Sirius install in my truck

[Jim85IROC]

I did a search and didn't find anything, so I figured I'd post my sirius install for those who may be doing an XM or sirius install.

Mainly, how and where to run the antenna wire. stared at the truck for a while, trying to figure out how to get the antenna wire into the cab. I didn't like the idea of just closing it in the sliding glass window. Finally, it dawned on me that I could try going in through the cargo lamp. I took apart the lamp and found that there is ample room to get the antenna plug through. I used a very flexible, thin snaking wire and snaked it from the cargo lamp hole all the way over to the cargo lamp switch on the driver's B pillar. That took a little bit of patience, and you can forget about using a coat hanger... you're going to need something more flexible. Snake it carefully, and eventually you'll get it to a position where you can see it through that cargo lamp hole. Grab it with a hook or some long needle nose pliers, and pull it out. After that, you can tape the antenna wire to the snake and carefully pull it through. Once you finish that, you can just drop the antenna wire down from that cargo lamp switch hole and pull it out through the stock speaker hole. It's not difficult, but it's time consuming. But, no modifications to the truck are necessary.

Anyway, my install is a bit unique in that I'm using a Kenwood Sirius tuner, with a Kenwood CD changer/sirius controller. I have it this way because I'm going to use the Kenwood Sirius tuner with my Kenwood head unit in my Corvette during the summer. Anyway... I've got the changer/sirius controller mounted to the dash with velcro right above the speedo & gas guage. I'm not thrilled about mounting it there, but the aluminum trim on that gauge cluster isn't in the best shape anyway, so I figure there's no harm in boogering it up a little more with the velcro.

I have a feeling I'll be buying an inexpensive Kenwood head unit with Sirius control soon.

Anyway, hopefully my antenna install info will be of some use.

[smokinn]

We need pics.

[79BIG10]

I've got Sirius and love it as well. I didn't run the anteanna like you did but I may eventually since it's much lceaner looking. I mounted mine with the screws and double sided tape to the right of the gauges between the twoo passengers so both could see it.

[Jim85IROC]

Originally Posted by smokinn

We need pics.

Here's a pic I took the other night after I finished installing the steering wheel. You can see that I've got the Sirius controller right above the speedo & gas guage. I'm not really a big fan of it there, but I didn't want to mess up the dash pad since it's in such good shape, and this was really the best alternative that I could come up with. My aluminum trim around the gauges was already a bit boogered up, but if I can get a good deal on new trim, I'd like to replace it and find a new home for the controller.

[evan]

I don't have vents in my dash like you do, so I'll be putting mine just to the left of the headlight switch, but the one I'm getting is also shaped more like a square. Depending on how much you are going to be switching stations and stuff, you could probably put yours right underneath the headlight switch. It would be much less visible though.

[Jim85IROC]

I usually use the remote for changing stations.

[piecesparts]

I put my antenna for my XM right on the dash in the middle (by the glass) and ran the wire under the dash to the radio unit. I have no problems with reception and I don't have a knot sitting on top of my cab.

[bojoe]

I don't like the little doggie company, XM rules. Come on, putting Sirius in GM is like putting a Ford emblem on it. GM installs XM from the factory.

[Jim85IROC]

Originally Posted by bojoe

I don't like the little doggie company, XM rules. Come on, putting Sirius in GM is like putting a Ford emblem on it. GM installs XM from the factory.

Clearchannel is part owner of XM. That's reason enough for me not to buy it. Plus, Sirius has Prime Country. How can I pass that up?

[bojoe]

Originally Posted by Jim85IROC

Clearchannel is part owner of XM. That's reason enough for me not to buy it. Plus, Sirius has Prime Country. How can I pass that up?

The country is good on XM, I can't talk for Sirius.

Clear Channel owns less than 1% of XM.

I don't like clear channel either.

[nu arty boy]

I've had both. Sirius has much better programing though I think Howard Stern is a pig. 17 channels of rock, 6 country, and they carry the NHL, NBA, NFL, and all of the college B-Ball and Football games. No commercials! XM doesn't have a MAXIM (as in the guys magazine) channel either

[79BIG10]

I could care less about Howard but Sirius has a better line up on classic rock for me. Also their country is nice when I want to tune in.

[SlapFish]

My dad's Liberty comes with Sirius, which to me has less...obscure types of music and more music most people enjoy.