Anyone running CB's in their truck these days?

[cwcarpenter98]

After reading through this thread, I'm pretty sure I want to put a CB in my 63. Is there any specific radio that y'all would recommend, or is it kinda just get something in my price range and if i like the looks of it or not?

This thread has so much information, that I think I need to read through it a couple more times

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

After reading through this thread, I'm pretty sure I want to put a CB in my 63. Is there any specific radio that y'all would recommend, or is it kinda just get something in my price range and if i like the looks of it or not?

This thread has so much information, that I think I need to read through it a couple more times

Get one that works, you'll be happier.
I know there are some resto-purist nuts out there, who will insist you must have only a 23 Channel rig in a 67-72 truck. If that's true you'd have to have a 10, 15 or 19 channel radio to be period correct for a '63. I didn't get into the hobby until 1968, when 23 channels were available. Prior to '68 fewer frequencies were authorized. I don't know the chronology.
I had old equipment with fewer channels [one quartz chrystal at a time]. 40 channel rigs came out in the '70s. I'd get a 40 so I could talk to anyone, if I were getting a new radio.
Get a handle and have fun.

[cwcarpenter98]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Get one that works, you'll be happier.
I know there are some resto-purist nuts out there, who will insist you must have only a 23 Channel rig in a 67-72 truck. If that's true you'd have to have a 10, 15 or 19 channel radio to be period correct for a '63. I didn't get into the hobby until 1968, when 23 channels were available. Prior to '68 fewer frequencies were authorized. I don't know the chronology.
I had old equipment with fewer channels [one quartz chrystal at a time]. 40 channel rigs came out in the '70s. I'd get a 40 so I could talk to anyone, if I were getting a new radio.
Get a handle and have fun.

Thanks for the reply, I should have been more specific. Definitely not a purist here considering my truck is made up from parts from every decade since the 60s I was thinking about getting a new CB, but since I'm new to this idea, I have no idea what to look for on a used one if I decide to go that route. It really boils down to the cost of everything driving my decisions

['68OrangeSunshine]

If you buy a used CB, you'll have to take the seller's word that it works OK. Unless you know enough about electronics that you can test it yourself. Or have an expert friend.
One thing about Transceivers and 2-Way radios, if keyed without an antenna, or one without the correct 52 Ohm load, the final transmitter stage can burn up. Does not take long to "let the blue smoke out." That takes some expert internal work to fix. The older ones were more repairable -- made for that level maintenance -- the new ones are just junk if fried.
A new rig will have a warranty and be sold by a shop who will set you up with the right coax and antenna.
Buyer beware.

[cwcarpenter98]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

If you buy a used CB, you'll have to take the seller's word that it works OK. Unless you know enough about electronics that you can test it yourself. Or have an expert friend.
One thing about Transceivers and 2-Way radios, if keyed without an antenna, or one without the correct 52 Ohm load, the final transmitter stage can burn up. Does not take long to "let the blue smoke out." That takes some expert internal work to fix. The older ones were more repairable -- made for that level maintenance -- the new ones are just junk if fried.
A new rig will have a warranty and be sold by a shop who will set you up with the right coax and antenna.
Buyer beware.

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it a bunch.

I want to do it right, so I think this will be something that I need to do even more research on, and maybe hold off on for a little longer. No use in rushing to do something, just to end up doing it wrong, then having to do it again and waste time and money along the way

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it a bunch.

I want to do it right, so I think this will be something that I need to do even more research on, and maybe hold off on for a little longer. No use in rushing to do something, just to end up doing it wrong, then having to do it again and waste time and money along the way

I had pulled out the Radio Shack SSB 40 channel rig I had in the orange stepside. I still had a small mag mount stubby on the back deck tool box, and the coaxial cable coming into the cab, in case I wanted to swap the rig back in for a run. I decided to take the antenna in too. When I pulled the mag mount I found packrats had chewed off the coax as excess was dropped between the cab and bed. If I had keyed the Mic with an airgap in my line like that, my radio would've been toast.

[cwcarpenter98]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

I had pulled out the Radio Shack SSB 40 channel rig I had in the orange stepside. I still had a small mag mount stubby on the back deck tool box, and the coaxial cable coming into the cab, in case I wanted to swap the rig back in for a run. I decided to take the antenna in too. When I pulled the mag mount I found packrats had chewed off the coax as excess was dropped between the cab and bed. If I had keyed the Mic with an airgap in my line like that, my radio would've been toast.

