Permanent Sirius Antenna 1st Gen Tundra - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

dibble9012 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-13-2008, 06:29 PM

Thanks to pedro66's write-up, I was able to find the parts and get over the stress of drilling into my roof. Here is the write up. I got tired of my OEM glass mount antenna cutting out constantly so for a while I was using a magnetic antenna. This is a MUCH better looking antenna, no wires seen either.

I didn't get as many pictures pedro's write-up because it was about to rain. I figured if it started pouring I would just cover the hole with tape

As far as the wiring went, I did it slightly different than he did. I cut off the connector that did NOT have the black plastic piece and soldered that to my old antenna lead. Now it just snaps together with the OEM mercedes connectors.

Yes, these are all cell phone pictures, I didn't want to risk dropping my good camera.

Used the same part number he did for the antenna, got it for 11 bucks on ebay, brand new. Part Number:B6 7 83 0014

The drill bit I used, DO NOT try this with a normal drill bit, you will dent/bend the sheet metal!! The black stuff you see is from my sound deadening.

To be able to reach the underside of the roof, I had to remove both rear grab handles, the 3 round pressure clips in the headliner, and the small bolt that is behind the SRS panel.

The Mercedes connectors

Solder joint to my old antenna cable. I tested signal strength before I drilled the roof, so my connection did not change the signal for the worse.

23" is center from the INSIDE of the black trim on the roof. It is "9.25 from the edge of the tail lamp. If you drill any closer you will hit the headliner support mesh.

The point of no return

Well if you're gonna drill a hole in your roof, drill a big one! This hole is about 20mm like mentioned above.

I did not get a photo of the metal bushing installed, here's what it looks like though. Pull white paper off, mounts on bottom of roof with silver part flush with top of roof.

Installed base part, there is a weather sealing foam under the metal plate.

Plastic cover installed with secondary weather seal on edges

Finally done (except for interior wire routing)

What I finished just in time for

hndymn · #2 (**permalink**) 09-13-2008, 07:23 PM

You are a brave man, dibble. Nice install.

I only recently learned the tape trick for marking finished surfaces for a cut. It's one of the best tips ever.

dibble9012 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-13-2008, 07:51 PM

The tape method is not only great for marking finished surfaces, but also for protecting the edge from chips.

I just went for a drive where it normally cuts out. Excellent reception, only cut out a couple times under heavy tree cover/rain. No leaks whatsoever.

Tundrav8yamaha · #4 (**permalink**) 09-13-2008, 08:52 PM

can you do my navi ant and Xm too ...

dibble9012 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-13-2008, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tundrav8yamaha

can you do my navi ant and Xm too ...

I don't think navigation antenna's are available in permanent styles like this (at least ones that would work with an aftermarket unit.)

This same antenna will work with XM.

Tundrav8yamaha · #6 (**permalink**) 09-13-2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dibble9012

I don't think navigation antenna's are available in permanent styles like this (at least ones that would work with an aftermarket unit.)

This same antenna will work with XM.

This is one of the areas I would like to fab. My Parent's new accord has a built in wave ant with XM and Navi on the rear of there 2 door car. I would like to see this provided from the aftermarket sector but haven't seen anything yet. I have consired purchasing this from Oem Honda but haven't looked into this as of yet.Dibble if you look at the conector aftermarket or not it's still the same design used or retained.

Erik

dibble9012 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-22-2008, 10:13 PM

Is this what you are looking for?
Worklog - Road RagE II (2007 Tundra)

Tundrav8yamaha · #8 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 01:16 PM

dibble you should have waited the 2009 Tacoma one look's better and colored keyed Oem Toyota colors

Toyota finally add Xm antenna 2009 Tacoma(mod to Tundra)

dibble9012 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 01:19 PM

Interesting, looks nice. Let me know how it mounts, chances are I could replace the mercedes one if I ever wanted to. Either by making the hole in my roof larger, or adding a washer to make it smaller. The one I have is a little bigger, but it works and looks clean. I could have painted the cover to match my paint if I wanted to, but with metallic paint I heard it can decrease signal strength.

Tundrav8yamaha · #10 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dibble9012

Interesting, looks nice. Let me know how it mounts, chances are I could replace the mercedes one if I ever wanted to. Either by making the hole larger, or adding a washer to make it smaller. The one I have is a little bigger, but it works and looks clean. I could have painted the cover to match my paint if I wanted to, but with metallic paint I heard it can decrease signal strength.

You know i've been told that too even if you tint with a metallic Tint the coverage is very bad. Dibble they do make this in your color too. I'll be posting my mod when the part comes in coarse mine is super Toyota white.

ERik

Tundrav8yamaha · #11 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dibble9012

Interesting, looks nice. Let me know how it mounts, chances are I could replace the mercedes one if I ever wanted to. Either by making the hole in my roof larger, or adding a washer to make it smaller. The one I have is a little bigger, but it works and looks clean. I could have painted the cover to match my paint if I wanted to, but with metallic paint I heard it can decrease signal strength.

Dibble,

couple of question my Vais wiring came in today so this weekend I am going to drill the hole into the roof like you did. What bit should i buy? I have to make one large hole and one small hole.Oh yea signal stength went up high quality wiring and plug's made that a good buy...

These are the pictures. Wiring is vais F plug used on the Lexus Ls and baby Is intended for aftermarket Xm.

UnSub · #12 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tundrav8yamaha

Dibble,

couple of question my Vais wiring came in today so this weekend I am going to drill the hole into the roof like you did. What bit should i buy? I have to make one large hole and one small hole.Oh yea signal stength went up high quality wiring and plug's made that a good buy...

These are the pictures. Wiring is vais F plug used on the Lexus Ls and baby Is intended for aftermarket Xm.

Hi Erick. Go to Home Depot and get a Unibit. It drills the metal very nicely in steps. It won't get away from from you when you go through like a regular bit will. They are made in different step sizes. Just pick the appropriate one. Too bad you are not in Dallas or I would either drill it for you or loan you the bit. I have several. I could mail it to you but I know you won't wait.

dibble9012 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 08:26 PM

Yup, that's what I used, a unibit. They can be expensive, but well worth it as it makes the hole perfectly, and I've already used it for several small projects. Good tools are always worth it

Nice looking antenna. I might get that one later on just because it has a smaller profile than the one I used. The signal strength is amazing though for these types of antennas. I can listen to Sirius radio in the garage with the door down, that was a far and distant dream with the magnetic antenna.

Do you have a picture of the bottom of the antenna?

sic402 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 08:41 PM

Now your only problem is gonna be if what happens to you happens to me, i was in an underground lot, it was close but i got in and was able to move around and park no problem, however coming out because of the hangle i clipped my sirius antenna which i has just wired through the back wall then up and through the cargo light to the top, if i had done it this way..... there would more than just my antenna hanging down behind my window

dibble9012 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 08:42 PM

Wow, that's REALLY close, hahaha. Good thing you didn't have your sunroof tilted!