1998 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor Install Pics

[kc2eip]

Just took some pics of my CVPI install. The console is a pro copper, and has two Uniden scanners: the BC780xlt, and the BC785d for APCO 25. Also a cherokee cb, some lighter sockets and a handheld radio (BC250d) for portable use. The lcd is a 14.1" XGA display connected to the dell computer behind the seat for gps navigation and car computer OBD-II interface.

http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dolphi ... nterceptor

[jim]

Wow...I bet nobody's ever seen a Vic with a Pro-Copper.

[fire-medic8104]

C'mon Jim, he just wanted to show off his project, no harm, no foul.

[jim]

It's like this is turning into the "look at this- it's just like every other install" forum. Everyone that mounts a 1225 in their Cavalier is posting as if it's never been seen or done before!
Come on, geez! A Crown Vic. This forum is turing into a joke anymore. It's nothing but a photo album of the same old thing. I have 6 Explorers out in the shop right now geting corner strobes, wigwags and rear LEDs. I'm going to post pics of all 6 of these since nobody's EVER seen an Explorer with lights in it.

I'm gonna take a pic of my Grand Cherokee with an LED dash light suctioned onto the windshield and post it to. That's a unique one!
How about this: a 2002 Impala with a Consolidator console, lightbar, siren, switch panel and a Maxtrac. Boy! One's never seen this before.

This WAS a decent forum with alot of legit questions and answers, but lately, it's turning into a circus of install pics. If everyone wants to see install pics, why not start a separite photo album site on Yahoo or somewhere to post them?

Now if you have a good question, advice or pics of a UNIQUE install or solution that is actually something different than what every freakin' FD & PD in the USA has, post it, as we'd all like to see it.

Let's stick to questions, answers, advide, tech support and such and leave the pics of everyday type installs elsewhere. The site is already slow enough.

-my 2 cents that will surely piss someone off

[Cam]

It's like this is turning into the "look at this- it's just like every other install" forum. Everyone that mounts a 1225 in their Cavalier is posting as if it's never been seen or done before!
Come on, geez! A Crown Vic. This forum is turing into a joke anymore. It's nothing but a photo album of the same old thing. I have 6 Explorers out in the shop right now geting corner strobes, wigwags and rear LEDs. I'm going to post pics of all 6 of these since nobody's EVER seen an Explorer with lights in it.

I'm gonna take a pic of my Grand Cherokee with an LED dash light suctioned onto the windshield and post it to. That's a unique one!
How about this: a 2002 Impala with a Consolidator console, lightbar, siren, switch panel and a Maxtrac. Boy! One's never seen this before.

This WAS a decent forum with alot of legit questions and answers, but lately, it's turning into a circus of install pics. If everyone wants to see install pics, why not start a separite photo album site on Yahoo or somewhere to post them?

Now if you have a good question, advice or pics of a UNIQUE install or solution that is actually something different than what every freakin' FD & PD in the USA has, post it, as we'd all like to see it.

Let's stick to questions, answers, advide, tech support and such and leave the pics of everyday type installs elsewhere. The site is already slow enough.

-my 2 cents that will surely piss someone off

Hum, I was think it was the other way around. A few days ago someone posted link to their Honda that was very unique and I think the only coments they got was some ass saying he hated the car. Wow. It would seem that if it's not a CV or something like that with things installed just like everybody does, it get crap from some of the less open-mided members of the board and that's all. I think the golf cart was cool, that was about a week ago, hard to say that was not unique.

I think your right though, I'd love to see some unique, complex installs, installs on things other then then some old CV or Impala.

To say that they shouldn't post though is, IMO anyway, out of line. Not everybody is a pro who see and does this everyday. A lot of people are just end users who want to see different ways of doing the same thing and use that to help them decide how to do their own car/truck/van/boat/golf cart.

I guess if you don't want to see another [whatever] don't click the link that says look at my Jeep with a M1225 and a DashLaser [or whatever it is].

