Mounting Radios

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

After looking forever I finally found a reasonably priced MT299 mounting base for my radios to mount on the troop seat. The price of those things is nuts....but I found a complete one in Italy for $50. It's gonna cost $70 to ship it to me, but that's still way less than what folks on this side of the pond are trying to get for them. So now I need to find the mounting instructions. Does anyone now the tech pub number that describes how to mount radios in the M37?

thanks,
bob

[52 M-42]

It's not a TM, it is actually a bunch of drawings (old blueprints). I have a pretty complete set (maybe a complete set) of all the radio installations for the cargo bed.

You need to remember that these radio installations were usually modified to the mission or needs / desires of the the people using them and operating them so there is really no "standard" installation. These drawing give you a "suggested starting point" as it were.

Let me know what you are trying to use your radios for, and which radio system you are trying to use and I'll see what drawings I have that will illustrate your installation.

[w30bob]

Hi 52,

I knew you'd reply.

I've got an RT68 and a PP112 and the MT299......so the simplest install for me would be a VRC-10. I'm not looking for anything elaborate, my truck has the holes in the bed wall for the antenna mount so I figure I might as well install the antenna and put a radio in it. I haven't even begun restoring the truck yet, but if I know what pieces I need to look for I can pick them up when I see them at the meets.

thanks,
bob

[52 M-42]

I'll dig out the drawings and send you a copy of the components parts list (control box, speaker, handset, antenna, etc.) and TM's this weekend. Also, if you don't want to drill holes in your cargo bed seat, I can send you some pictures of a mounting board I made out of 3/4 inch plywood (it's exterior plywood, maybe marine grade - I'll check) that lets you install and remove the system with a lot less disassembly and no holes in your seats.

52 M-42

[w30bob]

52,

Thanks, that will be great. I'm definitely interested in seeing the plywood mount you describe. I'd really don't want to drill holes in the seat bottoms.

thanks,
bob

[PoW]

Not only that, but lots of installations used a "T" shaped piece of welded angle iron from the middle of the inner fender vertical up under the seat boards. Bolted together tight, no bouncing allowed.

DDG aka PoW

[52 M-42]

I've got a couple of those T braces to use when I mount my A/N GRC-7 system. It is a big, heavy system (about 240 lbs.). I'm planning to make a u-bolt to clamp them together (the seat and brace) so I don't have to drill holes in the seat.

[refit1701]

It would be interesting to see some photos of the supports for the seat. I also have a RT68 with the PS and mount which I want to put in the back of the truck. It has to be fairly easy to remove though so I can swap out my comm box into the bed.

[52 M-42]

I'll try to take some photos this weekend. There is just not much to them. I those will be one of the last things I install because they require holes to be drilled in the bed of the truck, and doing that (even when it is "standard practice" or "part of the installation process") make me wince. I just don't like drilling new holes; even though when I was in the military we would blast holes in these trucks without a second thought or any hesitation. Must be one of the differences between 17 - 18 years old and 63 years old and between "government stuff" and "my stuff".

[52 M-42]

Here's the photos of the "T" seat/bed radio brackets.











Hope these are what you were looking for. I also discovered that I have the fabrication drawing for making these (I think), if anyone is interested.

[DCook]

Hi Guys,
Good subject. I have a radio mounted in the back of my truck, but I need to get smarter about it. It is all mounted, I have the power cable, antenna, larger generator, and grill mounted electrical cooling component wired in to the main harness. I do not know what was used as a microphone and any other thing I need to get it to be a complete functional set. How is the best way to grow this knowledge?
I know my first step is to get my radio identified. I'll try to get some pictures of it this weekend. I am trying to learn how to get pictures posted as well.

[52 M-42]

Once you get your radio identified, it should be pretty easy to find the all the missing pieces (maybe not cheap; but pretty easy to identify them).

RMS posted a thread awhile back on how to post pictures. You should be able to find it with a search; if not, one of the moderators can direct you to it.

52 M-42

[52 M-42]

BTW, I DO have the fabrication drawing for the "T" bracket seat support for the radios, if anyone is interested. I found it earlier this week when I was going through all the radio documentation.

Let me know.

52 M-42

[DCook]

I have not been able to get my pictures added to my posts yet, but I did get some of them loaded to the Photo Gallery. Please look at my pictures and see if they are of any help. They are in Dana S. Cook Gallery. Looks like I have an RT-68/GRC, and an R-110/GRC. Where is the best place to become educated on my radio?

[w30bob]

Hi D,

This site shows you all the components for the radio sets. If your asking about how to use your radio.........I don't know. Probably search for the military manual.

regards,
bob

http://www.nf6x.net/1999/01/1950s-vehicular-radio-sets/