Icom F5021 Radio Install

[grantoser]

How hard was it to wire it from that location? Can you slice into power from there? Where does the antenna cable come out at?

 

[FarFromStock]

I brought power directly from the battery, through passenger side firewall, behind glove compartment and then up into the speaker tray area. It wasn't very difficult.

The antenna cable, I routed similarly behind the glove compartment and then brought it down the passenger side kick panel, ran it through the door threshold, and up through the B-pillar. Since I have a mag mount antenna, I keep the mount in the pouch in the back of the passenger seat. When I need it, I route it outside between the front and rear door frames and stick the antenna in the center of the roof. It's been working well so far.

 

[RaptorScrew]

Here's my twist on the VHF radio install.

I didn't really want to have it permanently installed since I'll only use it for organized offroad excursions like TRR. So, I tried to come up with a way that it can be easily installed and removed without permanent modifications to the truck.


I purchased a dash tray and rubber mat for a regular F150 without the center speaker:






After removing the tray mat, the original tray attaches with two 7mm screws at the front:




After lifting the tray disconnect the speaker connector:




Here are the two trays side-by-side:






I then mocked up how I wanted the radio to sit in the tray and drilled the screw holes:








I added some bracing on the back of the tray to increase the rigidity. Not that it needed it, but more for my own peace of mind:




I measured and cut the new rubber mat to allow it to fit over the radio mount:






I drilled a hole in the tray and cut out a hole in the mat to allow the antenna and power cables/connectors to pass through:








Reinstalled the two 7mm screws and the radio was in:



Let me know what you think and if you have any questions.

First off FarFromStock - This was an EXCELLENT write-up and great idea!

After careful consideration, I would have to say this is the cleanest IMO and I will be attempting this install. I will also be adding the port for the mic down by the floor as to not have the mic hanging around.

We'll see how it goes.

 

[RaptorScrew]

Well, got my power ran through the firewall and ready. Got the Cat5 plug mounted in the passenger side of the center console (This way I didn't have to go through two layers...Thanx for the tip @FarFromStock).

Waiting on the replacement tray and tray mat.


Still trying to decide what to do with my antenna. Going to visit a wireless shop that specializes in getting patrol cars ready radio wise and see what they would have as far as low profile vhf antennas and see about mounting permanently to roof as seen in the other thread. (Trying to find an example as I type)

 

[All The Way]

You could put it on the bed rail like I did.

 

[CB Freshness]

Here's how I mounted mine

 

[Phyguy]

how does audio sound without that speaker?

 

[Biggest]

Nice install. I went with the external speaker from PCI. It plugs directly into the ICOM with no wiring necessary, you can plug/unplug at will.
Was not a hard decision for $30

External Speaker All Weather External Speaker Detail Page

 

[The Macf]

Nice. Stealing this

 

[Yukon Joe]

I've seen @RaptorScrew's install. It's spot on!

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Yukon Joe
Snoball 3
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