Ideas on an installation in 2010 Mazda 3

[beermaster]

I wanted to find out if anyone has a CB (CObra 148 or G 979) installed in Mazda 3? If not, any idea and photos will be appreciated. I also want to keep the dashboard intact

[drdx]

I just looked at a image on that vehicle's dash, and that's all I have to go on, but I've faced similar challenges in a variety of cars. Is there room, on the right side of the center console, between the passenger seat and the dash, right where it goes up? I have mine there in a cherokee, total different animal but same general area, on a flat panel TV swivel mount, and it just clears the glove box. The radio is more vertical when swivelled close to the console for passenger room and can be swung up for better radio access and appearance. Between the cobra and the galaxy, the galaxy will afford you a little more room, bigger meter, nice rf power adjustable, and I think they're backlit. The newer cobras have quality issues and are large in comparison in the width department.

You'll also want an external speaker and the small bearcat ones sound surprisingly good for their size and are easy to tuck away in a small area.

-drdx

[beermaster]

Thanks. This is actually what I was thinking.
It will be easier when I get the radio, then I can play around.
I will post some pics when it's done.
Thanks again.

[drdx]

Good deal. If it helps, get the radio's measurements, allow for coax and mic plug clearance, and cook up a small cardboard box that is the right dimensions and do some mock install action to get clearances prior to purchase. In that area of an interior there is usually a sweet spot that allows passenger seat movement and glove box clearance, which is usually determined by how close the radio can be mounted to the console and still clear an look right based on the floor angle. Most of the time it results in the speaker being blocked, leading to the external speaker part. Other considerations are side vs. front mic plug as that can come into play.

-drdx

[maters]

My glovebox doesn't open too far but I set my radio on the passenger side console.

[beermaster]

I will be trying this week as soon as the radio comes. I hate drilling holes in the dashboard so I am going to try heavy duty velcro. I got the idea from KaeRZet from the forum who did that in his car. Keep you posted.

[drdx]

Be careful with a mobile install. In the event of an accident anything loose turns into a weapon after the laws of physics kick in. A box of Kleenex can turn into a flying bowling ball. A radio, with more weight and sharp corners is much worse. Velcro simply isn't safe enough. That thing needs to be installed with real hardware.

-drdx

[beermaster]

Be careful with a mobile install. In the event of an accident anything loose turns into a weapon after the laws of physics kick in. A box of Kleenex can turn into a flying bowling ball. A radio, with more weight and sharp corners is much worse. Velcro simply isn't safe enough. That thing needs to be installed with real hardware.

-drdx

Good point...

[KaeRZet]

I didn't say it's a final mount now i don't know which radio I'll install in car, but i Think Maverick will be the lucky one
Hej Wojtek , I was thinking maybe at front driver seat - I have some plastic at front- but the regulator's are to close steering wheel.
I think, I'll screw it in the same place were i used Velcro but passenger side. But if I'll change my mind on radio , and install there galaxy, there will be a problem because microphone plug is on the side, not on the front like in Magnum ;/

P.S. I'm driving with hope do not having an accident.

Or maybe I'll change my GPS and I'll install somewhere in dash :

[beermaster]

as promised, a photo after putting the radio in. It is sort of squeezed between the seat and the center console but it is functional and easy to take it home.

[KaeRZet]

hmmm, I can't install my radio like this, is to tight. I have maybe .5" space there, but I will pull It forward ... soon will upload pic.

[Hondarider]

as promised, a photo after putting the radio in. It is sort of squeezed between the seat and the center console but it is functional and easy to take it home.

Thats exactly what I do with my cobra 29. It works really good for a long time as long as wedge it in enough.
Have a good one.

[drdx]

That looks great. I don't see an external speaker, but if it sounds bad they make a big difference on receive. I love the face layout of those radios- all business. The receive is my only question- some of the smaller ones of some brands aren't quite as good but I haven't tried that model out so it may be fine.


-drdx

[beermaster]

Mazda is not so loud inside and so far I managed without the external speaker but I have it in mind. As for the face...it realy goes nice with the dashboard lights which are also blueish... I may post a night photo later today.

[KaeRZet]

my for example is fluorescent ... i found out after 2 months