XM Commander install complete
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Tellico Plains, Tn "Wolf" Official Corvette Guard Dog
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XM Commander install complete
I passed on the factory XM because of the fugly antenna and decided to go with the
XM Commander. The Commander uses an FM Modulator but is wired between the antenna and head unit, when turned on it disconnects the antenna which eliminates ALL the interference problems that wireless modulators have. The biggest challenges was installing the fm mod box, since it must plug into the HU you have to remove the HU
From the dash, it’s a pain in the a$$ but not a big deal. The receiver module is mounted
In the passenger foot well next to the fuse block. I mounted the XM antenna behind the passenger seat with 2 sided tape, works great top up or down, no fade or dropouts. I compared sound quality to a friends C6 and my son’s Chevy PU, both with factory XM. They both agree that the XM Commander sounds a little better then the factory, and better volume output. And the best part NO fugly antenna wart on the trunk.
XM Commander. The Commander uses an FM Modulator but is wired between the antenna and head unit, when turned on it disconnects the antenna which eliminates ALL the interference problems that wireless modulators have. The biggest challenges was installing the fm mod box, since it must plug into the HU you have to remove the HU
From the dash, it’s a pain in the a$$ but not a big deal. The receiver module is mounted
In the passenger foot well next to the fuse block. I mounted the XM antenna behind the passenger seat with 2 sided tape, works great top up or down, no fade or dropouts. I compared sound quality to a friends C6 and my son’s Chevy PU, both with factory XM. They both agree that the XM Commander sounds a little better then the factory, and better volume output. And the best part NO fugly antenna wart on the trunk.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 805
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From: Staten Island NY
St. Jude Donor '05
Very cool... If you can do it why can't GM.... 
Who looked at the vert with the XM antenna on the trunk lid & said " Now that is going to be a real selling point, I love how that looks" 
In the process of converting my C6 coupe with XM to a Hardtop Vert without the XM Antenna. My question for you is, can this be used with the factory installed XM. Can I replace my existing XM antenna & use this in my new vert? Thanks
Who looked at the vert with the XM antenna on the trunk lid & said " Now that is going to be a real selling point, I love how that looks" In the process of converting my C6 coupe with XM to a Hardtop Vert without the XM Antenna. My question for you is, can this be used with the factory installed XM. Can I replace my existing XM antenna & use this in my new vert? Thanks
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Tellico Plains, Tn "Wolf" Official Corvette Guard Dog
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Originally Posted by Gussy913
Very cool... If you can do it why can't GM.... Who looked at the vert with the XM antenna on the trunk lid & said " Now that is going to be a real selling point, I love how that looks" In the process of converting my C6 coupe with XM to a Hardtop Vert without the XM Antenna. My question for you is, can this be used with the factory installed XM. Can I replace my existing XM antenna & use this in my new vert? Thanks
Who looked at the vert with the XM antenna on the trunk lid & said " Now that is going to be a real selling point, I love how that looks" In the process of converting my C6 coupe with XM to a Hardtop Vert without the XM Antenna. My question for you is, can this be used with the factory installed XM. Can I replace my existing XM antenna & use this in my new vert? Thanks TOP interfere, remember my top is only canvas. and I would bet that the aftermarket antenna is more efficient, allowing it to be mounted inside. Since you have all the parts, play with it, try different locations, what do you have to lose. Good Luck Jim
Last edited by FastMover; Mar 19, 2005 at 11:19 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
Excellent job! 
I have the Roady and used the cupholder mount. Works well, but not as clean as yours. Also, I stuck my little antenna on the dash by the window. You cannot really see it unless you are looking, but I really like where you mounted yours. Very nice.
I have the Roady and used the cupholder mount. Works well, but not as clean as yours. Also, I stuck my little antenna on the dash by the window. You cannot really see it unless you are looking, but I really like where you mounted yours. Very nice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 97
From: Palm Coast, FL
Is there a dermatologist in the house?
I guess i'm the only one in the whole corvette world who actually likes the "wart" on the truck lid-thats why I opted not to buy the 2006 C6 because I heard they were putting the XM antenna in the left and right mirrors. I think the thing looks sorta cool on the trunk of the car. And as far as sound goes, maybe its not quite as good as the "COMMANDER" unit is, but hey, isn't that the difference in acceleration between the Z51 and non-equipped Z51 cars? But, like always and probably the way is should be, to each his own. And isn't this what owning a corvette is all about-being individualistic and unique? See Ya... 
