I have an appt on 9/17 for Sat install. The dealer says they can only warrant the system if the antenna is mounted outside of the car. I have heard that antenna can be mounted inside near the rear speakers. Is this true? I would prefer the antenna be mounted on the inside. Does anyone have any custom applications that they could share? Thanks!

2003-G35C-5AT Laser Red/Black/Prem/Tint/6 Spoke Chrome/Black Badged/Lo-Jack

<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by Mooser on 09/11/03 07:02 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

I heard the same story from my dealer. I am installing my own XM this weekend so that I can put the sat antenna on the back shelf. I have heard that it works, but can have problems with metallic tint (no tint on my car -- yet). I bought the kit from Grubbs, arrives today. They said that it works on the inside of the car, but I have heard a few people comment about cut-outs under heavy trees. Part of the reason for the warranty comment is because you do give up some reception, and also they want to avoid getting sued if you get into an accident and the antenna flies around the passenger compartment and hurts someone.

I'll post in a few days and let you know if I have any problems.

2003.5 G35S, GarnetFire/Graphite, Premium, Wood, XM, more toys pending...

 

I'm getting my satellite kit from Grubbs in a few days as well. One of my ideas that I want to try is mounting the antenna under the rear spoiler. I'm not sure if the paint on the spoiler is lead based (not likey) or if the antenna will fit under the spoiler. I was wondering if anyone has tried it yet or am I going to be the first one to try it? If you have a sedan, if seen posts that have mounted the antenna under the brake light housing and it has been sucessful. Will update after the install.

2003 G35 6MT
Desert Platnium
Willow Interior
Mods:
splash guards
escort 8500 & ZR3
Aluminum pedals

 

The antenna that comes with the kit looks like it might be too big to fit under the spoiler. I don't have a spoiler on my car, so I can't tell for certain. There are other new after-market antennas that are MUCH smaller. I didn't think that you could mount it under anything that would obstruct signal. I don't know what the spoilers are made from, but I would guess that metal is a no-no for sat reception.

2003.5 G35S, GarnetFire/Graphite, Premium, Wood, XM, more toys pending...

 

Update: I put the kit in last night. I'm glad this beast was pre-wired, it made it fairly simple. Make certain you have the instructions (got mine via an email from Grubbs), since it gives you the diagram of where they want you to mount the unit. I took some mounting liberties and did mine a little differently, but I didn't stray too far. Worked out great, and was fairly easy.

As for the antenna, I placed it on the back deck. I ran the wires behind where the seatbelt block is and fished them through where the deck and the side meet. I had to drop the top of the trunk liner (where the amp is) in order to find the wires to take through. Not very tough at all. I then loosely coiled the wires and used the sponge tape to attach it to the frame above the radio unit. Reminder, DON"T KINK the antenna wires.

I was working in my garage, and had a lot of cutting in and out of the signal. I did try placing the antenna on the top of the car and had a little better results. But no big deal since I don't plan on being in my garage while listening to the sat.

Remaining to do: securely mount the antenna on the back deck so that it won't fly around. I have heard that mounting the antenna on a metal base increases reception, I will experiment with that next.

2003.5 G35S, GarnetFire/Graphite, Premium, Wood, XM, more toys pending...