Batboard

Hello everyone on the group

The Vehicle Installations group was a tremendous help to me in getting some ideas regarding mounting options for my Maxtrac. Because I found so much value in what others took the time to post and share, I wanted to do the same and possibly help someone out.

I thought long and hard about how I was going to install my Maxtrac (my 2m mobile amateur rig) in my new 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. The pictures below are the end-result. I am really happy with the way it turned out!

I was able to cut the back-side off of the lower storage compartment with my Dremel tool and then mount the Maxtrac in the hole. I brought the power and antenna cables in through the back of the center console.

Thanks again to everyone who has posted their pictures in the past and helped me figure out how I was going to accomplish this and make it a quality install job.

Follow this URL for the pictures:

http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/bc/kc8owl ... ll&.view=t

73
Mike
KC8OWL

Hey Mike...

Looks like a very clean install, almost factory

That's similar with what I did on my old 1985 Oldsmobile. The cigarette lighter and ash-tray were on a tray that slid out. Well, I removed the tray, and the width was perfect for a Maxtrac, so I just mounted it in there.


I'm just jealous of the 32 channel head vs my 16 channel


-Mike

Dash looks great!

However, I don't think I'd be comfortable with the power lead running so close to the hood hinge arm. Maybe it's just me, but it looks like a potential point of failure.

Primesite wrote:Dash looks great!

However, I don't think I'd be comfortable with the power lead running so close to the hood hinge arm. Maybe it's just me, but it looks like a potential point of failure.

I agree.. looks great but the power and ground leands concern me a little. Is there a hole in the firewall on that side at all? E-brake cable? Wire harness assembly?

That is a very nice install. I had a similar one in my Dodge Stratus before I got rid of it. The small storage bin in the same location was removable, so I pulled it out, mounted my PA300 and a Maxon (shudder) SM2150 in there.

I also share the same concern about the power leads. I work for a volunteer fire department, and have seen some shady install jobs, and I've never liked the 'door-jamb-wiring' method. You can sometimes find a grommet already there (someone mentioned the E-Brake hole), and put a slit big enough for the cables to run through and still maintain a seal between the engine and passenger compartments. You could always drill your own hole, grommet it, and run it through. Some silicone could dress up any gaps and good to go!

--Chris

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I understand the concern regarding the power leads running next to the hood hinge. Actually, the wires, and their flexible conduit and on the outside of the hood hinge; because of this, I think it may be okay since it is not against anything that moves. I am going to keep a close eye on it though. The firewall on this vehicle is super-tight!

Thanks again and 73
Mike
KC8OWL