Radio into Chevy Tracker

[henryg]

OK, don't laugh. I have a 2002 Chevy Tracker, 4 door, and I would like to install a CDM1250. Any suggestions. There is not a lot of room and all the console companies seem to neglect the Tracker. Thanks!

[elkbow]

I wouldn't laugh, they're an excellent small offroad vehicle able to get in tight places.

I would suggest you go with a remote mount kit for the 1250. I have a 02' F-250 Crew Cab Powerstroke 4x4 and I remote mounted mine. That way you only have two screws to mount for the remote, you can get either cables from 3 meters to 5 meters I believe, I'm using the 3 meter remote cable. I have my remote mounted on the hump in the front seat with the main unit mounted behind the rear seat. If you want, I'll take some pics to send to you so you can see how much room it takes.

[Prospect62]

I used to work for a private security company that used Chevy Trackers. In addition to Streethawk lightbars, traffic backers, grille lights and switchboxes, I installed the 2-way radios. We used Motorola SM50 UHF 40-watt radios, so the compact size was a blessing. You're right, there are VERY few (if any) console or rack style mounts available to fit the Tracker, and even if you find a "universal" one, the Tracker allows NO space to mount it logically. Anyways, I just mounted the radio on the passenger side of the factory console facing up, just ahead of where the shifter is. Compared to other setups on this site, that probably sounds like childs play but I challenge anybody here to manage anything better. That location allowed me to conceal the wiring under the factory console and the radio was not really in the way at all. It is not near any HVAC ducts or computers and it looks pretty good. Not sure if you're mounting a switch-box too, but if you are, drill two holes in the thin piece of plastic below the AM/FM radio and mount the bracket there, allowing you to mount the box face up. The only problem here is it totally renders the ash-tray and lighter useless, and partially blocks the coin tray thingy ahead of the shifter. The pros are you can remove the ash-tray and run all of the wiring (perfectly concealed) for the switch-box through that opening behind the dash and into the engine compartment or where ever you need to go from there. Did any of this help?? I hope so.

[henryg]

Yes, it did help a lot. I appeciate your sharing the install info. I'm still not sure what I am going to do. You wouldn't by any chance to have a picture of at least the Tracker with the Streethawk? That sounds pretty cool!!!! Thanks. Henry

[Prospect62]

Yes, I beleive I do have a pic or two of the Tracker somewhere on a disk. I will find them and post them for ya. It's a 40" Streethawk. Nobody ever thought it could be done you know, putting a Streethawk on a Tracker. Nobody offered brackets and the "universal" ones from FedSig were way off. Well I just got some stainless steel sheet metal, made some paper templates, and cut and bent up custom brackets. I then drilled the holes and painted them satin black to complement the Tracker's trim. I also painted the center speaker grille satin black for the same purpose. It was a great install that I am still proud of. Not bad for an amateur.
Glad I could help you even a little. Good luck with it, any other questions let me know.

[xxx2fan]

Anyone know where to pick up ignition sense wire (hot with ignition) to operate a relay for my radio in Tracker 2002
Thanks

[thebigphish]

stock radio power lead, or check the cigarette lighter....