Tacoma Yaesu FT-5100 Install

[NC Old Man Overland]

I used several videos found on the internet. Tacoma World had a lot of great Tacoma specific content.

I have had this radio and antenna for 25 years, still rock solid. I am not a tech guy, nor an install guy. This is my first real post with pictures, I hope it works......

Total install time: 2 hours

Radio: Yaesu FT-5100
Antenna: Diamond
Coax: Comet

1. I mounted a CaliRaised antenna mount, took off the rear light and ran the coax down through the frame. I am not sure what CaliRaised is thinking, I have several amateur radio and CB antenna's, none of which fit the tiny hole in their mount, I had to dremel/drill the crap out of it, which took longer than the install.



2. Ran the coax along the frame. I zip tied the coax along the frame, away from suspension. Popped the drivers side rubber grommet. I slit the grommet to feed the coax, then applied a lot of silicone to protect from water getting into the cab.



3. Took off plastic snap on molding. I ended up taking off almost all the plastic parts, to include the seat belt. There are some excellent videos on how to take off the plastic and run cables. I was scared, but it was easy and I did not break the snaps/clips - super easy off and on.



4. Ran coax under seat, along with power cables. I can the power cable through the firewall hear using a hanger.



5. Pulling power cables through.





6. Radio mounted and cables cleaned up. I bought some cheap wire loom that I do not like, on my list to redo....



7. Radio.....



7. Diamond Antenna

 

[GXAndy]

That antenna mount is excellent. Good job on this install and write-up, too!

 

[Ubiety]

Nice job! Ran into the "same" antenna mount hole is too darn small problem that you did recently. For me the plate was also too thick for the NMO connector so the angle grinder was employed. The touch up paint drying was the longest part of the process for me... Took a long hard look at the Tacoma when I got the JK, it was a tad cramped for my large frame.

 

[Prerunner1982]

NMO with a 3/8" center stud would have been helpful (such as the Tram 2250: TRAM 2250 3/8 Hole Type NMO Antenna Mount With Pl-259 Ship 3 YR for sale online | eBay)... I know it's a little late for you Max (@NCPI007 ) but maybe it will help if someone else finds this while trying to decide what to do the Tacoma.

 

[El-Dracho]

Thanks for this good write-up. Gives me some ideas how to install my HAM radio once I got licensed!
Safe travels,
Bjoern

 

[RainierandTacos]

This is exactly how I had my CB mounted in my 17 Tacoma. Right down to radio location. Only difference was I fabricated my own mount for the antenna. Small world. I am curious @NCPI007 if you've measured your SWR in that location? I got absolutely dismal results on my firestik and have been wondering since if it was my mount or something else going on.

 

[NC Old Man Overland]

This is exactly how I had my CB mounted in my 17 Tacoma. Right down to radio location. Only difference was I fabricated my own mount for the antenna. Small world. I am curious @NCPI007 if you've measured your SWR in that location? I got absolutely dismal results on my firestik and have been wondering since if it was my mount or something else going on.

I do have an SWR meter but have not bothered to read it..... It’s 2 meter - on RC-8 cable with a Diamond Antenna = its really a matched system. CB is 11 meter and usually the SWR is typically not great with a mobile antenna.

 

[RainierandTacos]

I do have an SWR meter but have not bothered to read it..... It’s 2 meter - on RC-8 cable with a Diamond Antenna = its really a matched system. CB is 11 meter and usually the SWR is typically not great with a mobile antenna.

Got it. Thank you. It's a good looking install.