Drilling the firewall

Josh Kramer · Mar 28, 2011

I wasn't sure what category to place this under... Anyway, I would like to install a CB radio and later a ham radio. I can mount the radio, and the antenna for the CB, however, running the coax from the radio to the antenna is the problem. Most of my friends and mentioned drilling a hole in the firewall to run the coax through, and that way I would avoid damaging the coax in the door. I have a firestik mounted to the bed my sport trac just so everyone knows where I have to go with the coax. I was hoping to find an easy place to drill (especially since I've never drilled into a firewall before), or a grommet I could highjack part of.

I'm open to suggestions on this, if you have a better way for me to run the coax please let me know. Thanks everyone!

Les · Mar 28, 2011

You don't say what year ST you have, but if it is a first generation there is a grommet near the brake pedal.

Jacob Dryer · Mar 28, 2011

I was able to fit 4 gauge electrical wire through a hole I sliced in one of the existing rubber grommets. I can't remember what all was there, but it was big and there was plenty of extra room to push the wire through and not have to actually drill a hole.

Brandon Poorman · Mar 28, 2011

I didn't think it was a good idea to mount an antenna like a firestick in the bed because the bed was plastic, therefore you won't get your ground.

TRACket Paul · Mar 28, 2011

You could use the rubber boot at the steering column, to which JDBoxes is most likely referring. Or drill a hole in the same area and use a properly sized grommet for your coax cable.

There are three Firestik antennas that don't need to be grounded at the mounting surface. The DS14-FG (cell phone style), the Firefly (side-mount), and the Firestik II (3-way clamp mount).