Follow up on Tuffy-Cobra 75WX install

[pcarey]

I wanted to follow up on the post from the old board about installing a Cobra 75WX with a Tuffy box.
http://www.d-90.com/discus/messages/16/2420.html?1063375818

I recently purchased both and found there is just enough room behind the stereo to fir the remote unit, with a hole punched through the front for the quick disconnect.

Further, I used one of the mounting bolts for the cupholder to attache the remote. the unit's rails are juuuuussst to wide to make use of both bolts for the cupholders, but I'm considering going back and making it fit properly. Although, this may make it so the cable can't connect properly (my cupholder is on the middle set of holes)

Attached are two shots before I get it in the truck some time this week.

\image{remote}
\image{connect}

Hmmmm....ok, I'm new. I thought I read the instructions properly but am obviously doing something wrong when trying to post images. I'll figure it out in a bit, possibly with some help. :)

[chrisvonc]

hehe.. those are the commands to attach pictures on the old board. This one is much easier, you just neet to type your messages and then you are done scroll down and click "Attach File". At the moment, only one picture per post.

[pcarey]

You make it sound so easy. :)

[pcarey]

#2

[loykd]

Carey, I installed mine very similarly, except that I drilled two new holes to mount the R/T. You're right, it's a VERY tight fit that I had to make sure was just right before securing it down. For anyone who is going to do this install, I suggest that you fit check the complete install of CB R/T and stereo receiver before you drill holes or snug anything down.

I'll look for some more pics in the next few days of how the electronics fit and post.

Until then, here's some pics of a bracket I made and of how I fit it all together. (CVC, if you think anyone would want it, I'll peck out a few words on the install, for posterity's sake)

[loykd]

2

[loykd]

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[loykd]

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[loykd]

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[pcarey]

Nice Ken!

Any reason you raised the whole unit when mounting it? I plan on simply putting some foam tape around the edges and then just bolting it down to new holes.

thanks
pwc

[Mike Hippert]

I have seen Ken's setup its very neat clean and inovative! Ken I think you should do a write up. The way you installed it makes it easy to move the box into any position to suit your needs.

[loykd]

PWC,

As I recall, the console is too big to fit in the space. It certainly won't fit if you attach the cup holder to the front.

The other reason why I raised it up was because I suspected that I would have to remove/install it a few times in the future for changes to my stereo, or to access the outside of the seat boxes for other mods. I do most of my work single-handed and wanted an installation with captured bolts so I could easily tighten the nuts from below. That's why I came up with the idea of the square tube with screws protruding in both directions.

There's another good way of doing it, and that's using rivnuts (I think that's what they're called). They're rivets with threaded inserts. You can find them on the McMaster-Carr site.

One other thing I did to minimize chafing was to slit a section of rubber tubing and place that over the sharp edge between the cab and the tub, since my console rests on top of it.

Overdesigned? Probably. But it keeps my mind from thinking of other things to buy for the truck...

[pcarey]

Ken,
Hmmm, there is one thing that I hadn't considered that you bring up. Currently I have a ZF with the selector way in front of the t-case shifter. When I placed my box in for sizing (it's a 017 as well) and brought it flush even with the rear lip of the seat boxes, it fit with just enough room for the t-case lever. I can move it to all selections without it banging the cup holders.

Now, if I had a cup in there it might be a problem, but I rarely have a mug with a handle in the truck.

But when I switch to a 300Tdi as currently planned for later this year, does the gearbox shifter sit further back (closer to the driver) than where my t-case is now? See attached. I'd assume know, but don't know for sure.

My plan is to just bolt straight through and there is ample room underneith to secure the botls (with a little help, admittedly). My think is close to yours; if I make it hard to put in new gizmos, I'll be less likely to spend the time on them. :-)

pwc

[boshea]

Hi Peter -

Were you able to get your CB installed? If so, I'd love to see some pics also. I just purchased the Cobra 75 and I'm trying to figure out the best way to utilize my Tuffy console box.

Thanks-
Brian

[pcarey]

Brian,
I haven't mounted it yet as I've been working on getting a couple of other trucks ready to sell. All I have for pictures are the two at the top of this thread.
In the next couple of weeks I will hopefully get things squared away. Until then, I simply listen to the sweet hum of the tires and transfer case that needs work as I cruise down the highway with a bunch of stuff piled inbetween the seats.

pwc