I have a 2007 avalanche w/out XM when I install my Z-1 next week I was wondering if I can use the factory antenna for the xm moduel or do I have to use the pioneer one. I have the combo shark antenna on the vehicle.

Yes, but you will have to modify the plug a little bit.

Did you say without XM? If so, then there is not an XM reciever in the truck, and, I would assume, no antenna. If you don't want to see the antenna, it works fine under the plastic forming the top of the dash, behind the radio or above the instrument cluster. Just make sure there is nothing but plastic above the antenna, and the antenna is sitting on about a 3" square piece of metal, which doesn't have to be really thick.

jimmy303 said:

Did you say without XM? If so, then there is not an XM reciever in the truck, and, I would assume, no antenna. If you don't want to see the antenna, it works fine under the plastic forming the top of the dash, behind the radio or above the instrument cluster. Just make sure there is nothing but plastic above the antenna, and the antenna is sitting on about a 3" square piece of metal, which doesn't have to be really thick.

You think I could mount an XM ant under the hood on a Corvette (figerglass) using a 3X3 piece of metal as a ground plane? I was going to try going for the cowl area but if I can get it to play out of site the better.
Idea's anyone?

Might get a bit too warm in the engine compartment.....not sure though.

I'd just trying setting it under the hood before you mounted it. RF signals go through fiberglass relatively easy, it's just the paints and primers and metal fasteners that could hold you back. You'll get better reception mounted on the roof for sure though.

I don't know how the antenna will work if I use 2 face tape because the body is fiberglass. Everything I read says attach to a small metal plate. As it ends up I installed everything, put the ant. on the dash and drove around.... 4 bars all the time. So there it sits stuck in the corner of the lower dash corner. Thanks for the suggestions and so much for the metal plate therory.

kktrucking said:

Thanks for the suggestions and so much for the metal plate therory.

Noone said you MUST use a metal plate, however you get OPTIMAL reception with the antenna attached via a metal base.

Yeah, I've tried both with and without the metal plate and it was definitely better with.

Alright, I'll try it with a metal plate, I get 4 signal bars now, I'll let you know

Especially since the Vette is fibergalass and plastic, use the plate. If you locate the antenna above a part of the subframe or the passenger compartment safety cage, which is metal, your reception may be adequate.

Put the antenna on a metal plate on the dash in the left front corner of the w/s...tie score 4 bars either way...go figure