Nav Antenna...????

[AutoXRacer]

Where are all you Nav/DVD guys putting the GPS antenna...?

I was hoping I could put it on the dash right in the center by the windshield. Though I'm not sure if the windshield is coated with something that might block reception.

Where do you have yours installed?


Thanks!!!


I'm getting ready to receive all my stereo equipment this week and spend a few hours installing on Saturday.

[VegasStang]

I did my daughters 06 coupe a few months ago and I mounted it on the rear window ledge between the speakers. I was able to get it mounted very simply and very cleanly. With the window tint you don't even know it's there and it works great.

[AutoXRacer]

So I guess it would be OK by the front windshield... There should be no difference between rear and front I guess.

[VegasStang]

It would work fine there. That was actually my first choice but then I got carried away.

[redfire427]

It is not important to have the GPS antenna "visible". If you want to keep your dash clean, you can simply mount it under the dash. The key here is that your antenna will come with an adhesive metalic patch that must be mounted on metal. The antenna itself has a magnet built into it so it will stay in place on top of the patch. I mounted mine to the top of the head unit and it works perfectly.

[CaliSpecial]

My one is mounted exactly where you said. In the centre, right at the point where the front screen meets the dash-top. Totally invisible. You'd only see it if you went looking for it.

[rondawg0410]

I have two mounted one on each side of the front corner's

[07roushgt]

the factory antenna is under the dash on top of the cluster. there is a little bracket that is attaches to. not sure if you would want to pull your cluster, but that would be a very clean install.

[grabbero07']

Mines tucked away center dash front windshield

[VegasStang]

It is not important to have the GPS antenna "visible". If you want to keep your dash clean, you can simply mount it under the dash. The key here is that your antenna will come with an adhesive metalic patch that must be mounted on metal. The antenna itself has a magnet built into it so it will stay in place on top of the patch. I mounted mine to the top of the head unit and it works perfectly.

So you were able to actually put it UNDER the dash? I always thought these things had to have a clear sight to the sky to hook up with the Satellites.

[redfire427]

So you were able to actually put it UNDER the dash? I always thought these things had to have a clear sight to the sky to hook up with the Satellites.

No, not at all. It really isn't that much different than a radio antenna as far as reception goes. Like I stated earlier, mine is mounted under the dash and has no issues whatsoever. I even get reception when my car is parked inside the garage, however, reception is limited. I was surprised too, but I read about doing this on avic411.com ( Pioneer forum ) and it works.

[NastyStang113]

Just make sure you don't have tint with metallic in it. I do and have it on every single window including the front windshield. It was causing so much interference that my navigation antenna wouldn't pick up any signal from ANY WHERE inside the car. I can't tell you how many different places I tried. I ended up building a bracket and mounting it within the wiper cowl.

[AutoXRacer]

Wow, I also thought the GPS needed a clear line of sight to the sky...at least my handheld does.

Anyway, thanks so much for all the insight!!!
I will most likely place it on the dash center by the windshield if it looks like it belongs or consider the under dash mounting option. I will have to see about this metallic mounting patch...

[NastyStang113]

Honestly, I'd put it on the back trunk deck lid or inside the headliner.

[AutoXRacer]

Inside the headliner...? Didn't think about that...

No way am I going stick it on the body... lol

[BratFireman]

I tried putting it on the head unit itself and I didn't get any signal. I put mine under my center dash pod. It was a pain to get the dash off to run the wire but well worth the can't see it finish.