Here is how to install a VHF radio in a New Age Impreza/WRX.

The radio I chose is a Yaesu FT-90, which is a 35/50w HAM radio with a remote-mount face. I mounted the controls up front and the actual radio in the trunk.

1. Start by running power to the battery. I recommend using #10 wire and running both a positive and negative lead, directly to the battery. Use a 20amp fuse on each cable.

2. The face plate can be mounted on the third visor, above the rear-view mirror. This is a nice location, since it also folds away when not in use.

You can tuck the wires under the headliner, then run them down the driver's side 'C' pillar and through an existing hole into the trunk. Use a large rubber grommet, and run all of the wires through this same hole.

3. The microphone can be mounted on the side of the transmission hump. I fashioned a clip out of aluminum to hang from the plastic housing, and pop-riveted it to the microphone bracket. A bit of double-sided foam tape keeps it from popping out if I take the trim off.

4. Next, the speaker is mounted underneath the driver's seat. I used a Radio Shack amplified speaker, part #21-541. It costs about $30. In order to make it removable and avoid drilling holes in the floor, I cut out a piece of 1/4" plastic and screwed the speaker down to the plastic. Put some hook-side velcro on the bottom, and it will hold to the carpet very securely. You can tap power with a terminal block from the #10 cable or from an accessory wire.

5. For the antenna, I originally used a trunk-lid mount that attached to the lip. Unfortunately, this caused the trunk to leak, so I ended up switching to a permanent-mount that requires a 1/2" hole to be drilled. Use a step-drill bit and place tape over the trunk for good results. You may have to shorten the step drill a bit to clear the internal rib int he trunk. BE VERY CAREFUL TO PLACE THE HOLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRUNK AND NOT HIT THE RIB.

I used the NR72B antenna from AES (www.aesham.com). It is unobtrusive and most people think it's a cell antenna.

6. Lastly, the radio itself is mounted in the trunk, under the rear deck.

The radio is pretty well hidden, and I have been able to get good performance with the antenna setup. When I have a girl in the car, she never finds out that I'm a HAM radio geek. :)

The stock Yaesu audio is weak at best, so the amplified speaker should be considered a must.

Good luck!

John Norman
arclight@exo.com

2002 WRX, Blitz Turbo Timer/Boost Gauge, Nokia Cell Mount, Yaesu FT-90 radio, Kenwood MP3 deck, FT/RR skid plates

Here is the microphone, installed next to my Nokia mobile phone cradle.

This is the speaker mounting bracket. The velcro holds it to the car very securely, and it is removable. It it normally tucked under the driver's seat.

Here is the antenna, as installed. I used a step drill from Grizzly Industrial (http://www.grizzly.com) . Drill a pilot hole first. You may also need to grind off the first 2 steps on the drill bit, so that it will not hit the rib inside the trunk lid.

Here is the radio itself. I drilled holes in the deck lid and attached the radio with sheet metal screws. Be sure to leave room to get the programming cable in if your radio supports this.