sirius antenna placement

[cambie]

I'm in need of help placing my sirius Terk branded radio antenna. When I forked over the extra 600 bucks to have the dealership install Sirius for me, they placed the magnetic antenna on the trunk lid. They made it look nice, I admit, but I don't like that thing scratching up the paint. Maybe that's silly of me, and I should just put it back there. But as it stands currently, I ran the antenna to the inside of the car and placed it up on the rear deck inside the back window. The problem with this is that I had a metallic tint installed before moving the antenna inside, and since it's been inside, my reception has sucked. I've dealt with it for far too long now, and I'm contemplating my best options.

So, does anyone have any placement advice? I had a buddy suggest placing it on the dashboard near the windshield. He noted that you probably wouldn't even see it because of the instrument panel. I'm leaning toward this option, because I still don't love the idea of having it on my trunk lid, wearing into the paint. Is there another location I'm missing? Maybe tapping into the shark fin antenna would provide me better reception?

[Billd104]

I'm in need of help placing my sirius Terk branded radio antenna. When I forked over the extra 600 bucks to have the dealership install Sirius for me, they placed the magnetic antenna on the trunk lid. They made it look nice, I admit, but I don't like that thing scratching up the paint. Maybe that's silly of me, and I should just put it back there. But as it stands currently, I ran the antenna to the inside of the car and placed it up on the rear deck inside the back window. The problem with this is that I had a metallic tint installed before moving the antenna inside, and since it's been inside, my reception has sucked. I've dealt with it for far too long now, and I'm contemplating my best options.

So, does anyone have any placement advice? I had a buddy suggest placing it on the dashboard near the windshield. He noted that you probably wouldn't even see it because of the instrument panel. I'm leaning toward this option, because I still don't love the idea of having it on my trunk lid, wearing into the paint. Is there another location I'm missing? Maybe tapping into the shark fin antenna would provide me better reception?

It has to be outside preferably on the roof or deck lid. Inside the cabin you will have nothing but grief.

[cambie]

It has to be outside preferably on the roof or deck lid. Inside the cabin you will have nothing but grief.

How about that shark fin idea? Any chance I'll be happy with it's reception after going so long with this thing mounted on my carpeted inside? I remember a long time back hearing these antennas needed to be mounted on metal in order to use the surface area as a reception base or something like that. But I thought I had also seen others that mounted it inside. I guess I'll just deal with it on the trunk lid unless anyone else can chime in differently.

[WaynesNside]

I have mine on the center speaker on the front dash right now and it sounds pretty good. I have it just rigged up for now until I can get it fully installed trying a few things. I think it sounds just as good as on the outside metal as inside on the dash.

I'd like to get it mounted outside so I know it's in the best possible place it can be.

[blueliner1776]

there is definitely a sirius shark fin DIY on here or on fanatics... I know I've see it. I just tried to relocate it for you for about 10 minutes, no luck. It did seem to be a little labor intensive, but worth a look. Had good pics, too.


How about that shark fin idea? Any chance I'll be happy with it's reception after going so long with this thing mounted on my carpeted inside? I remember a long time back hearing these antennas needed to be mounted on metal in order to use the surface area as a reception base or something like that. But I thought I had also seen others that mounted it inside. I guess I'll just deal with it on the trunk lid unless anyone else can chime in differently.

[blueliner1776]

ha, I found it by accident. Will PM you the link, too:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=345906&highlight=sirius+antenna+mount

How about that shark fin idea? Any chance I'll be happy with it's reception after going so long with this thing mounted on my carpeted inside? I remember a long time back hearing these antennas needed to be mounted on metal in order to use the surface area as a reception base or something like that. But I thought I had also seen others that mounted it inside. I guess I'll just deal with it on the trunk lid unless anyone else can chime in differently.

[sidneyj]

You can mount the antenna inside with no problems. I have mine "under" the rear shelf, between the steel and rear shelf, and it works fine. Totally out of site. With satelite radio it either works or it doesn't. There's no "reception sucks" unless you mean the reception doesn't work. As long as it's not blocked by steel/metal your fine.

[sidneyj]

It has to be outside preferably on the roof or deck lid. Inside the cabin you will have nothing but grief.Not true.....I've never had a problem and mines mounted under the rear shelf between the steel frame and shelf.