rugged radio install with existing honda switch plate already installed

john · 2019-12-22

Anybody installed or considering installing a rugged radio intercom / car to car system that already had the OEM switch plate assembly installed? The OEM switch plate kit takes up the center console space that rugged radio normally recommends installing their components.

Ezgoin

· #2 · Dec 27, 2019

There are multiple mounting options. None wuite as clean as the center console mounting plate, but they have other mounting systems. Call Rugged and talk to them, they’ll tell you what your options are.

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HavasuDave

· #3 · Dec 27, 2019

Honestly, you’d be better offer moving the switches.

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john

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 27, 2019

HavasuDave said:
Honestly, you’d be better offer moving the switches.

Yeah, I got to looking at it and luckily the dealer couldn't get that part in before I picked the talon up anyway so I didn't get that installed. Thought it would make adding accessories easier, will be adding a winch, light bar / auxiliary lights etc. as I go. I am pretty good with basic mechanic stuff and have installed several winches and light bars on my ATVs but electrical is not my strong suit. I can do basic install following a diagram but don't feel comfortable splicing into wiring harnesses and things like that other than splicing into an ignition switch or something. Looking at some of the aftermarket vendors to see what they offer. Haven't seen much on this forum about that kind of stuff yet.

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HavasuDave

· #5 · Dec 27, 2019

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john said:
Yeah, I got to looking at it and luckily the dealer couldn't get that part in before I picked the talon up anyway so I didn't get that installed. Thought it would make adding accessories easier, will be adding a winch, light bar / auxiliary lights etc. as I go. I am pretty good with basic mechanic stuff and have installed several winches and light bars on my ATVs but electrical is not my strong suit. I can do basic install following a diagram but don't feel comfortable splicing into wiring harnesses and things like that other than splicing into an ignition switch or something. Looking at some of the aftermarket vendors to see what they offer. Haven't seen much on this forum about that kind of stuff yet.

Yeah, i feel the same way. I had a outfit where I live, Just Money Motorsports, install the radio, wiring harness for street legal kit, fresh air pumper, off road lights and chase light. Here are where I mounted switches

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Go Talon

· #6 · Jan 2, 2020

2

I decided that I would put the intercom in the center console because I needed the switch space and if and when I get a radio I may put it up on the rollbar?

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AZTalonX

· #7 · Dec 2, 2020

Go Talon said:
I decided that I would put the intercom in the center console because I needed the switch space and if and when I get a radio I may put it up on the rollbar?

What switch plate is that? Is the factory Honda Wire harness that comes with the switch plate worth it?

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Go Talon

· #8 · Dec 2, 2020

It’s a metal XTC switch plate. I liked it better than the plastic ones where you see those tabs on the side of the intercom. If you think you want one I have a brand new one (I accidentally ordered two) I’ll sell you for half price (which I believe was $42 something shipped to the lower 48 included, but I won’t be back where it is until Jan 1st! So twenty one dollars shipped!

AZTalonX said:
What switch plate is that? Is the factory Honda Wire harness that comes with the switch plate worth it?

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AZTalonX

· #9 · Dec 3, 2020

Go Talon said:
It’s a metal XTC switch plate. I liked it better than the plastic ones where you see those tabs on the side of the intercom. If you think you want one I have a brand new one (I accidentally ordered two) I’ll sell you for half price (which I believe was $42 something shipped to the lower 48 included, but I won’t be back where it is until Jan 1st! So twenty one dollars shipped!

Thanks for the offer! I bought a Rugged Radios Intercom/Radio faceplate that has a cover for switches instead of the radio. I use the intercom but have a hand held radio at this point (that I mount).

I do still wonder if anyone has bought the Honda factory version and what you think of the wire harness. I like that it is all ready to just plug in without running a bunch of extra wires, but it is expensive. It requires a accessory harness as well so about $350 bucks, and they through in the plate for free

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AZTalonX

· #10 · Jan 9, 2021

Those of you that have installed the Rugged radio and intercom plate in the dash cubby, did you cut the box out, it seems you have too? Are you concerned about opening up the box to the elements from below the car? I bought the Honda system and plate as the wire harness seemed worth it all by itself, but I bought the Rugged Radios plate as I wanted to install my intercom system there and the switches in the radio hole (they sell an adapter precisely for this purpose). But I didn't want to cut the box open to make it work. Love to hear the thoughts there.

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Ezgoin

· #11 · Jan 9, 2021

AZTalonX said:
Those of you that have installed the Rugged radio and intercom plate in the dash cubby, did you cut the box out, it seems you have too? Are you concerned about opening up the box to the elements from below the car? I bought the Honda system and plate as the wire harness seemed worth it all by itself, but I bought the Rugged Radios plate as I wanted to install my intercom system there and the switches in the radio hole (they sell an adapter precisely for this purpose). But I didn't want to cut the box open to make it work. Love to hear the thoughts there.

Yes, you have to cut the entire cubby box out, but be very careful!! There is a wire bundle attached to the left sid if the box exterior. DO NOT CUT THE BUNDLE! You can detach the bundle from the side of the cubby. Rugged also sells a cover for the back side of the radio/intercom that I highly recommend buying. I think they call it something like the Baja Bag or something like that. The back of the radio is not water resistant so it’s a good idea to use the Baja Bag!

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AZTalonX

· #12 · Dec 30, 2021

I just finished installing the “Rugged Radio Talon Bundle” (radio and intercom) in my glove box. I already had the Honda switch plate installed and didn’t like the idea of cutting the storage box out. I modified the Rugged Radios plate that is included in the kit to remove the top and bottom tabs used to attach it to the dash box. I also used the standard mount for the radio to mount the radio to the bottom of the glove box, I installed the radio on the bottom. I put wire holes (separate for power and comm) in the back of the glove box and filled them in with rubber grommets I got off Amazon. I can post pictures later.

Two downsides are you give up most of the glove box (I have a rear storage box so not a big deal to me) and it is hard to reach while belted in at driver seat. But I set and run, rarely changing settings while underway and with passenger they can easily reach.

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Go Talon

· #13 · Dec 30, 2021

Sounds like you got it set up, we love our rugged Radios!

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Jack 13

· #14 · Jan 15, 2022

I installed my radio and intercom from rugged radio in the glove box also . It's dust prove and very water resistance . Where the cables came out of the glove box I sealed with silcone.It works well and when I wash I have no water problems. I have the dual band business radio , 50 watts and it is not water prove. I do water crossing at speed .

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AZTalonX

· #15 · Jan 15, 2022

5

AZTalonX said:
I just finished installing the “Rugged Radio Talon Bundle” (radio and intercom) in my glove box. I already had the Honda switch plate installed and didn’t like the idea of cutting the storage box out. I modified the Rugged Radios plate that is included in the kit to remove the top and bottom tabs used to attach it to the dash box. I also used the standard mount for the radio to mount the radio to the bottom of the glove box, I installed the radio on the bottom. I put wire holes (separate for power and comm) in the back of the glove box and filled them in with rubber grommets I got off Amazon. I can post pictures later.

Two downsides are you give up most of the glove box (I have a rear storage box so not a big deal to me) and it is hard to reach while belted in at driver seat. But I set and run, rarely changing settings while underway and with passenger they can easily reach.

Here are some pictures. I just finished installing the headset plugs in the center console. I have the comm cords and the power cords going through different holes in the rear of the glove box to try and avoid noise.