Questions on installing Cobra 29 LX CHR LE in Gen IV Ford Taurus

Hello,

I am not a trucker, plan to use my radio mostly for NOAA weather and a few times a year for traffic/bear updates on long trips. I had a cheapo CB set up in a previous vehicle that could receive about as far as I could throw and transmit about as far as I could spit- it sucked. Don't need to talk to guys across the country, but I do want to be able to at least have clear communication back and forth within a few miles and have a few questions for you more experienced CB radio enthusiasts and users.

From my research, it seems to be one of the better radios on the market, no? I like that it blends in nicely with my interior (once I get to mounting it anyway) and can change the lights to match my car's. Am thinking of either mounting it like this pic I found in a Taurus forum- http://www.taurusclub.com/forum/att...783d1207863901-cb-antenna-041008_1650_00_.jpg and covering it with some carpet from a taurus at a boneyard. OR using a dremel tool to cut out upper cigar lighter and flush mounting it (here is a pic for reference of similar car's interior.. mine is identical but with aftermarket radio: http://static.cargurus.com/images/s...4_ford_taurus_se-pic-1621806169848242456.jpeg and I would mount it sort of like this http://www.taurusclub.com/forum/att...-install-electronic-climate-too-smalldual.jpg) I also like that it will give me weather warnings even when radio was turned off or in CB mode in addition to being able to monitor those channels. (Go fishing out of town a lot and is nice to hear these warnings when driving to the lake!). From what I gather, this is a solid radio and should last for many years. What (if any) mods would you do to the radio? I am thinking a basic peak and tune, possibly with echo?, and a better mic- what do you suggest? I have an average voice, maybe slightly deeper then average.. I'd rather have a 3 mile range sounding clear than a 20 mile range sounding like #####. As far as an antenna, I'm told I need a grounding strap on my trunk, then a lip mount? What do you all recommend there? Want to get the most out of this set up while still being legal.. no amps and whatnot.

I've already picked up the radio and will be installing that myself, and am considering taking it to Q5 Communications in Deforest, WI.. just out of Madison for peak and tune and antenna install/tune. Any feedback on them?

Thanks a lot!
Big Limits

 

Well I'm actually closer to Green Bay, but the only shop in town (MIke's CB Shop) that I'm aware of closed down. Thanks for the heads up, may check them out,

 

Thanks for the input! Yeah, if I end up flush mounting the way I'd like to, an external speaker is a must.. though not sure what would be best or where I could mount it that would be hidden from view yet functional.. will have choose one and play around to find a decent location.. As for mic- those were two that I was looking at and from reviews was leaning towards the ranger 198. Is the astatic better? What made you choose the astastic? Would like one that sounds clear and feels like it has some weight. Is a power mic really needed? Who makes the best speaker? Just picked up the radio- looks awesome! Now need to get the radio mounted and brought down to get peak and tuned and buy antenna and get it mounted/tuned. Not in any rush, just so it's in before fishing in spring... only want to do this once-so want to do it right the first time. Thanks for the info!