Cam

[007]

Cam-

Put down the Java, take some anti-depressants and calm yourself...your posts are writing checks your sassy attitude can't cash.

If you read my -entire- post in the honda thread, I said that I think his car sucks but I still think the install is unique...I was impressed with what he did, considering it's a Civic.

Back off the moral high-horse you are on.

And Jim, to an extent you are right...but it is still nice to see what different people do with equipment. He posted an external link to the pics, so if you really didn't want to see them you didn't have to.

I'm just wondering why he has a CB and scanners when he has a ham callsign as his username. Kinda of a boring install.

[jim]

If you insist on bringing up the Honda, yes, I actually DID enjoy seeing that car. My joke about hitting my rear axle and being gerbil-powered is exactly that- a joke, as Honda owners have always got in the past and will continue to get in the future. It was not a Vic. It was not an Impala, or a Suburban or a Tahoe or an Explorer. And it was DIFFERENT than what everyone posts here. A Crown Vic with a Pro-Copper isn't something that you need to be a professional to see- just drive over to your local PD and I'm sure they have at least one there. Watch COPS tonight on FX and I'm SURE you'll see 35 of them there. Got an install in an H2 Hummer with 3 radios, 8 strobes, 12 LEDs and low profile antennas? I'd like to see that.
Got an Intrepid with an Edge bar, Maratrac, and a PA300/SW300....we've seen them already. In fact, you see them everyday going to work. Many of us, in our rearview mirrors!

A few threads back, there was a post about putting 9 radios in a vehicle. I'd like to see that one, as I'm sure many of you would. It's not just an everyday install. I liked seeing the golfcart install too. That was cool. I have an old Federal Fireball on a lawn tractor. I had wig wags on my quad. I also don't have pics of this listed here every day. My shop's service van (AWD Astro) has 5 antennas, scanner, HR2510, Alinco 610, Mitrek lowband mounted in a TIG welded custom console. There's a 1.6KW amp for HF. It also has quad corner strobes, wigwags and backflasher. Oh...it has a 1KW inverter and a 2kw generator. I don't post pics of it because um...who really cares? It's a shop truck and nothing that nobody really cares to see. And to top it off...I think GM products are junk.

If you install a CDM in an ambulance, who cares? It's not the electroincs world's greatest achievement. Really.

Do a custom console that perfectly fits the interior and matches the OEM color of a 3500 RAM Dually 4X4 with TST switchpanel, Kussmaul load manager, Q2E siren, CPI dual speaker system, Whelen Alpha12Q siren, dual CDMs, PCB style PDC behind the seat...yeah, I wanna see that. It's something that most of us (even those whom do this every day) don't get to see. It's different.

go to http://www.yahoo.com and start a photo section for the photos.
Let's keep the tech questions and support here where it belongs. There is too much good information available on this forum for all to use. There are many good techs and installers from what I see on here, also.

There was nothing against the owner of the Vic in this post, but some of these pics are getting really stale with the same thing over and over. By the way, the Vic install looks good- just make sure you install a passenger side SRS disable switch with the MDT screen in it's path. After seeing the results of what happens during a collision with an MDT slammed by the airbag, believe me, you will want to do this. A local Vic was in a collision several years ago and the screen tore loose and was projected into the driver's head rest and sliced it wide open. The officer wan't in the car at the time. The car came out of park and rolled into a wall with the engine running. See- that was good tech advice that nobody else said so far and not many realize can happen.

Any vehicle with an MDT screen in the airbag path needs a disable switch- especially if you are installing someone elses car.

[Pj]

Why does a service van have strobes and wigwags?

[Cam]

I see a lot of that type of thing so that they can demo lights.

[KG6EAQ]

Why does a service van have strobes and wigwags?

Why does a Honda?

