I haven't gotten a cb that has a meter on it and I think my cb took a crap so I'm looking into gettin a better one.
The meter in the radio is good for two things... One to tell you the power is actually on and the other is to let you know you keyed the mic.
Don't use the internal meter to tune your antenna, it WILL NOT tell you the correct readings.
There are a lot of CB Stores to get a meter at and there are a lot of guys out there with meters that will let use them AND last but not the least there are plenty of Amateur Radio Clubs where at least one of the members will help you out.
Buy your new CB based on either size for fitment in the cab or for the amount of switches and do-dads it has but not for the meter.
Look at the Uniden 520XL for a CB, a great little radio with only three knobs but that is all you need, go with Wilson for your antenna and Belden for the Coax.
Good luck to ya, any questions I can helpl you with just ask.