Satellite in a 2003???

[CnP]

Due to the diverse listening options I really love satellite radio. However, my newly purchased 2003 T’bird’s radio/sound system does not have satellite capability. I am pretty sure the 2004 did and I know the 2005 did. With that in mind, couldn’t I simply purchase a 2005 (or a 2004 if available) head unit, install it and have my satellite radio? I am not sure if I want to put in an aftermarket head unit and get a totally different look. If I can go with a 2004/2005, does anyone know what the cost for it might be? I suppose I could call Ford but I am sure the cost would be pretty expensive if I got it from Ford.

[borkfarm]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

I have a radio that has satailite and a cover for the dash from an LS Lincoln in a box in my shop. My 02 that I purchased had this radio in it. I decided to go back to the factory radio so the steering wheel controls would work. I don't know the brand but definately could look in the box. I know the Sat antenna wire broke when they took it out but that shouldn't be a problem. I think this was an expensive unit. We really enjoyed the Sat radio on the drive home from Colorado. The Gentelman was kind enough to not cancel the contract until we were home. If interested in further details or pic, pm me.

[Lonestar]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

You can not take an 04 or 05 Thunderbird or LS radio and place them in you 02-03. The wiring harness in the 02-03 is not correct for the 04-05.

Now a double den aftermarket radio with sat capabilities with an aftermarket or modified faceplate can be installed but I would recommend if you go this route that you consult a professional for you have to get add on devices to keep you steering wheel controls and you will have to have a trigger to fire up the factory sub woofer amp. Most aftermarket audio systems have 12vdc trigger built in BUT, the trigger needed for the OEM sub is 3vdc.

[CnP]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

Thanks Lonestar. I didn't think it would have been as easy as I was hoping. I was also trying to avoid an aftermarket head unit - simply because I was trying to keep the car as stock looking as possible. Oh well. I've done some searching in the forum here and saw a lengthy post regarding a Pioneer FH-P8000BT head unit that I liked a lot with a steering wheel control interface. Thanks for the other information as well.

[timbo]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

I've been toying with changing my sound system also. If i were to do it right now this is probably the one I would get. Pioneer AVH-P3100DVD. Great value for the money. From Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_0_12?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pioneer+3100&sprefix=pioneer+3100

Check it out and read the reviews. It's selling for $450 at best buy.

Hope this helps
Tim

[NotU]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

Another thought might be to have one of the radio restoration places take a look at it. There's a place near me that restored the am radio in my 65. He added fm and a plug for an mp3/cd player without changing the look. I'll bet a shop like that could add satellite to an existing radio.
Just a thought.
Good Luck!
Randy Mattson

[CnP]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

Timbo............ Thanks but that is really more than I want. All I really want is a sound system in which I can listen to satellite and one in which I can play mp3/wma/aac and the normal am/fm. Bluetooth capability would be nice as would i tune and usb connection. I don't need navigation or movie capabilities.

NotU......................... That's a thought and I think a good one at that.

[Sealy]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

That was maybe mine. http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ad.php?t=26812

Only so much you can or want to do while driving. Just give me music options. I recently had it out with portable GPS and it worked just fine. At 70mph+ on the highway, I'm not sure if I need DVD and a bunch of buttons, either. Mines a little complicated, but I'm getting used to it and it sounds real spiffy. Also, we bought a $49 Sirius unit from Best Buy that we can move from car to car (all the old cars can use it). The Pioneer is ready for Sirius as soon as I want it - when I turn in my BMW and free up one of our subscriptions.

[Allen P]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

I put an Audiovox sirus that I had in my F150 , in my '03 . Took about half a day .... the head unit is mounted catycornered on the console with 3m two sided tape . Power is piggy backed through the radio fuse . Attena is run down the kick panel ,thru the sill plate, under the convert. top and is mounted between the look prety pad and the plastic trunk lid . All wires are hidden , and can be removed without damage anytime . Works and receives good . I looked for a '04 or '05 just for the sat radio , but found my '03 and could'nt leave the dealer with out her .

[CnP]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

Sealy............ Yes it was your post. Sharp looking head unit and it really looks simple because it does not appear to have a gazillion buttons to push. I'm not even sure I need all that but it looks sharp.

Allen................ Any aftermarket satellite receiver I have seen installed looks like it was an afterthought and not very convenient to use. Do you have pictures?

[Lindy]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

Here's two cents worth of advice: Was just looking at a 57 Triple red Thunderbird last New Year's eve, which was forsale in my area, and the man was considering replacing the original am radio with something more. He was asking about 35 grand for the completely retored car, which is sweet looking and seems like new. If I were to buy the car, the am radio would stay--it's cool! Now, as for my 02 and my 05 T-Birds, they have more sound system than I know what to do with. In otherwords, If it aint broke, don't fix it.

--Lindy

[Sealy]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

. . . If it aint broke, don't fix it.

So, how's that two-pole drag sled behind an ox and singing to yourself working out?

But I agree, to a point. If it's classic, it stays classic. But retro don't make it classic and I want my iPod.

[Lindy]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

...I've been told that our 6 changer cd players are already dinosauers. My brother's new Ford Explorer has ports to plug in an ipod and upload all the tunes. What's more, is that it has voice recognition, where you can name an artist or title of a song and bring it to play. Still I'm always a step behind when it comes to sound systems, and am quite happy with mine. Heck I still used an 8-track up until 1998. Yet I sure can see what you mean.

[007Cruiser]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

Heck I still used an 8-track up until 1998.

I still use the one in my '75 Bird from time to time.

[Sealy]

Re: Satellite in a 2003???

This is the portable unit that we got for our "classics". You need a cradle and antenna for each car. The tuner is registered and can be moved to whatever you are driving. Strangely, with them on sale for $49, it was cheaper to buy 2 complete units than a complete and an extra car kit. We now have a spare, just in case.
Also, I did some work on it for the install. I'll tell you if you need to know.