[fire-medic8104]

Jim, all I was saying was the guy obviously just came to batlabs, (due to his number of posts & date of join). He was just showing off what he did, it may be his first install.

I just didn't think it was such a big deal to make a rude comment about it.

Besides that he did make a yahoo photo album.

I apologize if you thought I was attacking you, I just thought it was a little harsh to jump the guy for showing off his install.

[jim]

I have them in the van just 'cause they were takeouts and I was bored one day ! Same reason the quad had wig wags.

[kc2eip]

Sorry if the post was boring or inappropriate. I just wanted to get some reactions and/or suggestions. I won't post anymore. Thanks for the heads-up about the airbag danger, I'll fix that immediately. Sorry again...

[007]

Sorry if the post was boring or inappropriate. I just wanted to get some reactions and/or suggestions. I won't post anymore. Thanks for the heads-up about the airbag danger, I'll fix that immediately. Sorry again...

There was nothing wrong with your post...post as much as you want

Only problem is that most everyone who frequents this particular discussion forum (vehicle installs) has seen or done a gazillion CVPI installs. The CVPI is a boring topic to most. You are well within your rights to post what your topic. I applaud you for making a link to an external page.

Feel free to post anytime, and don't pay attention to our bickering

[70351]

I enjoyed the pics of your install, and I'd welcome them any time. I also have a Crown Vic, and I always welcome install ideas that may shed some light on something someone's been thinking about doing to their own installation.

I thought the 2.4 GHz camera in the rear window was kinda funny. I suppose it's there to aid the driver when backing up, and if the driver doesn't want to turn their head to see behind them!!

At any rate, I liked the pics and hope to see the original poster again soon.


Randy

[Cam]

Cam-

Put down the Java, take some anti-depressants and calm yourself...your posts are writing checks your sassy attitude can't cash.

If you read my -entire- post in the honda thread, I said that I think his car sucks but I still think the install is unique...I was impressed with what he did, considering it's a Civic.

Back off the moral high-horse you are on.

And Jim, to an extent you are right...but it is still nice to see what different people do with equipment. He posted an external link to the pics, so if you really didn't want to see them you didn't have to.

I'm just wondering why he has a CB and scanners when he has a ham callsign as his username. Kinda of a boring install.

I not sure I understand your post. By Java, I would think you mean coffee. Coffee, as we all know has caffeine in it. Caffeine is a stimulant or stimulation alkaloid. Then you say that I should take some “anti-depressants”, that would be a stimulant. Then after taking my stimulating anti-depressant I should calm down. As for putting down the coffee, I don’t really feel that I drink that much, but then again I live in the home of STARBUCKS.

I done see were in my last post I one needed to calm down or two, was depressed.

Because it seems to have confused some, I will restate my points, but in a more linear, list type of way.

- I like to see unique and uncommon installs.
- A lot of the ones that I do see get negative comments.
- Others on the board seem to like Crown Vics and other common public service vehicles.
- I think it is out of line to welcome a new member by saying your install is boring and you were wrong to post a link to it.
- Not everybody is a pro radio installer.
- Boats and Golf Carts are cool.
- If you don’t want to look at something, don’t.

I hope that makes things more clear.

Oh and yes 007, I did read your post.

Cam

[Motoman221]

What is the radio under the Uniden Scanners

[wa2zdy]

It appears to be one of the Japanese ham rigs. I just don't know which.

I think the welcome was a bit harsh. Maybe YOU think it was "just another" install, but to the original poster, it is HIS install. His radios in his car. And he is thusly proud of HIS work. I don't blame him.

Like others have said, not everyone here is a pro installer. As I said in another post, I used to be, but I never designed installations; I just did what the contracts called for. I still like seeing what others have done. One never knows where an idea might show up.

