Batboard

Hi All, I'm getting ready to tear in to my van and install the radios that have have been sitting my the kitchen floor for a couple of months.
I have two Syntor X radios a low band for 6M & 10M and a VHF for 2M. I will also be installing a Icom IC-2800H, a Convertacom for a HT1000 UHF GMRS, a scanner and a computer I call Big Bertha.
I though I had most everything worked out but ran into a couple or snags.
I was going to run a #4 wire from the battery to a fuse/dist box in the back but only got as far as the firewall. Any suggestions on how the get through this thing? Looks like everything goes through a big hulking connector in the firewall.
I also have to hang my antennas on the rear doors and side swinging door otherwise I will not be able to garage the van or use any public garage (it is really pretty tight in some places now). Do I just use a piece of ground strap from the door to the body or do I have to somehow run a ground direct to the antenna?

I am pretty sure you are going to have to drill through the firewall. I have done installs of M1225s in about 50 E150 cutaways (model year 96-03 so far) and have found this to be the easiest route to go. There ought to be a little area next to the steering column on the drivers side. There is a plate that the column is attached to that is also secured to the firewall. To the left of that plate is a good area to drill though. Just make sure you pull back the floormat and insulation and stay at least an inch clear of the plate. I prefer to seal it with silicon.

Also, I don't know how brave you are feeling, but the front quarter panel is a good place to mount the antenna. Up on top of that quarterpanel is a good horizontal plane that you can drill through to mount the coax, there is a plate that secures the quarterpanel to the frame. You can use some good 10-gauge wire to use to pull your coax. Since the body is metal, the groundplane is acceptable. Then run the coax down to the hole you drilled for the power.

You may not want to go that far in your install, I know alot of people are weary of drilling their own cars. But hopefully you'll find this useful either way.

Edit: Oh yes I forgot. I find the side of the seat just above the floor is a good place to mount the radio. It should be a metal frame that you can easily mount your bracket to, but check carefully if you go this route to make sure the radio fits. It's easy to run the coax & power under the floor to the stepwell, and then up out of the mat and under the seat over to the radio. And you can use the seatframe as your power ground for the radio as well

Thanks for the ideas.

I came to the same conclusion about drilling but didn't know where the best place would be.

Also thanks for the idea about the front quarter panel, I over looked that. I don't mind drilling for antennas. Quarter waves in the middle of the roofs are one of the best and least expensive ways to mount an antenna, just wasn't an option this time.