Before

 

Profile - after removing panels

 

3 -

 

4 -

 

5 -

 

6-

 

7-

 

8-

 

Wow, you actually cut it. That's pretty cool, and pretty daring..at least for me.

Where'd you put the XM antennae?

 

9 -

 

brain - under seat

 

12-

 

13

 

Have you tried moving the antenna to the plastic part of the strut bar? I was wondering how the reception would be...

 

what are the location and number of screws removed to open that panel up?

 

Yes - that is the antenna on the strut tower. I know its not aesthetically the best location, however I would prefer it there over the roof. The panels come off quite easily prying up from the last panel - where the gear box is located. There are three screws holding the shift boot to the panel. The only other screws worth noting are located under the navigation controls, which are seen after prying up the panel. Sorry I dont have more pictures.

By the way, in order to have the XM controller sit on the panel, the black accent piece had to be heated up and bent then applied with a bit of epoxy.

Other wise the install is very clean and XM is 100X better than local radio, in my opinion.

 

I have XM in my 4Runner, I put it in last week. It is great. How is reception having the antenna inside the car, and signal black outs??? I am thinking if sticking the antenna under the dash or in the srtut bar souround, I think the signal will travel through plastic but I will have to see. the dash looks great though...

 

lauderdale, how do you get audio to the stock radio? Did you use a FM modulator?

 

Yes - u have to use the FM modulator, included. The XM plays through 89.1 FM. The sound is great though and I dont have any sound quality issues.

From what I understand, the XM antenna needs a clear view of the sky. With its long, sloping glass hatch, the area on the strut tower was ideal. I have no signal loss issues, other than when Im in a parking garage or tunnel. Otherwise, the signal indicator reads full signal (three bars).

 

I have XM in my Eclipse and put the antenna in the hatch too, I dont know why those antennas they make have to be so fugly! But looks good, and you are so brave for cutting up the car!