This Months Interior Product Review:
Doug Chartier's CBrack®
By: Bob Flemming
Jeep owners of all models are constantly looking for ways to improve the appearance
and functionality of their vehicles. A large percentage of these modifications or
accessories involve items requiring electric power, such as off-road lighting, CB
radios, GSP units and the like. As such, the need to find appropriate mounting
places very often presents a problem, not only for mounting the part itself, but
also the activation switches.
Jeeps are very utilitarian vehicles and there is not much room provided for the
installation of option power switches. Out on the trails, I have seen some very
imaginative installations, but virtually all of these leave something to be desired
in the way of neatness of the finished installation. I may have discovered a very
inexpensive answer to this problem.
A gentleman named Doug Chartier has developed an overhead console for the YJ and TJ
Jeep models, that allows for the mounting of just about any and all electronic
accessories and the required switches.
He calls this the "CBrack". It is made
out of heavy gauge aluminum with a black crinkle finish. The CBrack mounts
between the windshield and the center bar of the factory rollcage.
The CBrack is made in two pieces. The top piece is designed to provide the
attachment points for the CBrack itself and the lower piece is designed for
easy removal for attaching and installing the actual switches and accessories.
The lower piece is held in place with chrome plated acorn nuts and prove a very
finished look to the overall installation. The CBrack can easily accommodate a
full-size CB radio, a GPS unit, an overhead courtesy light, CB speaker and several
switches.
Doug Chartier is a member of the Southern High Rollers 4x4 club, based in the
Houston, Texas area. For more information on the CBrack, contact Doug or email
him at the following addresses:
Doug Chartier
7023 Navidad Rd.
Houston, Texas 77083
281-530-4543
281-530-2329 (Fax)
Email: chartr@hal-pc.org
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| NOTE: All ratings on a scale of 1 to 4 with flat tires equal to a half. |
| Description |
Notes |
Rating |
| Ease of Install |
Took about 15 - 20 minutes for one person. Good instructions and installed easily. |
 |
| Ease of Use |
Quite good. |
 |
| Performance |
N/A |
N/A |
| Durability |
Too soon to tell, but from the craftsmanship and quality it should last forever. |
|
| Appearance |
Everyone who’s seen it installed likes it. |
|
| Drivability |
N/A |
N/A |
| Comfort |
N/A |
N/A |
| Price in comparison to related products |
I haven’t seen another product like this to compare. |
|
| Was it worth it??? |
If you are interested in the appearance of your vehicle |
|
| Tools Required |
Electric drill, screwdrivers or socket set. |
| Editors Notes |
I would recommend the CBrack system to anyone who wants to
improve the installation appearance in their YJ or TJ...BF |
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