I also said in another post, every install, even if it's "just another Vic" or whatever, is an opportunity for those who are pros to help out. And Jim did just that in one of his replies - he pointed out the air bag danger that nobody else mentioned. I know I didn't think of that when I first looked either. For me, I've yet to have a vehicle with a passenger side airbag. So Jim, even while you were being harsh, you may well have saved that guy's life. The day that guys airbag goes off, he'll be VERY glad he posted here.

Another thing that most of you may not know and I only know because I looked it up. The original poster is all of 19 years old. For a 19 yr old kid to have that car and that install, it's a great start. He's got the fire, and he's come to us here on the Batboard, so he's got the Big M bug brewing too. Why ruin that? Don't we welcome all?

I'm done with my soapbox. NEXT!

[alex]

I'd like to point something out -

I've read through all the posts in this thread, Jim's comments, as well as others, and here's what my stance on it would be.

For the people who work in install shops and go out and do that sort of stuff on an everyday basis (which Jim seems to do -- i haven't spoken to you really, so I'll put that out there as an assumption.) so this stuff is - nothing new.

At the same time this forum provides good technical information about how to install radios (and it's turned into other associated electroinics - fine) into your vehicle. People like seeing what others do so that they can look at it and figure out if that's something that they may want to duplicate. Also, it provides good examples of how current products out there look with certain configurations (a catalog usually doesn't show 8 radios mounted in a console, but usually a variety of stuff, and even then, it's a professional install - not to say that stuff isn't here by any means, but catalogs can show the stuff as it's ment to be done by the factory - which isn't the desire of everyone in the end too!)

Hell - I had 2 MCS2000's and a VHF A9 spectra w/siren box in a Volvo 240 before some nice 18 y/o totaled it for me. It was a crappy install, but hey, I enjoyed it, and was slightly proud, yet annoyed with the fact that there really was no space.

I'm all for people who want to post their installs and show off their work. How often do you run across someone in a parking lot who just parks their car next to yours and goes "WOW! That's an awsome radio install you did there?"

I had one person who didn't know better come up and ask what all the antenna's were for and why I had so many. My response: Well, it's down from the 10 I used to have. They looked at me funny and kept walking.

People here should be appreciative of the work that others do. We all know how much work goes into it, and worse comes to worse, you get a suggestion or idea you didn't think about. I don't see how that is a bad thing.

So enough of this take a thread and turn it around crapola.

I don't think it takes up all that much bandwidth in the end.

-Alex

[gr8amp]

It appears to be one of the Japanese ham rigs. I just don't know which.

Its a cherokee CM10 mobile CB rig.

-Jim

[Jonathan KC8RYW]

That's the first Crown Vic PI I've seen with a Radar DETECTOR.

I couldn't help but wonder to myself where the antenna for the CB is? A quarter-wave 27 MHz antenna is pretty hard to miss.

On the same note, where is the scanner antenna for the non-APCO25 scanner?

Otherwise, it's a heck of a lot better ride then mine. Good work. Have fun, and I'd like to hear from you again on the board.

[kc2eip]

the cb antenna is in the trunk, i only put it on when i need it b/c it's so huge. i was hitting garages with it. it's a k40 trunk lip mount. the camera in the back was just for fun, i had it laying around and thought it would be interesting to throw in there. i am 19, as someone previously posted. i am a criminal justice student at trenton state.

[nmfire10]

Jim, If you are so bored and disgusted by someone posting pictures of their work and looking for feedback, DON'T READ IT. Obviosuly, you are just too good for that. Not everyone here is a self-proclaimed installation god like you obviously are and haven't seen and done everything on any kind common emergency service vehicle.

Many people don't do this 8 hours a day, 5 days a week and enjoy seeing examples of how other people have done these jobs on various vehicles. If I'm about to do work on a peticular vehicle that is concidered "pidly and common" to you, I come here and see what other people have done on it.

[alex]

There is to be no more discussion on the subject of to post or not to post pictures.

Post your pictures, and stop ruining this other persons thread.

Thanks.

-Alex

[CAPTLPOL]

I would like to see an install in a Chevrolet Corvette, or maybe an SSR.