Dang, that would've sucked! I'm surprised a bunch of rats didn't eat all the wiring in my 63 when it sat in the woods for 10 years or so

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

Dang, that would've sucked! I'm surprised a bunch of rats didn't eat all the wiring in my 63 when it sat in the woods for 10 years or so

Older wiring was made with insulation of a petrochemical nature. Not so tasty. More recently -- in a misguided effort to brag about saving the planet -- some manufacturers [particularily Asian ones] have been using insulation that is soy-based. Tasty and nutritous if you're a packrat.
Honda lost a class action suit by owners. Honda now sells Rodent Tape that is just like 3M ''E tape'' [or common electrical tape] except it has a mousie emoji with an X over it every few inches and is laced with capsicum. [Red pepper].
Instead of $3.00 a roll, it's $45.
With my luck, here in Southern AZ, I'd get packrats who'd bite into it and say:
,,Muy sabrosa. i Los hilos de cobre con sabor picante!''

[cwcarpenter98]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Older wiring was made with insulation of a petrochemical nature. Not so tasty. More recently -- in a misguided effort to brag about saving the planet -- some manufacturers [particularily Asian ones] have been using insulation that is soy-based. Tasty and nutritous if you're a packrat.
Honda lost a class action suit by owners. Honda now sells Rodent Tape that is just like 3M ''E tape'' [or common electrical tape] except it has a mousie emoji with an X over it every few inches and is laced with capsicum. [Red pepper].
Instead of $3.00 a roll, it's $45.
With my luck, here in Southern AZ, I'd get packrats who'd bite into it and say:
,,Muy sabrosa. i Los hilos de cobre con sabor picante!''

Huh, I never knew that. That's good to know especially since my mom drives a newer Civic nom nom nom

[71gmcC15]

Heres my set up

Cb is from 1976 i did not even drill a hole in the dash i used one of the screws for the heat controlls. And thats it.

[71gmcC15]

And my antana mounted to the tool box. I allso have a p/a under the hood

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by 71gmcC15

And my antana mounted to the tool box. I allso have a p/a under the hood

Nice rig. 23 Channel? How high is your antenna?

[Tommyups]

I run a general lee in my mack, good radio

[In The Ten Ring]

It seems the easiest way to get a Public Address system is to get a CB so I may put one both in my car and my truck.

[71gmcC15]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Nice rig. 23 Channel? How high is your antenna?

Yep 23 channel. I haven't messered it. But its fully ajustible. I can make it just a little taller then the cab. I think right now its about 2 ft higer right now. Mabe 2 1/2 ft

[70cst]

Just bought this Gray 300 to use with my Kris XL50

[Coley]

Quick question regarding the use of these.....does this end up being categorized as 'distracted driving' (like a cellphone) if you are using it while driving?

I wonder how the cops would approach that....but around here, I'm thinking they would hit you with a fine...unfortunately, but not sure.

all good
Coley

[70cst]

Originally Posted by Coley

Quick question regarding the use of these.....does this end up being categorized as 'distracted driving' (like a cellphone) if you are using it while driving?

I wonder how the cops would approach that....but around here, I'm thinking they would hit you with a fine...unfortunately, but not sure.

all good
Coley

Never had an issue nor have I heard of any issues … but one never knows.

[70cst]

Breathing new life in this thread ...

['68OrangeSunshine]

Reading you 5 by 5.

[Abomb]

I just wanted an AM\FM radio, found this at a garage sale for free...not sure if the cb part works or not, I didn’t install the microphone. The radio works fine though, and it’s a cool piece...

[Hubscrub]

Nice radio.

[mygmctruck1]

[QUOTE=Abomb;8662040]I just wanted an AM\FM radio, found this at a garage sale for free...not sure if the cb part works or not, I didn’t install the microphone. The radio works fine though, and it’s a cool piece...



I have one of these and it worked great in the late 70’s but took it out of truck in the 1984 .
I still have it and was thinking about having it restored because it fits in the radio cut out and it’s pretty cool besides.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Just a reminder to anyone who's rusty on radio fundamentals or new to the deal -- Do Not transmit or even key the mike, without a proper antenna [or a 52 Ohm dummy load] attached to the radio. An unbalanced load can fry the final stage in the transmitter.
This used to be fixable, but with newer technology being microcircuited, and older technicians less available, it's pretty much a good way to scrap your rig.
Careful.

[Happy_dan]

Gee, maybe I should take one of my old Johnson Messenger II Blackface tube radios and set it up for Mobile. I could use the one that was used for police back then. It would double as a heater. LOL