ajpulley

Moving on, I started on future communications. I’ve been an amateur radio operator for over 30 years, so having that capability for 2M and 60cm was a given. But, For trail use, FRS and GMRS are popular in certain areas. Since 2017 or so, the FCC finally combined them for the most part and having the GMRS license allows a little extra oomph. But, finding an antenna that can do it all isn’t realistic. In fact, it isn’t possible really. All my VHF and up base antennas are professional brands, with LMR400 and ½” Heliax. But, for the Jeep, I didn’t want to spend a lot.

i ordered a cheap Browning dual-band from Amazon. Surprisingly, it isn’t bad. Here are some numbers. VHF was measure with a Vectronics analyzer. UHF was measured with an MFJ power meter.

2M is a little high on the bottom side. But, generally, most simplex and repeater use is the upper half. At 146-148, SWR is less than 1.1-1.2, respectively.

GMRS was surprisingly low, considering the antenna wasn’t made for that band. 1.2-1.6 for channels 1-22.

70cm is low. 1.1-1.2 between 442 and 446.

An added bonus is MURS, which you don’t need a license for. Channel 1-3 is 1.8 while blue dot and green dot channels are higher— 2.1– but, still acceptable for close range communications.

The antenna height isn’t my preferred location. I would like the upper third above the roof. But, it’s the safest place to put it. By the way, I installed a 10AWG ground between the carrier and the body for the antenna’s ground plane as well as the light. I chose a NMO mount because of its RF characteristics and weather resistance. When I finally get the bumper in, I’ll add type-N connectors for easy, weather-tight connection/disconnection if I have to remove the carrier ever. Next will be testing CB antennas.

skinnyedwilliams

This is an incredible thread and I am deeply impressed with your general knowledge and specific knowledge around this restoration. I am brand new to the jeep community, and the only reason I’m now in it is because of my daughters purchase of this gorgeous, garage – kept, one owner XJ. I have done very simple and limited auto work over the years, just to save money: battery replacements, oil changes, brakes, etc... so I don’t have the expertise to do much. Having this vehicle in the family now, however, has me working on things I never would’ve dreamed, including recently replacing all 6 fuel injectors (one was leaking on the manifold and obv freaked me out for daughter’s safety. YouTube and RockAuto were both life savers on that work and because it was so accessible, wasn’t nearly as difficult as I originally thought). I am now attempting to install speakers to replace the blown under-dash ones and also add some mid-range, in-door speakers for a little better sound quality. This may be blasphemy, but I’m not as concerned about keeping it stock and factory, even though a true jeep enthusiast would probably try to do that considering the shape it’s in. I’m just trying to get better sound and working speakers for my 16-year-old.
Now, all that context leads me to the issue I have run into: I have spliced and run the wiring and have the speaker installed, but the window has actually given me the most trouble. When I opened up the door, there was a rubber sleeve laying in the bottom that I finally figured out guided the grooved cable that runs through the window regulator (sorry if I am not using the right terms. First time I’m dealing with most of these things). With a torch, I was able to heat up the end of that guide tube and get it back over the flange that keeps it attached to that regulator. I got the speaker in, generally tested the window, and then buttons the door all the way back up. Speaker works great window seem to be rolling up and down, but then at the end of the day when I tried to roll the window all the way up, it stopped about 1 inch from being fully closed. I have opened the door back up cannot find any issue, but the door crank simply won’t roll up any further. Completely lost on what to do. I already felt I was a little out of my depth, but now I am certain. Since you have dug in and messed with so many different pieces on your XJ, ​any ideas on where I should start?



Here’s a quick look at her




I put the speaker in the cavity where maybe higher-end models maybe had in-door speakers?


Placed decent tweeters in the under-dash spots.



Here’s were the window stops now

ajpulley

If I may suggest, start a new thread entitled something to the effect of manual window troubles so everyone can see it. You'll have a better chance at more comments, and I'll reply as well.