Ham radio install in 2k5 Silverado question

[Hurricane145]

Ok, I bit down hard and bought a new 2k5 Silverado Z-71 extended cab. I love the truck! I am a ham radio operator and want to put a vhf/uhf mobile transceiver in the truck. Usually we try to draw power directly from the battery as the radios usually require about 10 amps on transmit. I am wondering if there is a more convienient place to take that level of power from. Also if anyone has installed a similar radio, or perhaps a CB set, and ran the power or antenna cable from under the hood, where did you find a place to run it through the firewall? Things look pretty sealed up in there! I don't see any firewall plugs for non-installed accessories like I have found on cars. Anyone have any experience with roof mounting an antenna? In particular a Motorola NMO type of antenna mount? If so how did you dress the RG-58 coax to the inside of the cab? Thanks for any comments! Mike. K7MH

[sportin83]

there are grommets on the drivers side firewall to go through. about 4 inches round has some wires in it but has plenty of room.

[Rollingbones]

First, congrats on getting the truck. Second, I don't know about the radios, but as for the power, you might consider installing a second battery..where ... I have no idea, but you might need more than one or take a look at tha Optima battery. Good luck with the settup!!

[sportin83]

if it only draws 10 amps of current you will not need a 2nd battery. but putting a better battery in than stock will help. most car amps draw quite a bit of current and they work fine on the stock stuff.

[fleettech]

I do all of the upfitting for the city police vehicles to mount the antenna you should drop the head liner so you don't drill it then pop a 3/4" hole in the roof with a hole saw and run your coax from the top down,I use a set of snap ring pliers to hole the base and a 15/16 wrench to snug it. the first car i did I was nervous now its just measure the trunk lid and drill away. we have 3 antennas and the light bar hole in the roof. here is some of my work

http://community.webshots.com/album/339161216nfFOYn

[sportin83]

if it was me i would not drill any holes in my roof. i would mount it in the bed rail where there are already holes, or drill into the bed rail instead. i would be to afraid of the roof leaking or rusting over time and causing problems.