Two SSB contacts on first two tries on new mobile set up!!

[projectcop]

So, I got all industrious yesterday and installed the 12 gauge twin lead with fuse holder and disconnects from the battery, through the firewall and to the center console of the new truck. Yay me!!
There is a mountain outside of town that has a nice little sitting spot right at 2240 feet elevation over looking the valley east of Vacaville. So, this morning I thought to myself; "self, let's go up there and check out this set-up so far". Myself answered "yes, Master!" So; off we went; me, myself and I.
So this is what I have so far....
2016 Ram Power Wagon with 6.4L hemi with dual alternators (160 and 220 amps)
Older Wilson 1000 coil and whip on new Wilson roof mount. This is mounted to the top center (almost) of the bed bar. For those not familiar with a "bed bar" it resembles an actual "roll bar" but is not functional as a roll bar. It is just there for looks (in my case it is an off-road light and antenna mount!) The bed bar has NOT been grounded to bed yet, and bed is NOT yet grounded to chassis.
Coax run underneath and into cab near rear seat.
Power and ground direct to battery (fused)
NO amp yet
Cobra 148F rescued from that big auction site and breathed on and hocus-pocused by Bullet Bob (new driver and final, open clarifier, variable power on the R/F gain nob, new meter and channel display and one heck of a tune!) Also, a channel kit. Yup, this old Cobra screams!!
The radio is not even installed yet. I had it sitting on the seat next to me!
Minuteman 2 mic
DK'ing at about 7 watts and swinging to about 27-28 watts. I can DK it at under 1 watt if I want to, but I don't have an amp in there right now and I figured a 1:4 ratio between DK and swing would work ok.
Now; the important part!!
About 11:15 am today, I keyed up on 38L. The first time I called, I hit 420 in eastern Washington. The second time I called I hit 442 in Wyoming!!!! I think he might have been mobile! Not bad for barefoot (almost)! And I still have some tuning to do on that Wilson 1000. It's at about 1.2:1 across the normal 11 meter band right now.
Right after that second contact, I had to head back home, but at least I know its working!! I've just gotta figure out a nice neat way to mount the radio and amp so it looks really nice. It's coming along....
Don't know if 420 or 442 are members here, but if so; good talking at ya....360-northern cali mobile's wavin'!
73's all

[army1975]

well hoping you find a good spot to mount the radio. wave of the paw back at cha.

[231]

Congrats' on the mobile DX-ing. Height is might...being on the hill didn't hurt things a bit.

231

[MDYoungblood]

Conditions do seem top be running north south this season, haven't been hearing any Cali stations the last month or so. Good to hear your up and running, I'm on 38LSB most the time so I'll be listening.

3's

Greg

[DevilDog66]

Congrats on your contacts! Nothing like making those long distance contacts. I live in SE Louisiana and have made contacts from Wash D.C., WA,CA,TX,NC,GA,FL,OR,AZ,PR,AR,AL,TN,KY,IN. I love talking on SSB and when the "skip" is running.....WOW! Still haven't made contact with MDY yet, tried once but that was when I did not have my Sirio 5000. I hang out on 38LSB too so maybe we'll make a contact! 73's to you and yours!