[kc2eip]

How does one go about disabling the passenger side airbag?

[NodrogCop]

How does one go about disabling the passenger side airbag?

Only because I don't think it's something to fool with - check around with the install shops and pros in the area as well as mechanics. Have a professional do it if you don't have a switch in the car already. Our dept. just had a local shop install the airbag switches in our CVPI's because we do have laptops.

ALso, check legalities of turning it off. I just saw a form from the PA Dept. of Transportation on a coworkers desk about passenger side airbags...it was permission to do something with it, I'm just not sure what. I'm looking into it now.

Gordon

[jim]

Okay everyone- I guess it's okay to post pics of everyting.
I guess I'll start posting pics of everyting I do. I hope there's enough bandwidth to support the pics!



As for the airbags, get a letter from your insurance company first.
They will want to know why you need to do this.

[Cam]

Okay everyone- I guess it's okay to post pics of everyting.
I guess I'll start posting pics of everyting I do. I hope there's enough bandwidth to support the pics!

Cool, just post link like have been telling others.
That way we don't we don't have to worry about it.

Cam

[JAYMZ]

Okay everyone- I guess it's okay to post pics of everyting.
I guess I'll start posting pics of everyting I do. I hope there's enough bandwidth to support the pics!

Cool, just post link like have been telling others.
That way we don't we don't have to worry about it.

Cam

Good idea Cam... if he's so professional why should we be given another example of "I'm so great because I do it for a living". Must be nice to be so self centered and isolated from reality.

Anyway..

KC2EIP... nice install. I have to give you some decent credit though. I would have never thought of just putting scanners in the console. Most people that have scanners and CBs will mount to the underside of the dash or something. Bravo for taking the extra step.

Now my question. How did you mount the CPU in the car? And does it still run a CD ROM without skipping like mad? I have the same computer and wireless keyboard/mouse combo. Dayton Specials $150 Computer, 19 inch moniter, mouse and keyboard. PIII 700 I think.

[ka7wnf]

That is a nice job. I like the little camera on the back deck. It looks sorta like a rear facing radar antenna. If the LCD screen was a touch screen that would be cool.
His car looks better than the ones my department puts out on the road.
And speaking of airbags VS computers anyone have any knowledge of damage or injuries from airbag deploying into the computer?

[commtek]

I really think that Jim has posted more correct solutions and tried to help more people in the install forum than anyone else here.

I'd hate to see him take his ball and bat and go home

[kc2eip]

The computer is a dell p3 700 I got for $75 from http://www.surpluscomputers.com It is secured quite well to the back of the driver's seat using two attached bungee cords I got at Target for less than $10. It holds way better than I ever imagined, and can run CD's without skipping very well. The picture shows it secured to the seat. The inverter is under the passenger seat. The LCD is a 14.1" TFT, not a touch screen unfortunately. It was farely cheap though, under $150 after rebate at best buy. The mount is a VESA tilt wall mount for an LCD tv, but I was able to secure it to the dash. It fits fairly well. This airbag danger concerns me though, as I had thought it was not in the deployment zone. It is fairly close to the dash, and not directly in front of the passenger airbag (about 3-5" away). I don't know what to do, for now I am going to pull it out for safety's sake. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks for the input everyone.

[apco25]

You should be ok if its in the cetner of the dash over the radio controls - that's where the commerical split mount monitors go for the PDRC or MW line from Motorola.

Check the bulletin from Ford on it to make sure.

[jim]

Center and low. I'd still install the shutoff switch.

One note: I don't know what inverter you have, but most of them will burn out the laptop power supplies, since they produce a square wave AC (or modified sine wave) signal. This "unclean" AC signal does not allow adequate time for the power supply to cool between phase shift of the AC's polarity and will overheat.
I've replaced quite a few power supplies from using them with inverters. The inverters are also famous for producing a 120 Hz. hum in a radio's transmit audio. I've changed out quite a few of these for both reasons. Besides, it's more efficient to use the right one.


