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TacoBill -> Metra amplified antenna install (w/pics) (4/18/2007 4:45:44 PM)
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Metra amplified antenna install
This kit can be found at Autozone for around $20.
After installing my UPR stubby antenna, my reception was limited to only a couple radio stations. Since I mostly listen to CD’s, it really didn’t bother me. But, after seeing how simple and effective on how this amplified antenna works from a friend of mine, I had to get one myself. So, this is how I installed it…
Note: A portion of this write-up also applies if you want to gain access to the radio to swap it out with an aftermarket one.
Unscrew the shift knob by grasping right below the silver washer at the base of the knob (otherwise the whole boot will start to twist).
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1835.jpg[/image]
Once unscrewed, lift up the boot trim ring (it un-snaps pretty easily). Remove the knob/boot assembly and set aside.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1837.jpg[/image]
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1838.jpg[/image]
Remove the 2 screws at the base of the center armrest.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1844.jpg[/image]
From here on out, use care when dealing with all the plastic stuff to avoid scratches, cracks, etc.
Lift up the forward section of the console where the shifter is.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1840.jpg[/image]
Then unsnap the rear section where the cup holders are.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1842.jpg[/image]
Carefully lift the center armrest console out. Raising the e-brake as high as it will go will help. As you see in the pic, I placed a rag at the forward section of the console to avoid scratching.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1845.jpg[/image]
Once the armrest console is out, its time to remove both left and right ‘sail’ panels adjacent to the center console. Simply grasp the lower section and pull straight back toward the rear.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1848.jpg[/image]
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1846.jpg[/image]
This part is a bit of a pain… unplug the 2 wiring harnesses that are behind the A/C and rear defroster switches.
Tip: The plug behind the defroster has a gray lever. A release button must be depressed before attempting to raise the gray lever all the way up to release the plug.
The A/C has a release button only.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1862.jpg[/image]
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1856.jpg[/image]
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1860.jpg[/image]
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1861.jpg[/image]
Remove the (6) 7mm bolts (3 each side) that holds the center console to the dash. I removed my ‘GT’ 12V plug too; not sure if I needed to, but it was simple enough.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1852.jpg[/image]
Carefully pull away the center console from the dash (you can leave the A/C knobs on).
Note the center ‘tab’ on the console that’s under the dash.
Unplug the 3 wiring harnesses from the top of the console, they’re all push button release type.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1854.jpg[/image]
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1863.jpg[/image]
Finally, the (4) bolts that secure the Shaker head unit can now be accessed. They are also 7mm bolts, same as the other (6) removed earlier.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1867.jpg[/image]
The A-Pillar trim was removed for clean wire routing.
The pillar simply un-clips from the body. Use care at the rear where it attaches to the B-Pillar trim.
Also, along the ‘A’, there’s an index point where a fork in the pillar slides over. Didn’t know about it, so I cracked it. No big deal as it’s only used to index the pillar, there’s plenty of clips to hold it in place.
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1868.jpg[/image]
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1870.jpg[/image]
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1873.jpg[/image]
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1876.jpg[/image]
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1877.jpg[/image]
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v673/tacobill35/Metra%20amplified%20antenna%20install/IMG_1879.jpg[/image]
Finally, it’s time for the amp
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