radio install-not oem

[3Bladz]

I am curious what it will take to put an automotive type radio it the 5610. The antennea is easy enough but I am not sure the headliner will hold a radio or what to use to mount it in there. I prolly will use surface mount speakers somewhere unless I hear a better idea. Bobcat seems rediculously high on their setup. $150 for install kit and $350 for a radio. Of all the stuff the 5610 comes with it ought just have the radio to begin with! A rear wiper might be a good option but a radio...

 

[radman1]

There are 2 types of Jensen radios that can go in the TC. One with CD player and the other has a aux input on the front. I have the one with Aux input so I can plug in an MP3 player. I have the Jensen JHD1510 model. It also has a plug in in the back to accept Sirius satellite and an Ipod into the back of the radio. The radio can then control the Sirius or Ipod by the front knobs. The Ipod when plugged in the back 8-pin plug will continiously charge the Ipod when the ignition is on. The radio comes with 2 thin metal slides (called a removal key) that can be inserted along the sides of the radio and allows it to snap out of or slide into the mounting bracket under the headliner. The 2, 4" speakers are mounted in the back part of the head liner and face forward, slightly angled to the passenger and driver. The installer at the dealer removed the entire head liner from the TC, and attached the rear speakers through the back of the head liner. When the headliner was off, he mounted to rubber, flexible antenna in the back and center part of the cab. Then he reinstalled the headliner, pulled the connections/wires through the radio opening and attached them to the radio. The radio then slides into the mounting bracket and snaps in place. I am sure other radios would work but they may require a little more work than this setup.

 

[radman1]

Forgot to add, there is a power connector located behind the operator seat that connects to the radio harness connector. You might be able to use this power connector for your radio. Again, that is the advantage of the Jensen radio setup, the connectors and "how to install" has already been done. The speakers are the right size to fit in the head liner and have the right connectors to plug into the radio harness. I wouldn't be surprised if any Jensen radio you bought, might have the right connectors.

The installation instructions list the install time as 1 1/2 hours. (If you know what your doing!)

 

[timm9]

I recently installed a stereo in one of the TC's that did not come with a factory stereo. The install is pretty simple with the exception of a bracket that I had to weld to the metal ceiling/interior roof to act as an additional brace to keep the weight of the stereo from pulling the headliner down. While I did not use a factory brand, I did however use the Bobcat wiring harness which does make the job much easier. You pull the drivers side headliner, then the center, and rear headliner behind the seat and the harness connection is behind and at the bottom of the drivers seat. Even if you do not buy the factory stereo, the connections are simple at that point. You will need to cut holes in the rear of the center headliner for the speakers. I may have pictures if memory serves. The wiring kit and instructions do not reference or include the bracket but trust me, without the bracket, the stereo will eventually end up in your lap as the headliner alone is not able to support the weight.

 

[3Bladz]

thank you for your replies. I dont really see a reason to spend 500 bucks for the bobcat radio, if I can buy a regular radio and speakers for 150. Even if one of my guys spends a day installing it, I'd rather give him the money.
Any other suggestions are welcome.