OK, I'm going to install my Midland radio so that the base/unit is mounted (suspended) right under the cup holder (useless space in my experience thus far). The unit is switched on by the handset, so I just need this thing to be hidden and close to power.

• If there is a better place I can cram it under the dash (and close to a fuse panel I can pull switched power from), let me know.
• If I do place in the center console, I'd like to pull switched power from the immediate area. Pulled the side off the center console, should be able to snake the wiring back to where the back seat charging points SHOULD BE (my '23 P400 has 4 blank plates there...supply chain of course). Anyhow, there are two power plugs hidden in there (photo below). Anyone know where I could find a matching plug to wire to my radio? I assume this would work and cause no issues. I'm sure I could order a USB OEM plug from PowerfullUK, cut it off and wire to my radio, but thats essentially paying $60 for a plug.
• OK, then running antenna wire through the bulkhead. I've read the posts, clearly I want to use the opening above the steering column that can be accessed by removing wiper blades and that shiny bit of plastic under the windshield. Anything I need to watch out for in doing this? Clips I'm going to break and need to be ready to replace?

 

I just did this install a week ago. I spliced into that power plug so I could still use my back seat chargers. I have a 22 and still had all of the back charging outlets. Here are a couple of photos of what I did.

Also removing the covers under the hood is easy and no clips. They are screws. The only issue was the foam was stuck on the bottom and had to be careful pulling off the cover. Ran the antenna with no issues. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

That looks great

 

This is great, thanks @TSS73 . I'll update with photos when I'm done.

 

So @TSS73 can you share how you routed the antenna cable from the Midland base unit? Since you have the side panel of the center console off, I'm guessing you routed it under there (did you have to punch a hole through the side to get to those channels under the removable cover?). I have that panel loose (not removed...seems tough with the seat in place) and can see how I route it forward once I'm in that space. Once I get close to the dash I'm less certain. Any guidance you think I might need would be much appreciated. I'll dive in tomorrow morning.

 

I have a couple here for you. I used the Lucky8 directions on running light wires. It was on another thread about GMRS install. But went through the boot above steering column and then over to the center console. Since the side was already off it wasn’t too bad running it along and into the middle. I popped it out next to the power wire in my photo above.

 

Super helpful, thanks @TSS73 !

 

Just pulled nuts from wiper arms so I can get to steering pass through….thought they would pull right off but they won’t budge. Am I missing something? Don’t want to break anything prying or using a puller.

 

I pulled the cover off in front of the wipers not the wipers. Here is a shot that may help. You can see the red handled screwdriver in the rubber boot.

 

Thanks @TSS73 That was the ticket. For some reason I had interpreted what I had read as necessitating I pull the wiper arms and the plastic piece underneath. But yeah, removing that black piece made the work very simple indeed.
Getting the large connector through that rubber boot took a sizable cut. I'll put some silicone over it eventually.
I never did figure out how to get the center console side panel OUT. But having it separated, and pulled an inch or more away allowed me to route wires as needed. Went back together easily.
Getting that same connector through behind the radio base unit, through those vents/slots meant I had to cut one of those away. I was not too worried about that. Nobody will ever see it (I didnt even know they were down there).
The Midland antenna cable was exceptionally long, so I stowed the extra just to the right of the accelerator in a sizeable gap.
Tying into the power was straightforward, though my wire splicers (from Avance Auto Parts) were garbage. I ended up cutting the factory connector off and wiring them in with crimp connectors.
All works flawlessly. Thanks to all who have posted on this thread (especially TSS73) and the other GMRS thread. Super helpful.