Get the correct DC-DC power supply designed to run that model laptop from 12V. If one is not made, get one of the similar voltage and adapt the proper connector.

[nmfire10]

Some new laptops are very picky about their power supplies. If I just put a 19.5v power supply on this thing, it will give me a error on boot saying "Unrecognized AC Power Supply". It will still power the laptop but will not charge the battery.

[kc2eip]

I don't have a laptop in the car. The computer is a desktop model with an AC-DC power supply which is attached to a voltage regulating UPS, so the power should be somewhat clean. The inverter is a 750 watt Vector model. The screen is in the center of the dash over the radio, I wonder if it could stay there. The switch looks like it will be expensive, but if its necessary for safety I'll do it.

[commtek]

You can't go wrong with the DC-DC converter. Back it up with a start guard system and you're good to go. These new laptops are really getting picky about what they want to see for power.

[W4KRR]

I personally like looking at vehicle install pics, all types. I am not a professional, and you can learn something from almost every install you look at. I would like to see some Ford F-150 pickup installs, particularly in the new '04 models. And I wouldn't mind a seperate fourm just for pics.

[cpt113]

kc2eip, nice install. I'm like W4KRR I would also like to see some newer f150 installs. I have one coming up for our local animal control office. I tried to talk him into the visor shelf idea, but he wants to put everything in the floor.

[jjbond]

May I suggest that you pull back off the PI emblem you put on and put it where it is supposed to go, on the "left" side of the trunk, not the right.....

Jennifer

[KG6EAQ]

May I suggest that you pull back off the PI emblem you put on and put it where it is supposed to go, on the "left" side of the trunk, not the right.....

Jennifer

Two way radio scanners - $400
Adding spotlights to civilian vehicle - $300
Pushbumper - $100
Putting the PI emblem on the wrong side of your wackermobile - Priceless

[jjbond]

[chipjumper]

For some odd reason my stomach turns when looking in an ex-police car and seeing its now sponsored by "radio shack" and cheesy chrome "fake" cell phone antennas on the windows. Not to mention the condition of some of these cars. A lot look like they drove off of a cliff.

"Wow, really thought it was a cop until I let him pass...sure scared me ha ha hmm..."

Either make it civi or get a cop job. No point in acting like a cop since you aren't one. The big 'ol K40 cb antennas are a big givaway. If you are gonna act like a cop, at least reinstall the spotlights and buy a used radar off of eBay or stealitback.com

[Mike in CT]

Not sure about headlight wigwags, but some states require strobe flashers on front and rear (amber) for service type vehicles.

In our wonderful State of CT, if a radio service shop does work on cell sites, for example, front and rear ambers are required. (The logic being that many cell sites are roadside) (??)

In fact a huge amount of trucks of all kinds have amber strobes (F & R)

By the way, we had a 1995 Corvette at work with a VHF Syntor X9K & sireeen package. you couldnt see the radio unless you were inside the car.

It had a Sti-Co BC/VHF antenna that worked well with the 'glass body.
the usual hideway strobes, etc.

Wish I had kept a picture of that installation!

73, de Mike in CT
KM1R

[KG6EAQ]

In our wonderful State of CT, if a radio service shop does work on cell sites, for example, front and rear ambers are required. (The logic being that many cell sites are roadside) (??)

Here in So Cal we have a ton of roadside cellular sites. Many are utility pole mounted and equipment is either on the pole or mounted right next to the base. If I was working one on the side of a two lane road I'd sure as hell want strobes!

[kc2eip]

i am aware of where the logo is located on the new models. mine didnt have it when i got it, and i added one. I didnt want to lose the "crown victoria" logo on the left side, so i left it. now it reads from left to right, "crown victoria police interceptor." That was not a mistake, i wanted it that way.