Ham Radio Install - questions

[HowlingWolven]

Hi all, longtime lurker. I'm working on getting a ham radio installed in my '08 5dr hatch, and one of my goals is to do as little 'damage' as I can get away with.

For those who've done something similar, I have a few questions.

First and probably most important, I haven't settled on a location for the control head yet. My current thought is to VHB the bracket that comes with the radio to the dash next to the cluster and to run the cable down a crack.

Secondly - the hand mic. Underneath the climate controls is a little square punchout. What did Toyota intend to put there, and does anyone know of an RJ45 connector that I can install, preferably without cutting plastic?

I'm talking about this little punchout.


My idea is to install an RJ45 passthrough, maybe even with a neat little green light and pictogram here.


And then the mic itself would most likely live on the left of the radio.

Thanks and 73!