Cobra 75wxst

PARTS & SUPPLIES NEEDED
Cobra CB radio
CB Antenna Mount
CB antenna
CB Antenna cable
16 gauge wire
wire loom
accessory fuse block
5 sheet metal screws
5a fuse

TOOLS NEEDED
Drill with assorted bits
Phillips head screwdriver
basic Socket set
wire cutter/crimper/stripper
SWR meter
Soldering iron



With only a few weeks to go before I had to take off for the Jeep Jamboree, I decided to install a CB.

Since I don't have a cage and my console is so small (compared to my old YJ) I couldn't think of a good place to mount a CB. Then I remembered the Cobra radio I had in my XJ ... the 75wxst. I figured I'd installl one for now, then once my cage comes in I could install a full size unit up in the cage. So I ordered one off the internet and started waiting. It arrived a few days later and I got to work.

Installing this CB is really easy but because I tend to end up with a lot of crap in my Jeeps, I went ahead and planned on installing an accessory fuse block. I like the accessory fuse blocks because it keeps my factory stuff clutter free. If I blow a fuse with some stupid add on my regular vehicle functions are not impacted like they would be if I tied into a circuit someplace. Typically I installl one fuse block that is constant hot and a second that is ignition controlled. I only had one block when I did this install so that is what you will see in this writeup.
1. First thing I did was to find a plce to mount my fuse block. I decided on using the top of the kick panel behind the dash. High up enough that if water ever gets there I'll have others things I'm more concerned about. With that location chosen, I ran a wire from the battery through the firewall making sire to use wire loom the entire way. I'll point out that it's a good idea to put an inline fuse near the battery, so if anything ever get cut in the loom it will blow the fuse before it causes a flame out.
2. With the fuse block in, I chose a location for the CB unit control box. After taking into account several options, I went with the top of the transmission tunnel. It's easy to get to, covered by carpet, and it keeps the CB mostly out of sight and out of the way. On the far side of the box in the picture, there is a screw hole you can use. On the near side I used a hammer to "gently" bend the bracket down and then used a self tapping screw/ You can also see where I grounded the box. run the hot tothe fuse block and yo uare good to go.


3. Next I ran the antenna cable out to the back of the Jeep fro mthe control box. There isn't much rocket science to this. Try to keep the cable out of the way, hidden and if you have excess wrap it in a figure 8, not just a coil. I routed the cable through the grommet in the top of the rear of the driverside wheel well, then out just under the tail light. I did slightly bend in the metal under the tail light to let the cable come up without getting squished.


4. Out back, in installed the mount like so. It is a 3 way mirror mount and works just fine like this.


5. Once you have the cable run & secured, you can mount the hand piece. I went with a low spot on the dash.


6. The last thing to do is tune the antenna. I have my own swr meter but if you don't, run by any CB shop and they will take care of it for you. Not tuning the antenna can lead to damage so I highly recommend getting this done.