OEM install, Where to mount the antenna?

[ZEEKA]

I just got a Sirius tuner to put in my radio and I'm wondering, for those that have done similar modifications, where are you mounting the aftermarket satellite antenna? I'm trying to keep a nice clean look so I want to try and hide the antenna as inconspicuously as posisble without ruining the reception. Any ideas?

Also, I'm trying to stay away from running it out throught the windshield. If you ever need your windshield replaced, they slice right through the antenna to get the glass out. I've seen it happen before. Thanks!

[BlueFlareside]

I put mine through my 3rd brake light. Great reception and nobody under 7' tall can see it. There is a slot in the brake light for the cord. I sealed it up with some foam weatherstripping from Home Depot.

[ZEEKA]

I was thinking of doing it that but wasn't sure if you could. I guess you can How did you run the cable through the cab to get it out the brake light?

[jrb03]

Under the wiper cowl is a great location. To me it was easier running it there than to the back. With the way the third brake lights tend to leak, I didnt want to touch the seal on it. There is a great thread on here detailing the wiper cowl install.

[BlueFlareside]

Originally Posted by ZEEKA

I was thinking of doing it that but wasn't sure if you could. I guess you can How did you run the cable through the cab to get it out the brake light?

I ran it under the headliner at the very back and then ran it along the top side of where the headliner meets the side panels. When I got to the A pillar at the windshield, I ran it behind the weatherstripping. It took me a total of about 15 minutes to do. It is completely hidden.

Your reception will be much better than under the wiper cowl. To get the best reception you should have at least 6" of metal on all sides of the antenna. the roof is the best place.

[jrb03]

NO problems with wiper cowl here, and several others have stated the same. My reception was always high. Its up to you if you want the stealth of the wiper cowl, or it being visible on the roof. Just dont be afraid of reception problems, it will work fine. There are tons of threads on here that give the exact steps needed for the stealth install.

Not sure what year your truck is, but if its 04-08 you can even leave it under the dash. I have seen several installs on here where people are leaving their GPS/Sat antennaes under the tray on the dash with good reception.

[ZEEKA]

OK, this is good. Soooooooo, how do I run the antenna cable up under the wiper cowl? Whats the best route? I'd probably rather do that then chance springing a leak through the third brake light.

[peth]

I put mine under the cowl, works great. I ran it through a grommet in the firewall that is above the parking break assembly and exits behind the rad overflow bottle (in my 08). Remove 2 bolts to slide it out of the way and your right there by a gap to get under the cowl.

Originally Posted by ZEEKA

OK, this is good. Soooooooo, how do I run the antenna cable up under the wiper cowl? Whats the best route? I'd probably rather do that then chance springing a leak through the third brake light.

[jrb03]

Originally Posted by ZEEKA

OK, this is good. Soooooooo, how do I run the antenna cable up under the wiper cowl? Whats the best route? I'd probably rather do that then chance springing a leak through the third brake light.

Depends on what year your truck is. On the 03 my sirius tuner was behind the glove box. I ran it behind the passengers kick panel, through the door grommet, and then into the engine compartment through the door jam. Sorry, its hard to describe this one without pictures. I ran it this way because it was very easy from where my tuner was. There are many threads on this site that have very detailed pictures of different ways to run the wire to the cowl on these trucks.

In my 08, I just ran wire for my alarm/remote start as peth describes. There is a very convenient grommet behind the brake that leads into the engine compartment. Make sure to use wire loom on any wires you run into there.

[ZEEKA]

Thanks for the replies guys, I have an '07, so I would imagine that I would have the same access points to the engine compartment as the '08's. I'll have to take a look but it doesn't seem to difficult. Whats the best way to get the trim around the radio off to install the tuner?

[rerogfx4]

ZEEKA, try doing a search for sat. antenna under wiper cowl, one fella on here did a great write up with pics.

[Socaltrailrider]

I'm glad I stumbled across this thread. I did install XM in my truck a few weeks ago and had the antenna on the roof, but just moved it yesterday to under the cowl. Works great so far and a much cleaner install!

[Extreme Justice]

Just wondering about putting the Satellite antenna under the cowl. What happens in winter time with all the snow and ice buildup on the cowl. Does this effect performance at all?