Custom overhead "console"
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
Well that's what its all about. Finding out what works and what doesn't. The crossmember idea wasn't mine however, I had seen guys do it to mount their CB brackets to. I liked the idea because I didn't have to cut or drill into my headliner.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Haven't been around in a while but figured I'd show you guys the project I'm doing on my 2000 XJ in hopes that it might help someone else.
Not having enough room in the dash (cd player + CB project coming soon) I decided to build an over head console to hold my 2 meter Kenwood transceiver and a trunking scanner.
I had seen where guys had just inserted sheets of plastic above the headliner and it held the unit in place when using the cb mounts, but I wanted an enclosure to go around them. Since I was going to be mounting two units, I also wanted a little extra reassurance.
I started by getting some 1/8th" thick steel bars from home depot. I cut them to the length necessary to go between the visor retainer clip screws to the drop down bracket under the dome light. I then put a bend in them to match the contour of the headliner. I cut another piece to go between the two visor retainers.
Next I salvaged some plastic from work, I think it's polystyrene. I got lucky and several pieces had 90 degree angles. I cut my shapes after building a mockup and riveted the whole thing together. It's solid. No movement at all.
Tomorrow I'm going to try to find some grey pleather or similar material to match the headliner or the dash. Then I plan on making a face plate of sorts. We'll see how it goes.
I'm also going to have to lower my rear view mirror about an inch.
Not having enough room in the dash (cd player + CB project coming soon) I decided to build an over head console to hold my 2 meter Kenwood transceiver and a trunking scanner.
I had seen where guys had just inserted sheets of plastic above the headliner and it held the unit in place when using the cb mounts, but I wanted an enclosure to go around them. Since I was going to be mounting two units, I also wanted a little extra reassurance.
I started by getting some 1/8th" thick steel bars from home depot. I cut them to the length necessary to go between the visor retainer clip screws to the drop down bracket under the dome light. I then put a bend in them to match the contour of the headliner. I cut another piece to go between the two visor retainers.
Next I salvaged some plastic from work, I think it's polystyrene. I got lucky and several pieces had 90 degree angles. I cut my shapes after building a mockup and riveted the whole thing together. It's solid. No movement at all.
Tomorrow I'm going to try to find some grey pleather or similar material to match the headliner or the dash. Then I plan on making a face plate of sorts. We'll see how it goes.
I'm also going to have to lower my rear view mirror about an inch.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
My CB is going to be installed under my head unit in the dash once I fabricate an insert. I have an idea of how I'm going to approach it and I'll post it up once I get it going.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
I just wanted to pop in and let anyone who followed this project know that this setup has been installed for nearly 2 years now and has not given me any issues. It has stayed as secure as it was on day one though I sometimes keep a watchful eye on it while I'm on a crazy trail, just in case.
I learned to stop smacking my head on it quickly. I have to warn passengers about it though when they're getting in.
I never did get a face plate made for it...mainly because I kept swapping out radios. Oh well.
I learned to stop smacking my head on it quickly. I have to warn passengers about it though when they're getting in.
I never did get a face plate made for it...mainly because I kept swapping out radios. Oh well.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
It really is a nice solution if you have comm radios or other equipment you want to mount. I really wish my XJ had a double din slot in the dash. I know it's been done as a mod, but that project is pretty far down the list right now.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 758
Likes: 1
From: Tampa, FL & DC/MD infrequently
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
That is a really old ham too! I probably gonna get back into the hobby myself. Trying to trade my HT for a mobile rig. Never shoulda sold the Icom 2720. Luckily I kept the sG 7900 antenna.
