Ham Radio Install in 2006 Ford Mustang

[N3HNA]

I wanted to get an old 2 meter rig into my 2006 Mustang and didn't have a lot of options. So after a little sketching I came up with a pretty simple bracket made out of an old aluminum yardstick. The bracket is very strong and looks pretty good. As is typical I often make a quick YouTube video that shows the build and final results.

If anyone is interested, here's the little video on that build.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHnb9...7&feature=plcp

In a 2004 Jeep Liberty I had an even harder time getting a mobile rig neatly installed. Looking through the junk box I found an old 5" x 5" metal backing plate that was easily attached to the defrost vent with toggle screws. It is very strong looks pretty good too.

Here's the little video on this install of an Alinco DR135T MKIII in the Jeep.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1430s...1&feature=plcp

And if anyone can't sleep or is just bored I have about 30 more videos of oddball projects of ham radio installs in cars and related projects.

I'm also always open to suggestions on how to make these projects better. Feel free to ask questions or offer tips.

Dan

[K0BG]

Wonderful. Just wait until the passenger side airbag goes off! Here's what happens when it does go off: http://www.k0bg.com/images/safety/airbagdamage.jpg Note the broken windshield where the airbag hit it.

I know lots of folks mount their radio's remote head atop the dash, or on a suction cup mount against the windshield. But the truth is, it isn't safe! The center console is a much better place.

[N3HNA]

Wonderful. Just wait until the passenger side airbag goes off! Here's what happens when it does go off: http://www.k0bg.com/images/safety/airbagdamage.jpg Note the broken windshield where the airbag hit it.

I know lots of folks mount their radio's remote head atop the dash, or on a suction cup mount against the windshield. But the truth is, it isn't safe! The center console is a much better place.

The Mustang (and Jeep) airbags don't deploy from the top of the dash. In the Mustang the passenger airbag separates and deploys from directly in front of the passenger. In the Jeep it does a similar thing. And, yes, an ideal placement would be in the console if possible. Thanks for your comments.

Dan

[N3HNA]

The Mustang (and Jeep) airbags don't deploy from the top of the dash. In the Mustang the passenger airbag separates and deploys from directly in front of the passenger. In the Jeep it does a similar thing. And, yes, an ideal placement would be in the console if possible. Thanks for your comments.

Dan

This picture shows the passenger side better. The airbag is partially shielded from the center area where the radio was mounted.

[N3HNA]

This picture shows the Jeep Liberty dash. The airbag deploys from a split that opens right above the silver dividing line near the glove box.

[K0BG]

Doesn't make any difference where they deploy from, as they must follow fed guidelines with respect to coverage. In almost every instance, the windshield above the airbag breaks from the force of the airbag, and not the passenger hitting it—after all, that is what the airbag is for!

If you want to see what happens when they go off, look at this short movie: http://www.k0bg.com/images/safety/passairbag.wmv

[KB4QAA]

Wow the force of the airbag is pretty amazing. I didn't realize they would crack the windshield. Thanks, Alan.

Dan,
Best I can tell you've got the radios out of the direct line from the bag to the driver. However, we must realize that all these gadgets WILL become missiles given a sufficiently strong collision. It is a risk we are taking.

[VA3JMK]

airbags are dangerous things, especially the older versions. We do a demo where we lay "Rescue Randy" a 180 pound dummy used for training on a bag and set it off. He usually goes about 3-4 feet in the air and every now and then his arm or leg goes in a separate direction.........

[N3HNA]

Wow the force of the airbag is pretty amazing. I didn't realize they would crack the windshield. Thanks, Alan.

Dan,
Best I can tell you've got the radios out of the direct line from the bag to the driver. However, we must realize that all these gadgets WILL become missiles given a sufficiently strong collision. It is a risk we are taking.

I appreciate all of the opinions. Keep them coming. And, yes, it is a calculated risk.

Dan

[AD0AC]

I just sold my 2006 convertible GT last week

I had the remote head on top of the dash in the same spot. It's the same spot that Ford engineers thought that people would mount radar detectors because it has a perfect view out all the windows and is right above the DC socket. Airbags aren't a problem if you're never in an accident, either