I've made a few modifications to my Hummer (well, who hasn't?)

Two relatively major ones were the addition of a CB radio (with a full length whip antenna on the rear bumper) and a trip computer. The trip computer was unique in how it is implemented--at a total out of pocket cost of under $50!

First, the CB radio:

This photo shows the actual radio, a Midland with both CB and weather channel coverage. The unit is mounted on the headliner just rear of the wiper motor cover. This required removing the trim and headliner. Once the headliner is removed, a backing plate (I used aluminum plate, about 3/16 thick) is fabricated to mount the radio to. This is necessary as the roof brackets are 24" apart, too wide to be used directly. Some later models the CD Changer mounts may be used instead. The wires were routed behind the headliner, and down the C Pillar (the B Pillar can be used, but it is very tight), and along the floor trim to the dash area.   Notice that I've remoted the mike--I didn't like the idea of a microphone cable swinging in my field of view, so I remoted the microphone to below the CTIS gauge, as show:

Remoting the microphone allowed my to avoid the cable hanging in front of my eyes--a major distraction. To do this a cable was made with male and female connectors. The female end was mounted on a bracket which I then screwed to the A/C duct under the dash. The mike bracket was also screwed to the duct--both with stainless sheet metal screws.

The antenna was relatively easy. A piece of 1/4 plate metal (again, aluminum) was fabricated. Two small holes must be drilled in the bumper to mount the bracket, and the bracket must have a 1 inch hole drilled for the antenna, too. The coax is attached to the antenna using soldered connectors. Remember, never use crimp connectors on a vehicle--always solder. An additional few feet of coax is tucked under the body, so that the antenna may be reconnected in the future if necessary. The coax is run from the radio, down the C pillar to the dash, out the hood lock cable hole:

I've actually a number of other cables routed through this grommet--not a problem but do make sure you seal up this doggie good and solid! There is usually standing water here whenever it is wet out!

The Trip Computer

The trip computer owes it's existence to two factors: one AM General didn't give us a trip odometer, which I use to compute fuel fills. Second is I am an avid road bicyclist, and know all the cool toys for that sport too! The answer was to use a bike computer--a device which shows speed, average speed, maximum speed, trip odometer, odometer, time and many other things. There are lot's of different models out, I chose to use the Trek Radar model.

I mounted the Trek Radar under the A/C vent in the dog house. I modified the standard handlebar mount to match a flat surface, (easy with some simple hand tools) then ran to wire for the pickup to the left front wheel. It was necessary to extend the cable's length some using some Teflon hookup wire, but there are only two conductors and there is no polarity to worry about. On the hub (not the wheel, since we rotate our Hummer wheels frequently) I mounted the magnet, and the pickup is attached to the geared hub with RTV (or epoxy, whichever you want). A fancy installation could be done by tapping off the Hummer's speedometer input (Later Hummers come with electronic speedometers) using a buffer circuit, but that is generally unnecessary as the adapter would be somewhat complex.

Other Things I Have

Several other items I'll point out: First, NH law requires trucks to have certain mandatory equipment. Either flares, or reflectors (which come with the Hummer), a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher

My fire extinguisher is mounted on the trim below the driver's door, next to the seat:

It is a simple trick to remove the trim plastic, and mount the fire extinguisher bracket. Just make sure you can remove the fire extinguisher once it is mounted! Right now my first aid kit is in the pocket behind the driver's seat. Nothing fancy, it was about $10 at Wal-Mart, and has everything one could need.

Recovery Chain

Recover tools include straps, snatch blocks and a serious chain. This chain is the one I used to pull full size dump trucks when they got stuck. It is heavy (about 50 lb.) and very strong. Be careful--chain strength is not based on size, but on grade.

For chain use one rated for this type of work, several companies make chains made for vehicle recovery. I wrap my chain in the front shackles, and have a padlock to keep it secure. It is expensive stuff (a quality chain can cost $100 or more) so you don't want to loose it.

Trailer Brakes

My trailer brakes are controlled by a DrawTite brake controller. Mounted under the dash, on the left side, it is easy to reach with my left hand while driving.

Mounted on the under-dash cover, to keep it away from knees and such. I can set the braking level and apply the trailer brakes as needed.

This page was last updated on 04/09/98.