Running UHF aerial cable: D4

[Ferret]

Just starting to fit a UHF radio into my D4. It is one of those jobs with a remote unit, ie all controls on the mike. So I have mounted the unit under the front passenger seat. Now to run the arial and power cables to it.

Can someone point out the location of a grommet on the passenger side firewall which I can pass the cable through. With a quick look around I can't see any liking looking locations without having to start pulling stuff out to get better access.

Next question, assuming I can get cable through the firewall and into the passenger side glove box area how do I remove the glove box to get at the cables as they pass through the firewall. The lower glove box seems to be held in by some hinges fixed with torx screws. I can see them but they seem to be inaccessible due to the glove box design.

Would appreciate some hints.

[trevorj]

Cant help on the passenger side installation. For my D4, I initially had a bit of a dig around, but it looked too tough for me to do around glove box area. Ended up with mine installed by OL Welshpool;

Main unit is up beside steering wheel behind the light weight panel, with power and aerial feeds thru a grommet right adjacent; power from main battery, and aerial feed from bull bar both via flex conduit. The mic is linked to the main unit via the extension cord, which stays in place, so I can disconnect mic and the flex cord when not in use. Mic mount is double-taped to the console near engine start button - its a busy space, but is out of the the leg space when driving.

Seems to work out OK. Installation didnt break the bank. Might be worth a go if yours hasnt gone too far down the pass. side track (or somebody doesnt come up with a better idea I guess).

[jonesfam]

Why put it on the passenger side?
There is plenty of room for a remote unit under the dash on the drivers side, the grommet for the aerial is right there & power can come straight off the 12v plug beside the driver.
Also easier to route & locate the mike/remote.
That's what my auto sparky did & all works a treat.
Jonesfam
There is a flat panel with holes under the dash, my GME unit sits in there with Velcro tape.

[Ferret]

Well then the question is how do you get under the dash. I tried to release the under dash panel, it looks like it just pulls off, I've tried pulling it off but don't want to pull to hard in case that is not how it is removed. I can't fine any screws which release it.

Putting there was my first choice but could not work out how you get under the dash.

[kenl]

To drop the glove box down you sqeeze the hinges, it's where the fuse box is so that will be in the manual. Or do you mean to take it out all together.

To get into the centre dash area is actually quite easy, there is a tutorial on it on the disco3 site relating to installing the GIF interface. The original posting was by bellsautos.

I've done it several times now trying to get a reversing camera going

[Ferret]

To drop the glove box down you sqeeze the hinges, it's where the fuse box is so that will be in the manual. Or do you mean to take it out all together.

To get into the centre dash area is actually quite easy, there is a tutorial on it on the disco3 site relating to installing the GIF interface. The original posting was by bellsautos.

I've done it several times now trying to get a reversing camera going

Ah, the manual - maybe I should have a look at that. Dropping it down maybe all that is needed.

Yeah I have seen that tutorial on the centre dash. Would still like to know how you get behind the dash directly under the steering wheel though.

[But 'n' Ben]

Hi Ferret, best I can suggest, is to go to 'D4 Electric Trailer Brakes'
and on page 7, #38, of the 10th April, you will find an excellent article from Sneigy with reference to wiring Brake controllers, with work under the steering wheel. For your specific needs, you will see a couple of photos, showing the top left, and the top right clips, that hold the sloping panel in place. You have to pull, quite hard, at the location of these clips, and the panel will pull away. most likely you will have the springs pop out, and possibly suffer some damage, as mine did. I fixed one of them, but had to replace the other. The bottom of the panel is located by two 'Tongues' that slot into grooves. Plent of space under there for all your new 'Goodies'. Hope this helps.
Don.

[But 'n' Ben]

Further to this thread on UHF Aerial wiring, I have been trying to locate a post of a few months ago, about location of UHF Aerials, and I rather liked an Owners location , in the Roof Rack right hand channel directly above the drivers head. The cable then ran down below the plastic trim, right side of windscreen, and into engine bay, then I guess through the grommet, and into the cabin. What I was after was the mounting bracket for the aerial on the roof, and if anyone can direct me to the relevant post, I would appreciate it. Maybe the original designer is listening out, and would help.
Thanks, Don.