Re: Suggestions on AVIC placement!?!?
Whoops stopped check the forums for awhile.... Sorry! I'll see about some photos soon.
I've installed the AVIC with an XM tuner. The brains-box and xm tuner box fit nicely under the panel where the passengers feet rest. I popped that panel and found that they fit on the curved support that the panel attaches to. I used some industrial double-sided tape to fasten the brains box to the support and then attached the XM tuner to that box.
For XM and GPS antenna placement I ran them down the passenger side of the center console. Here I simplyjust stuffed the wires up under the plastic. I pulled the carpeting from the rear wall and the tope plastic by the headrests. The antenna wires route up under the carpet and come out one of the plastic seams. I used a dremel to bevel and smooth an opening so the wires didn't rub on an edge. I have one antenna mounted under each of the rollbars. I'm getting perfect reception without dropouts on the GPS and XM plus they are totally hiddend when the top is up.
I also installed the voice kit but skipped the steering wheel remote. I just didn't care for how much it stood outlike a sore thumb. For the voice pickup mic there is a great little seam by the drivers right knee that will house the microphone flush with the dash. You never see it unless you're looking for it, and it is aimed pretty well as it is. Much better than the visor mount or little clip that is supposed to go on the steering column.
I really recommend dropping the glove box if you do this install.... there isn't much room behind the dash headunit. With all the cables coming out the back you dont have much room to play with. The screws that hold this in are MUCH more small than anything I've ever used to retain a 1 1/2 din radio for a GM. It makes everything easier if you drop the glove box. With that down you can reach around and behind the head unit to pull the wires into place, and drop them down into a cavity that is back there. It all fits nicely.
I'm just waiting for the IPOD adaptor to come out this month... I'll be rigging up a mount to go in the glove box or center console for the ipod.
I'll be glad to give any suggestions or advice.... and when I get it chipped I'll snap a few photos of the boxs installed.