2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

[woodm]

I have a 2005 T-bird that I want to install satellite radio in. The existing radio is "satellite ready". Has anyone installed a kit in their Tbird? If so, what kit did you use and did you have any problems? I would prefer XM but Sirius is o.k. Of special concern to me is the antenna mounting. Since the car has a removable top and is also convertible, where is the antenna supposed to be installed and does a wire have to be run outside of the car? Any help would be appreciated.

[tommytbirdblue]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

I have a 2005 T-bird that I want to install satellite radio in. The existing radio is "satellite ready". Has anyone installed a kit in their Tbird? If so, what kit did you use and did you have any problems? I would prefer XM but Sirius is o.k. Of special concern to me is the antenna mounting. Since the car has a removable top and is also convertible, where is the antenna supposed to be installed and does a wire have to be run outside of the car? Any help would be appreciated.

On our 2004, Pacific Coast Roadster, we had a Sirius radio kit installed by a professional car audio installer [not at your local best buy or circuit city]. The radio is mounted next to the radio

on a bracket that he specially made for the bird.



The antenna wire is unobtrusive and can only see it if you really look for it.


And the antenna is mounted on the trunk near the rear break light.

[SixPac]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

woodm,

Noticed that you made your first post on TBN, the T-Bird site. Didn't take long to get a response to your question. That's what TBN is about. Many members have installed the satelite systems. They'll jump in soon with their comments.

Welcome to TBN.

[ScottyNeutron]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

Do a search of the forums here. There are a lot of people who have added Sirius to their systems. The antenna can be mounted beneath the trunk lid, under the liner. Since the trunk lid is plastic, the satellite signal travels right through it to the antenna.

Also, I believe the factory radio can access the Sirius band as long as the Sirius tuner is plugged into the access port on the back of the head unit (no need for a separate control unit.).

[Lonestar]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

You mentioned you desired XM - Terk makes a plug and play kit for our cars (04-05). Totally controlled by the factory radio and nothing external from the dash. Do a search for XMDFDK100 or go to Audiovox.com and click on Terk. Sirus also has a plug and play kit like the Terk but generally it is much more expensive.

[04Green w/ Envy]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

There should be a long list of entries on satellite radio installs. I had the XM converter professionally installed directly to the car radio ... sits behind the dash so nothing is visible. Antenna is mounted on the dash directly in front of the anti-theft light. Blends in so you don't even notice it. There are other, hidden from view that others have successfully used.

Looks like XM and Sirius may merge into a single service provider ... awaiting regulatory approval. If that is the case, may as well dance with what Ford provided ... Sirius. In either case, I recommend the converter install as it is a cleaner look and doesn't invite smash and grabs (mounting rack is a give away)

Enjoy the world of satellite radio. It is wonderful!

[rexster314]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

I got the factory Sirius component off Ebay last year. Installed it myself and took about 3 hours to do so. I have the antenna mounted under the trunk lid, out of sight, and don't lose the signal that way. I have the install (factory)instructions still if you would like to go that way. Best part of the factory install is that everything is out of sight, no extra tuners on or around the dash

Rex

[joe166]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

If you go to Radiosandmore.com you will find the Ford Factory converter at a good price. It is the smoothest, cleanest installation.

It might be Radios&more.com

[woodm]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

Thanks for the replies. Helped me a lot !!

[SKIPIFE]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

So...is my 03 radio different then the 04&05???
I couldn't find anything (((XM))) for it at all.
That was "plug and play" anyway.

[Goldwing]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

Skipife, Yes the radios are different then the 04&05. I have an 04 and has the Sirius installed right after I got the car. Everyting is out of sight and the antenna is inside the trunk lid, I drilled a hole n the underside of the trunk on a cross beam and set the antenna inside. System works great.

[Bruce]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

I have XM installed in my '05 Inca Gold. Works like a champ. Antenna is mounted on the dash in front of the sensor.

[gmcmurdo]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

I also had the satellite antenna mounted under the trunk lid. There is an added advantage to this location. The installer placed a large piece of sheet metal between the antenna and the trunk lid to improve the reception.

[Johnny TBird]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

Michael -

My Ford Dealer installed SIRUS in my 2005 TBIRD when I purchased it. The radio is already set up for SIRUS all MY FORD DEALER did was install the antenna and that was installed under the dash on the right side. They also had SIRUS turn the radio on as they paid for the first two years of service.This system works very good...I have not had a problem with it since it was installed.

HAPPY TRAILS

[joe166]

Re: 2005 Tbird satellite radio kit installation

I also had the satellite antenna mounted under the trunk lid. There is an added advantage to this location. The installer placed a large piece of sheet metal between the antenna and the trunk lid to improve the reception.

I bet they put that piece of sheet metal below the antenna so that it would help reflect the signal. If you put it between the antenna and the trunk lid it might stop the signal.

The concept is to make up for the fact that our cars do not have too many flat pieces of metal to mount the antenna as do most cars.

This is the best, most efficient way to install the antenna, in my opinion.