Stereo Install Help

[timm9]

I currently have two (2)B series Toolcats. One has the factory installed Stereo/CD, and one has nothing. I'm moving the stereo/CD out of my unit and installing it in the other unit for one of my Drivers. I ordered the install kit from Bobcat and have the headliners out of both units for the swap. Upon removing the stereo and headliner from the factory installed unit I have discovered that there are two (2) additional (and not provided) brackets that are welded to the ceiling of the Toolcat that are holding the center headliner's additional weight from the stereo. One is just aft of the stereo, the other is just forward of the dome light. The brackets are not an issue as I have already fabricated them. I have two questions;

1) Being a little "gun shy" of my drive & console CPU's, is there any additional precautions I should take other than a battery disconnect before welding the brackets up?
2) If anyone else has done this already, any suggestions on where to get the best ground for my MIG? I would prefer not grinding a "ton" of paint off just to do two little bracket that won't hold much weight.

As always, any help, suggestions, guidance would be greatly appreciated!

P.S. I figure that some may ask "why swap" instead of install only. The stereo going into my unit has a USB port so I can slip in a 2 gig memory stick loaded with Mp3's to avoid the "skips" on the CD!

Tim

 

[y3ll0w]

Do you have a picture of the bracket installed in the factory TC?

 

[timm9]

I can take a picture tonight and post it. The barckets (there are two) are basic U shaped and fabricated from 3/8" flat stock, then tack welded to the interior ceiling after tacking the "nuts" on the back side of the brackets. Nothing too high tech. It appears that after installing the stereo, it was discovered/determined that the existing mounting system was not going to do the job. It's pretty obvious that it was not part of the origional design and more of an after thought.

Tim

 

[timm9]

Here is a picture of the "factory" brackets added behind the center headliner to hold the stereo. This is the unit that came with the stereo installed by IR/Bobcat.

Prior to purchasing the stereo wiring kit, which states the time to install is 1 1/2 hours, I was quoted $800.00 to do this install. I guess the added cost would be the fabrication and welding of the additional brakets.

Tim

 

[y3ll0w]

Wow, that really was an after thought. I would ask the dealer how they would protect the electrical system from damage. If you could find the right person

 

[MetroX]

I purchased and installed the stereo kit in my 2004 'B' series, and there was no mention of the brackets shown in the picture. My kit used the single existing bracket which hangs down from the roof to support the rear of the radio, the front of the radio is supported by the roof liner.

I should also add that I purchased the radio from Bobcat at the same time, an Audiovox with CD player, which only lasted about a year before the amplifier quit. I swapped it for a $100 Blaupunkt from Crutchfield, and at the same time purchased some better 4" speakers. The sound is much better, but could still use more bass. Maybe 6"X9"'s under the dash?