Batboard

I am about to install a CMD-1550LS + UHF mobile into my girlfriends 2002 Ford Taurus SES. I am looking for mounting suggestions for the radio portion, preferably in the trunk. Also, any suggestions on mounting the head unit on the dashboard and the mic hang-up as well. Also helpful would be a firewall access point and preferred 3/4" hole mount antenna location. Any help here would be appreciated. Thanks... Jerry

Roof (under dome light access) or trunk lid center on the taurus for the NMO mount.

Step 1: Find somewhere that YOU or HER likes it.

Step 2: Mount it there.

Step 3: Find somewhere to mount the main unit that's out of the way.

Step 4. Mount the main unit there.

n1. The best firewall access point is on the drivers side above and to the right of the fuse box. This will exit just to the right of the brake booster and strut tower. The factory grommet is large enough to run some major power and strobe cables through. Just make sure your GF is around to give you a massage afterwards because you have to be a contorionist to get to it.

2. A good mounting place in the trunk is the back of the seat. This will allow for a clean installation be letting you run your wires under the seat along the plastic door trim. To remove the seat push it back with your knee and then pull up. Do this on both sides.

If you don't like that spot you could use the bottom of the package shelf or the areas behind either wheel well.

3. For the control head it will depend on wether or not you have a console or a bench seat. Find a place you like and put it there.

4. For the antennas I like the Maxrad trunk lip mount. Clean and effective. If not drill a hole in the center of the trunk or the pass. side rear fender.

If you use the access point where the 14290 harness (the wire harness that routes along the radiator support and the fender shotguns, connecting to the 12B637 engine harness) enters the passenger compartment (via what Ford calls the "dash panel" and everyone else calls the "firewall"), be careful with the metal insert inside the dash panel grommet. When DN-101 (the "oval" Taurus/Sable) was launched in '95, this insert damaged a lot of 14290 harnesses; the root cause was the wiring rubbing against the bracket until the insulation was damaged, causing direct shorts or water damage. As far as I know, the metal insert is still part of the harness.

If you choose to mount your radio in the trunk, be sure to keep it forward of the air extractors. This will insure a good air flow and keep the radio was being splashed.

If you choose to run the wiring under the trim panels along the door opening, check to see if Ford is still using plastic wiring shields. If so, cut the tape holding the shield closed, run your wiring inside the shield, and re-tape the shield closed. This will provide good protection against damage caused by ingress/egress from the vehicle.