Radio installation VRC-16,17,18 3/4 Ton M37

[Oddjob]

Radio installation VRC-16,17,18 3/4 Ton M37

Does anyone have the installation instructions for VRC-16,17,18 on the MT-327 mount in the Dodge M37 I've found other mounts but nothing for the MT-327

Thanks.

Brian
Oddjob

[52 M-42]

I'll look through my radio installation manuals this weekend to see what I can find.

It should be the same as the GRC-3, -5 & -7 systems. The only difference between the systems is that the MT-327 mount does not have the position for the RT-70.

Normally the radios mount on the forward portion of the cargo bed seats. The smaller sets (VRC-7, etc.) are usually on the right side (not always, but mostly) and the larger sets are on the left side. As with all military equipment, however, there are lots and lots of variations.

I'll see what I can find.

52 M-42

[Oddjob]

Appreciate it... I've looked and looked and the only thing that comes up is for the 1/4 tons... Mainly curious as to how they routed the cables etc... The knock out for the antenna is on the forward right section of my bed so I think it's probably going to end up there...

[UZIS9MM]

Oddjob,

I have the correct radio mounting manual saved in .pdf format. Send me an PM with your email address and I'll send it to you.

There are 26 pages with all of the mounting instructions and locations for any and all combination of radio sets (GRC, GRR, VRC, VRQ, etc.) and vehicle antennas.

Kevin

[52 M-42]

There should be knock-outs at 3 locations on the bed. Two on the left side of the cargo bed, and one on the forward right side of the cargo bed. The installation manuals also show an additional antenna mounting location on the right rear of the cargo bed (a knock-out is not provided at this location, but the documentation provides directions for drilling the necessary holes).

All these antenna locations allow you to locate your radios in any way you would like. Additional locations are at both ends of the front bumper (optimal) and on the exterior surface of the engine compartment side panels (above the forward slope of the front fenders (see photos of MM's truck).

Also, a control box (C-375 for example) was occasionally mounted to the transmission cover plate to allow the person in the passenger seat to operate the radio. I've even seen one installation where the passenger seat cushion was removed and a complete GRC-3, -5 or -7 was installed.

The point of all this is that your imagination is the only limit on how you arrange your communication systems. There is no "standard" or "correct" way. Even the radio installation documentation very clearly states that these are suggested installations, not mandatory.

52 M-42

[Oddjob]

Thanks guys... I have the equipment incoming today so I'll post pic's of my new toy... Unfortunately it won't be able to get into the bed till after I patch it up since it's in pieces right now... Figure might as well get all the info together before I get to that point... Also gives me time to go over the receivers and make sure they are operating properly...

PM in bound... Kevin...

[Oddjob]

Just got in the bulk of the components for the VRC-18... Little dusty... I still have to go through the R-110 receiver and the 24 volt power supply... The extra power supply on the right is a naval AC power supply that I got in the deal to convert household power to run the set...

[52 M-42]

If you come across another R-110 that is in decent (or better) shape, please let me know. I'm looking for one because mine is pretty hammered.

Thanks,

52 M-42

[Oddjob]

10-4... I'll keep an eye out... They seem to be bit harder to find than the RT units... This one is a little rough and I'm not sure what I'm going to find when I go through it... Hoping it powers up...

[PoW]

This guy has items in this vein time to time:

http://www.bwgsurplus.com/catalog/index ... n6edgq60g2

PoW

[52 M-42]

Thanks, I appreciate the help. These radios used to orphans nobody wanted. Now they are hard to find. Amazing how things change over 35 years!

That website was very helpful; thanks for the link. If you have any others, please post them.

Thanks again,

52 M-42

[Oddjob]

I just got a few things through there... They had good service... You do have to either use paypal or pay by check or money order... No Credit Cards...

Yeah it's time to get stuff while you can... No one really finds any value in the old Tube Radios so... They are heavy and bulky... but they do have a good sound...

[Oddjob]

I got my RT-68 to receive a signal over the weekend I need to work on the R110 now... Made me a cheesy dipole antenna out of some wire I had left over from a job for 10$ in connectors... Everything looks like it's good to power up so hopefully my full set will be operational soon... Now I gotta get working on the truck bed so I can install it hopefully after the winter...

Much thanks UZIS9MM for getting the installation info for the truck... It helped a lot...

Brian
Oddjob