OK, what's the "trick" to remove the HK amp so I can install the XM direct receiver etc behind the factory amp? I'm attempting to loosen the one visible nut that holds the amp in place, but it keeps spinning and not getting any looser. Car is a 2006 MCS. Any suggestions?

 

There is no need to remove it.

 

OK, then where do you suggest mounting the receiver and adapter? Does not appear to be much room in that compartment.

 

See if this thread helps:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hlight=install

 

The "trick" is to remove the side panel, then you can do anything you want (the amp also has mounting screws that you can only get to with the panel off). Otherwise, just squeeze it back there, it should just barely fit.

 

Thanks, but I did persue that thread, as well as several others. I have opened the compartment and was going to mount the receiver behind the HK amp. Problem is, the nut that holds the mounting bracket on the amp just spins. It does not loosen. The bolt stays stationary, nut just spins in place. Thanks for the help, regular radio is killing me!

 

I don't know if this will help you at all, but I found that by bending the flat tabs of the XM-direct box flush with the side of the box, I was able to stuff it and the Blitzsafe in the right-side boot and not have to move the h/k amp.

So far, so good

 

I just installed the same XM direct kit today. After trying to figure out how to move stuff around, I just found enough room to stuff both pieces in. The blitzsafe unit right on top of the frame just below the HK unit and the XM Direct unit just aft of the HK amp. Yes its tight. But the little door closes and keeps everything tight and from rattling. It JUST fits! Is my install up to snuff with a pro? Hell no. But the whole thing took about 15 minutes and the integration is really terrific. Highly recommended if your not a Sirus user!

 

s4gerri, thanks for the info. Curious, how did you route the antenna?

 

Very simply.... It's magnetic and fits perfect behind the Antenna. Then I pulled out the rubber boot for the wires that go into the body of the roof. I pulled off the weather seal a bit so you can pull down the headliner (gently). The look to the right of where that rubber boot is above the headliner for a hole in the frame. You can drop the wire through so you can grab it above the headliner. Then pull all the wire through and route it behind the weather seal down the drivers side of the opening. Once down to the grey plastic, pull that out a little and you should be able to push it (the connector and excess wire) through and it will drop down next to the amplifier. I then neatly coiled the excess and used the cable tie included with the unit to keep it from being a rat's nest back there.

I did debate on making a small slice in the rubber boot where it goes into the body near the antenna to slip the wire through that slice and not have it rub on the edge. At the bottom, you wouldn't have any leak issue I think. But I did notice the wire at that point still has an extra jacket protecting it so, in the end, just pushed the boot back into place. Hope that was the proper choice... time will tell. I'm anit-cutting/slicing/etc. anything 'factory' so I took a chance.

The job was a 'no brainer' or maybe I've no brains, am not sure which. So don't worry you shouldn't have a problem. $189 w/$50 rebate and free shipping. Integrated XM...... priceless!

BTW..... that XM signal has lots of dynamic range - the bass is really thumping through the factory HK unit!