For noise reduction you'll need to do a few things:

1. Good power. Alternator, injectors, fuel pump, etc. all add noise, even through the fuse box. The best connection is direct to the battery. Take the radio out and temporarily try it connected to the battery, if the noise goes away you've found your source.

2. Noise suppressor. In most cases a cheap $2 iron ring you wrap the radio's power cables will do. You can pick these online at Amazon, Radio Shack. Sometimes noise comes in through the antenna but try an antenna filter last.

3. SWR tuning. This is critical. Avoid transmitting until you've done this. An SWR meter runs about $15 online for a cheap one that will do the job. Basically it tells you if the antenna is too short (Little Wil can be raise a little, part of the rod sticks all the way down in the base) or too long (snip it with heavy wire cutters). Don't take off more than 1/8 inch at a time and then recheck the SWR. This will cut down noise, increase reception and prevent damage to the radio when transmitting. An antenna who's SWRs are too far out of whack will destroy the radio because the out-going power is radiated back into the radio.

4. The long cable on the Little Wil... do not coil it. Run it in straight lines or whatever, but avoid coiling it.

5. There will almost always be a slight amount of static on the air, even in rural areas due to small amounts of skip, interference, etc., especially since its an AM transmission. Turn the squelch up slowly until it goes away, then drive the interstate (a few miles outside a large city tends to get some activity and around major exits) and check out your reception.