XM antenna on the dash instead of external

[huntmiller]

Hello All I have a new 2007 Solara Sport convertible and am preparing to install a XM kit myself. I found a nice fit kit with tuner for a 2007 Camay on ebay for a great price of $210 which included shipping. The fit kit part number is: PT546-33070 which includes the tuner 86180-0W030. I downloaded the instructions and other info from the Toyota Technical Information System Toyota | Lexus Service Support after paying for a one day subscription which cost me $10. The question I have to all you XM users who have their antennas on the dash under the windshield is; how well does it work? I have installed thee xm systems and always put them out in the open and centered and am skeptical about placing the antenna under the windshield. The kit comes with a antenna that has the components to mount under the windshield or on the trunk lid. I have no problem drilling holes and placing the antenna where some people might be hesitant if it means getting good reception, plus I plan to drive the car for years so I don't care about the scar. Does anybody have any opinions?
Thanks,
Hunt

[tundraboy27909]

I have sirius and have had no problems with the antenna on the dash. I assume the same would apply to XM.

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by huntmiller

Hello All I have a new 2007 Solara Sport convertible and am preparing to install a XM kit myself. I found a nice fit kit with tuner for a 2007 Camay on ebay for a great price of $210 which included shipping. The fit kit part number is: PT546-33070 which includes the tuner 86180-0W030. I downloaded the instructions and other info from the Toyota Technical Information System Toyota | Lexus Service Support after paying for a one day subscription which cost me $10. The question I have to all you XM users who have their antennas on the dash under the windshield is; how well does it work? I have installed thee xm systems and always put them out in the open and centered and am skeptical about placing the antenna under the windshield. The kit comes with a antenna that has the components to mount under the windshield or on the trunk lid. I have no problem drilling holes and placing the antenna where some people might be hesitant if it means getting good reception, plus I plan to drive the car for years so I don't care about the scar. Does anybody have any opinions?
Thanks,
Hunt

I wouldn't do it reason is simple xm needs a metal backing to amp the signal I would add the location on the rear truck door lid or find the brace in your dash. Right now I'm having some slight issues on My Navi having that antenna on the Dash it seem during certain times of the day My signal isn't that good and Pioneer informed me to move that location ...

[PXLpainter]

Yeah, I've heard that the XM install is supposed to go on the rear deck lid. Toyota doesn't offer the Sirius kit for the Gen 2 convertible - prolly for this same reason.

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by PXLpainter

Yeah, I've heard that the XM install is supposed to go on the rear deck lid. Toyota doesn't offer the Sirius kit for the Gen 2 convertible - prolly for this same reason.

it's not advised to put xm/navi on the dash the signal can reach the Satilite but isn't as strong as those on the roof .. This is where my Gps is placed and wile presently it works the signal doesn't work well in low areas with tree's it's all about location and the placement for this reason I'm changing to the roof on the Tundra..

[PXLpainter]

Again - being that it's a Solara convertible (and not a Tundra - LOL!) - your best bet may be the rear deck lid or in your dash.

[huntmiller]

The antenna kit comes with a metalic pad about 3" by 3" with a adhesive surface you stick this black pad to your dash then attach th antenna to it. The same antenna can be attached magnetically and with adhesive to an external metal panel. I think dealers like to attach them to the dash because they avoid having to take half the car apart running the wires to the trunk. The XM tuner is supposed to be installed under the back seat but I believe some dealers will tuck them under the dash somewhere to avoid most of the wire routing. If you are going through the trouble of placing the amp under the back seat the trunk is only a short distance away. I am leaning tward putting it in the middle of the trunk close to the spoiler. I can make a small hole for th e wire under the spoiler and seal it with silicone. If I could find a antenna with a wire that goes down instead of out the side I would just drill a hole in the center of the trunk and apply the antenna over the hole. Anybody know of any of those that I might consider? I see a lot of Hondas with antennas like that.

[Tundrav8yamaha]

Originally Posted by huntmiller

The antenna kit comes with a metalic pad about 3" by 3" with a adhesive surface you stick this black pad to your dash then attach th antenna to it. The same antenna can be attached magnetically and with adhesive to an external metal panel. I think dealers like to attach them to the dash because they avoid having to take half the car apart running the wires to the trunk. The XM tuner is supposed to be installed under the back seat but I believe some dealers will tuck them under the dash somewhere to avoid most of the wire routing. If you are going through the trouble of placing the amp under the back seat the trunk is only a short distance away. I am leaning tward putting it in the middle of the trunk close to the spoiler. I can make a small hole for th e wire under the spoiler and seal it with silicone. If I could find a antenna with a wire that goes down instead of out the side I would just drill a hole in the center of the trunk and apply the antenna over the hole. Anybody know of any of those that I might consider? I see a lot of Hondas with antennas like that.

Honda antennas is integrated with both Xm and Navi middle part of the accord on the roof I know because my dad's new 2006 Accord 2 door Ex has that ... I am starting to ask myself if there is an aftermarket antennas like the Honda setup for every other else that has Navi or Xm radio out there surely someone has to have this . I asked Agent402 Out in California and he mentioned he hasn't seen anything like this of of yet...