Just wanted to share with you my satellite radio installation. I have browsed this forum extensively, and I don't think anyone has written about this method. It is especially useful for those who want to keep the factory headunit and have factory navigation system (thus no empty compartment).

After doing extensive research, I decided on Sirius due to their programming. I used a Kenwood FM modulator (KCA-R70FM) and Kenwood tuner (KCT-5R902). I had the modulator custom installed into the sunglass compartment (btw, this compartment is useless since very few sunglasses are small enough to fit in it). I have to give much props to Custom Sounds in San Antonio as they did a great job with the installation. The modulator's control box and the tuner were installed below the glove box behind the passenger's seat. I have attached photos of the modulator.

I really love my installation. It is really clean, looks like factory, looks pretty cool in my opinion. I know many people do not like FM modulators, but I have to say it sounds pretty good to me. Also, Alpine makes a modulator and tuner for XM radio which can be installed similarly.

BTW, Crutchfield has a deal through March which gives you the tuner free when purchasing the modulator and an antenna. This saved me $150.

I hope some of you all can benefit from this.

Lalo

 

Here a close up picture.

 

looks good but looks like too much of a distraction for the driver to change stations.

well on second thought, its pretty easy to feel which buttion is which (after programming the presets).

cool idea

 

You beat me to it! I just had XM installed in my sunglass holder this week. I am going to post some pics later tonight/in the morning. I wanted to be the first to put it up though. Damn it!!!

 

That looks great, I might have to do that myself. How much did the professional install cost?

 

The install itself was $220. I also had to buy an antenna adaptor that was $30. A little pricey but I feel it was worth it given the great work and factory look.

Lalo

 

Here's a pic of mine... great minds think alike

 

As far as the distraction, that is a pretty good point. However, as you said, you just need to preset your stations and become familiar with the controls. A remote control also comes with it which is pretty handy.

Lalo

 

I agree BriA5. That looks very nice. Which modulator is that? How much did the install cost you? Just curious.

Lalo

 

It is an XM Commander. Sold through XM directly, as well as others. Its made by Terk. It has a white backlit screen ala ipod, which I think looks really nice. The unit was $149 (with everything you need (display, antenna, RF modulator, remote)) and the install cost $200, with all the wiring, and the custom fiberglassing textured and sprayed to math the plastic in the car exactly. Looks comlpetely stock in person.

The remote helps on the distraction factor. No problems here.

Is yours facing straight down? or is it angled back? I was concerned about being able to read/see it if it was flush facing down, so I had them build it out like that.

 

Mine is also slightly angled in order to read it. Not as much as yours though. Good point and great job on yours.

 

Yours looks really nice too. Your display looks like it would be much more difficult to install because its a slightly odd shape (looks like it has rounded ends). My display is pretty much surface mounted to the fiberglass (not too complex in that respect).

 

Everybody's looks good , I put a Center Channel speaker in my sunglass holder

 

Anybody do this themselves? If so, how hard is it to run the wire up there?

 

Hey Dream2reality.... or should I call you... 350Zapco?

I assume you are the same guy who posted on www.streeteffectz.com under that name. They were the ones who did my install, so if you have them doing other work for you, they can probably do it without too much trouble or time. I was their test dumby I'm sure they will remember my install, since it was just a few weeks ago, but you can mention that Brian told you he knew they could do it.

 

haha...yup that's me. I've spoken to craig and ron about other stuff, but not this. What'd they charge for it? Their install fees can be kinda high, but I know they do AWESOME work.

 

I knew that list of equipment looked familiar.

You are correct.. their work is kinda pricey, but in this case you get what you pay for. They charged $200 for the install with all the materials, etc..

The pictures really can't do their work justice.

 

Too bad I didn't know you were gonna do that...we probably could have gotten a deal if we both went in! Oh well...I'll have to think about if it's worth the extra 200 bucks to have it custom fitted now, or maybe I should just have it attached somewhere in my car with velcro until I get my full install. hmmm

If you head down here, lemme know. I'd love to hear your car.

 

where is "here"? I am currently living in Jersey City/ working back in NYC. While I am not running competition equipment like you will be, I am very hapy with the way my car sounds. I would be happy to give you a listen if you want some time.

My system is not quite complete yet, I'm afraid, but its getting there. I still have to figure out what I am going to be doing about a sub. My goal with my car is to keep the system completely invisible. So far, I am on the right track, but the sub becomes an issue. Options are limited while keping the stock Bose location.

 

I live in woodbridge; within 5 minutes of streeteffectz Don't worry, my car is still 100% stock right now; I'm sure yours is way better