Just got a '03 Impala and trying to figure out the best way to go about it. Since the radio in GM cars is basically the brain, my old aftermarket system isn't an option (not really minding the factory system either). The radio that's going in is going to be an XR9, can't seem to find the car kit for it so I'm ordering a new one next week. Not really enjoying my time with FM radio, as you can imagine . Couple of questions though...
1. Do you think the FM mod of the XR9 is powerful enough to not have to have an FM direct installed? The antenna in this car is built into the rear glass.
2. How difficult is the bottom half of the dash to drop? It looks like a major pain in the ass.
3. Any good tap-in spots for an accessory outlet that don't involve removing the top half of the dash? I can deal with leaving my ashtray out but would prefer not to.
4. What's the best place to hide the antenna wire? My old car had a center console which I routed the wire through, this thing has bench seats and no real places to hide stuff.
FM's driving me NUTS. It's almost like they synchronize the commercials so there's nothing to listen to and you're stuck listening to ads. But I'd rather deal with FM than have a really sloppy install. The car's not wired for factory XM either, which is the way I'd prefer to do it, but I don't feel like getting raped by the dealer.
1. Do you think the FM mod of the XR9 is powerful enough to not have to have an FM direct installed? The antenna in this car is built into the rear glass.
2. How difficult is the bottom half of the dash to drop? It looks like a major pain in the ass.
3. Any good tap-in spots for an accessory outlet that don't involve removing the top half of the dash? I can deal with leaving my ashtray out but would prefer not to.
4. What's the best place to hide the antenna wire? My old car had a center console which I routed the wire through, this thing has bench seats and no real places to hide stuff.
FM's driving me NUTS. It's almost like they synchronize the commercials so there's nothing to listen to and you're stuck listening to ads. But I'd rather deal with FM than have a really sloppy install. The car's not wired for factory XM either, which is the way I'd prefer to do it, but I don't feel like getting raped by the dealer.