Has anyone installed the "Commander" XM Radio controller in their 2005 Mustang?

This hard-wired unit has a near-flush mounted faceplate that helps it look stock, but I cannot figure out where to install it on the Mustang.

I did a couple of crude photoshops. In my renderings, I placed it on the strip of plastic running between the airbag and glove box. (See the pix below)

This strip appears to be a separately installed piece, attached to the dash's frame at a hidden point, and there is a seam on the outboard side. My thinking was, if I installed the controller in the dash and then wanted to remove it, I could replace this piece of plastic without too much trouble or added expense. I stopped by the dealership today and they told me that this piece doesn't appear to be available separately. It doesn't have it's own part number. Their schematic diagrams callout part numbers for virtually every other piece that comprises the dashboard assembly. Does anyone know for certain if this piece is separable?

They said that the dash itself is a $1,500 part! Naturally, I wouldn't want to cut up such a costly item, but I'm at a loss as to where else the controller can be placed. I have a remote to operate the radio, but I was hoping to be able to read the display from the driver's seat without too much trouble.

Ideas anyone?

 

Yep - put a bug in your Stang!
http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/xmradio/commander.html

 

That'd be a costly mistake! $1500 plus 7-8 hours of labor at a dealership

My only idea would be to check w/ one of the companies making the aftermarket IUP, and see if you can get a larger piece and fab something up that would go where your center airvents are. I'm not sure how hard this would be to do, it just depends on how talented you are. Maybe you could put it there and only lose one airvent.
I personally wouldn't do it, but maybe it'll spark a better idea from someone else.



good luck

! One other idea... maybe check w/ 05StangKC to see if the 06's are going to have XM as an option... if so, maybe it'd be easiest to replace your Shaker w/ one that's XM enabled... or maybe an XM enabled radio from another Ford vehicle... just a thought. I don't know much about satellite radio.

 

why dont you get another console lid cut it install it flush and that might work better.. plus it is in your reach... and you have a the stock lid if you want to put it back.. alot cheaper than 1500 bucks

 

Hey Chris,

I was also at a loss as to where to put my Commander. There just isn't an obvious place. My first thought was up on the map light housing, but that was too high. I sat in the car for a while trying to find a spot on the dash somewhere that was visible but didn't look dumb. Couldn't find one. I ended up mounting it on the center console just behind the shifter boot. Actually, it's attached on an angle to the boot and the console with 3M two side tape. It's sticky stuff! The wire runs under the boot and is out of sight. This seemed like my best option. As much as I depend on XM, I just couldn't get up the nerve to cut my dash.

 

Hey, while I'm at it, here's a pic of the Commander installed in my '04 F-150.......

 

Thanks, guys! Y'all are the best.

You have given me some really good ideas. I was starting to get a little panicky because I have an appointment to have the XM service installed this Friday morning! Worse case, I figured I would just rest the controller in the console until I could find a better place.

Groupset: I saw the ad for that Bug. It is a great idea, but the only place I could put it is on top of my dash, and it would sit pretty high. Then the wire would have to hang down in front of the center stack. I know I'm a nut, but I'm trying to keep wires from showing anywhere. Looks like I might not have any choice though...

John: Car Toyz is estimating only 2 hours for the installation. It sounded relatively simple. There is a lot of empty space behind the piece of plastic I described above, and the receiver, FM modulator and cables can all be mounted comfortably behind the dash. The flush mounting plate that came with the unit does a nice job of concealing the only wire coming from the controller. Perhaps I'll look into fabricating my own mounting bracket after all! I already purchased the controller, so I guess waiting for Ford to produce a head unit that is satellite radio-ready is unlikely. Good thinking, though. I wish the Shaker 500 had a "SAT" button on it!

Clem: Sitting it on the center console is a good idea. It's certainly well within reach. I like the way you tucked it away in your pickup. Well done!

Werked66: Awesome idea! I never even considered that, but it's worth looking into. Especially since replacing a console door is a heck of a lot cheaper than replacing the dash! (I still would love to know if that strip of plastic on the dash is available separately. Part of me just wants to hear someone say "Yeah, Chris. You can do that!")

Thanks again. I really appreciate your suggestions! :worship:

 

Here is the layout of the dash. Probably not a good idea to drill. what is between the air vents in the center? I would think you could put it there, and i know someone mentioned something about it but i havn't seen a pic of what is behind it.

 

Why not get a new in-dash head unit that has XM built in?

 

I have my Commander sitting in a box now. I didn't want to hack into the dash either. I am still debating on what to do also.

 

How about in the center console? That way, it would be enclosed and out of sight?

 

Stoic21: Thanks for the graphic. That's one of the two the dealer printed out for me this afternoon. They were very helpful. I only wish that plastic panel was replaceable. Believe me, not knowing for certain will keep me from cutting into it!

Steven: I like the Shaker 500 (B) and I'm reluctant to change the appearance of the stock dash (at least the center stack). But brother, there are some SWEET choices out there! I saw some amazing alternatives while I was shopping for an XM receiver. At this point, I'd just like to get the controller I purchased to work and look good in the process!

Bart: I may have to just leave the controller in the console until I find a permanent resting place.

One place I've considered is directly above the headlight switch, minus the mounting bracket. I guess I'd have to use 3M hook and loop tape and tuck the wire behind the steering column.

Here's the other graphic I got:

 

I recommend the XM Roady 2. You can tranfer it from vehicle to vehicle with ease and laugh your hiney off to Opie and Anthony on High Voltage 202 (Much better than Stern).

 

I don't have the commander, but I have a Roady 2, and found an excellent place for it (at least for me.)

I found a large piece of foam rubber, and cut out a piece that was slightly larger around than the front cup holder, and just slightly shorter than the height of the cup holder. I glued the mount that came with the Roady to the foam, and the foam is a perfect friction fit for the cup holder. I ran the wires along side the parking brake, then up to where the Roadie sits. It's out of the way, doesn't interfere with shifting, didn't require cutting any holes or sticking things to the interior parts, easy to read, and can be removed in 5 seconds if I need the extra cup holder or want to move the Roady into the house..

I don't have any pics, but can take some if you're interested.

 

So....those of you who have installed XM, did you go with the hardwired FM modulator or the wireless? (With the Commander, I know you have to use the hardwired.) Was it easy to get the factory radio out to install the FM modulator into the antenna connection? I'm still looking at options to get XM in mine. Commander would look neater, but I'd rather have the full display and expanded features of the SkyFi 2. Would really rather have a Pioneer AVIC-D1 double din unit, but those are ten times the other XM solutions...

 

no, I would not put it there.. I mounted my Sirius Kenwood Krc-70 up where the map lights are to the front of the panel and since the display is a "slim line" design it fits the width on the panel almost perfectly.

 

Installed Sony XT-XM 1 and CDXF7700 as the controller, mounted XM receiver in trunk and hid antenna behind left side headrest inder the package tray "fairing".

 

Thanks again, folks. D-Day is approaching (tomorrow). I may just attach the controller to the dash over the headlight switch with some hook & loop tape. At least for now. Unless the installer can suggest another alternative. I'm pretty certain I won't be cutting up the dash for this install!

To this day, I maintain you don't have to put the antenna outside the vehicle on sheet metal, as some people insist. A buddy of mine has his sitting on the dash of his VW Beetle and he gets great reception!

 

You don't have to put the antenna on the outside. My antenna sits on the shelf centered right behind the rear seats. I have not had any rception problems at all.

 

Anyone with 15-20% window tint employing this method of antenna placement? I'm wondering if that interferes with reception.