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Thread Starter
Drifting
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From: Tellico Plains, Tn "Wolf" Official Corvette Guard Dog
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Originally Posted by zach lawrence
Nice install. Where do you plug in the Valentine 1?
I have mine on the dash so mirror power is not an option. Its gotta be portable since I use it in other cars....
Thread Starter
Drifting
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From: Tellico Plains, Tn "Wolf" Official Corvette Guard Dog
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Originally Posted by purple heart
I guess i'm the only one in the whole corvette world who actually likes the "wart" on the truck lid-thats why I opted not to buy the 2006 C6 because I heard they were putting the XM antenna in the left and right mirrors. I think the thing looks sorta cool on the trunk of the car. And as far as sound goes, maybe its not quite as good as the "COMMANDER" unit is, but hey, isn't that the difference in acceleration between the Z51 and non-equipped Z51 cars? But, like always and probably the way is should be, to each his own. And isn't this what owning a corvette is all about-being individualistic and unique? See Ya...
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2005
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Originally Posted by purple heart
I guess i'm the only one in the whole corvette world who actually likes the "wart" on the truck lid-thats why I opted not to buy the 2006 C6 because I heard they were putting the XM antenna in the left and right mirrors. I think the thing looks sorta cool on the trunk of the car. And as far as sound goes, maybe its not quite as good as the "COMMANDER" unit is, but hey, isn't that the difference in acceleration between the Z51 and non-equipped Z51 cars? But, like always and probably the way is should be, to each his own. And isn't this what owning a corvette is all about-being individualistic and unique? See Ya...
I have factory XM on my loaded Z51 Vert. I like the antenna on the trunk lid. I use it as a handle when I shut the trunk...keeps finger prints off the wax on the trunk lid!
Although I think the XM antenna looks like a sharks dorsal fin, my wife said the XM antenna on the Vert trunk looks like a "nipple" not a wart...and who's to argue with that!
I will say...FastMover, you did an expert job on your install!
Lars
Last edited by LarsAtTheBeach; Mar 19, 2005 at 05:05 PM.
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The ONLY reason that GM won't put the antenna in a spot that makes sense (i.e., looks better), is because statistically, the reception is way better where they put it now.
They'd rather have a fugly antenna location than have thousands of calls about spotty reception.
They'd rather have a fugly antenna location than have thousands of calls about spotty reception.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: Tellico Plains, Tn "Wolf" Official Corvette Guard Dog
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Originally Posted by purple heart
I guess i'm the only one in the whole corvette world who actually likes the "wart" on the truck lid-thats why I opted not to buy the 2006 C6 because I heard they were putting the XM antenna in the left and right mirrors. I think the thing looks sorta cool on the trunk of the car. And as far as sound goes, maybe its not quite as good as the "COMMANDER" unit is, but hey, isn't that the difference in acceleration between the Z51 and non-equipped Z51 cars? But, like always and probably the way is should be, to each his own. And isn't this what owning a corvette is all about-being individualistic and unique? See Ya...
I have factory XM on my loaded Z51 Vert. I like the antenna on the trunk lid. I use it as a handle when I shut the trunk...keeps finger prints off the wax on the trunk lid!
Although I think the XM antenna looks like a sharks dorsal fin, my wife said the XM antenna on the Vert trunk looks like a "nipple" not a wart...and who's to argue with that!
I will say...FastMover, you did an expert job on your install!
Lars
Thankx Lars
"nipple" you say hmmmmmm, well then maybe two are better then one
and you could paint them well never mind
I guess i'm the only one in the whole corvette world who actually likes the "wart" on the truck lid-thats why I opted not to buy the 2006 C6 because I heard they were putting the XM antenna in the left and right mirrors. I think the thing looks sorta cool on the trunk of the car. And as far as sound goes, maybe its not quite as good as the "COMMANDER" unit is, but hey, isn't that the difference in acceleration between the Z51 and non-equipped Z51 cars? But, like always and probably the way is should be, to each his own. And isn't this what owning a corvette is all about-being individualistic and unique? See Ya...
Originally Posted by LarsAtTheBeach
I have factory XM on my loaded Z51 Vert. I like the antenna on the trunk lid. I use it as a handle when I shut the trunk...keeps finger prints off the wax on the trunk lid!
Although I think the XM antenna looks like a sharks dorsal fin, my wife said the XM antenna on the Vert trunk looks like a "nipple" not a wart...and who's to argue with that!
I will say...FastMover, you did an expert job on your install!
Lars
"nipple" you say hmmmmmm, well then maybe two are better then one
and you could paint them well never mind
