic. The switches go into the hole then the plastic nut that comes with the switches holds them on.

Thanks and welcome to the list.

I don't know if I have a pic laying around......nope. Next time I have the panel off I'll try to remember to shot a shot.

Basically it is a string of 1/2" holes drilled into the plastic. The switches go into the hole then the plastic nut that comes with the switches holds them on.

Ahh..say no more. Sounds good. I just wasn't sure if it was that easy or not.

Ahh..say no more. Sounds good. I just wasn't sure if it was that easy or not.Yep that easy. :beer:

Michael, nice configuration! You must be drawing plenty of juice. What did you use to bring power to each unit?

Fortunately in the cab is very little except the actual devices in the cab and a little for the LED lamp in the switch. And even most of those are switched. I don't use everything unless the engine is running. :nuke:

Everything is is via a bank of relays in the engine compartment.

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/electrical/relay-01.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/electrical/relay-05.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/jeep/electrical/relay-06.jpg

WOW You just gave me a few ideas - thanks.

This may assist you with your switches and relay wiring a bit, there only two main power wires to the battery:
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/angelastro/Source_Mounted_1.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/angelastro/JK_Source_2.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/angelastro/IMGP2728.png

Another cool configuration. I'm not familiar with the unit. Is it manufactured or did you make it?. I've already placed a RigRunner in the cab for interior power and I'm looking to complete something similar to this or Michael's when I purchase my fog and driving lamps. Thanks

extrication:
Yeh the RigRunner is a cool set-up! The problem is that their system was originally designed for charging multiple radio controlled devices and powering radio equipment out in the field. I needed some type of power distribution system that can have each of the circuits controlled by a switch and have relays for load handling along with circuit protection. So the Source by sPOD was the solution for my Jeep.
www.4x4spod.com
This is the interior switch panel for 6 circuits:
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/angelastro/600-000-200_Installed.jpg
Wiring behind the switch bezel with connectors shown
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/angelastro/DSC04944.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/angelastro/DSC04945.jpg

No doubt the spod looks great and seems like a simple install. I would love to have something that looks this professional. I may wait for the price to come down a bit. The JK price is $435, while the TJ price is $165.

The sPOD is a great looking unit. It's now an item on my wish list. What are you powering from from the sPOD? Thanks!!

The sPOD is a great looking unit. It's now an item on my wish list. What are you powering from from the sPOD? Thanks!!
On my Jeep:
1) Onboard air compressor
2) Electric air compressor
3) Rock lights
4) CB
5) Rear swingate light
6) Under hood utlility lights

We are just about neighbors extrication! We should get together for some local wheeling. I would love to have you ride in our "mule" 2207 JK!
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e211/angelastro/IMGP1150.jpg
I just heard Center Jeep is closing it's doors! Well chaging brand vehicles or something to that effect.

Great looking rig. Let me know when and where. We're still building it up but can handle most tough rides.

Nice looking setup with the radios. I bet your neck and back was sore from standing on your head doing the work,lol. I been there

Nice looking setup with the radios. I bet your neck and back was sore from standing on your head doing the work,lol. I been there
awesome looking jeep! question about the light switches. i've got a few blanks spacers where the hazards and traction control is and want to mount my fog light switch there. how did you pop that panel off? just a screwdriver and leverage? what about the actual wire run? did you run behind center console? or down side and in?