Installing Factory XM Upgrade Kit

MacA · July 5, 2005

My '04 Silverado Z71 has the 6 disc radio. I am researching whether I want to add XM radio to it or not. I have priced buying the GM XM Upgrade kit (part #12498768) and it seems to be reasonably priced (approx $300).

My question is....How difficult is it to install this kit? I have above average DIY skills, but very little radio/electronics upgrade experience. Does anyone have a write-up on doing this upgrade?

Any / All help will be appreciated!!!!

OLERED04 · July 5, 2005

I have the xm direct in my 03 yukon xl and it was a 20min job. But I think if you buy the gm kit you have to cut a hole in the roof for the factory antenna. The XM direct has the small magnetic antenna and cost $295 for the kit. The kit I bought was very straight forward as far as an install. I was plug and play

MS3DALE · July 5, 2005

MAsZ71, I have sold a few of the GM XM Radio kits here at the dealership,And while I have not personally installed any myself,The guys I sold them to (Including my cousin) said they were easy to install with the hardest part being drilling the two holes in the roof,GM gives you a templete on where to drill the holes though and you do have to drop the headliner down.My cousin said it wasn't bad at all and he was done in about an hour and a half.

And by the way...nice 'Vette I want one soooo bad but just can't afford one right now,maybe in a few years.Its just so hard to see them everyday here at work,especially now with the C6's out,I'm really going to be drooling when we get a Z06!

cokedrvrbjw · July 6, 2005

MAsZ71, I have sold a few of the GM XM Radio kits here at the dealership,And while I have not personally installed any myself,The guys I sold them to (Including my cousin) said they were easy to install with the hardest part being drilling the two holes in the roof,GM gives you a templete on where to drill the holes though and you do have to drop the headliner down.My cousin said it wasn't bad at all and he was done in about an hour and a half.
And by the way...nice 'Vette I want one soooo bad but just can't afford one right now,maybe in a few years.Its just so hard to see them everyday here at work,especially now with the C6's out,I'm really going to be drooling when we get a Z06!

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sell some to us for a cheaper price!??!

MacA · July 6, 2005

I have the xm direct in my 03 yukon xl and it was a 20min job.

Thanks for the reply! Forgive my ignorance...Is the XM Direct the set-up that can be switched from vehicle to vehicle to home use...etc?? I haven't really thought too much about that option, but might be a way to go!!

...And by the way...nice 'Vette I want one soooo bad but just can't afford one right now,maybe in a few years.Its just so hard to see them everyday here at work,especially now with the C6's out,I'm really going to be drooling when we get a Z06!

Thanks MS3DALE for the info on the GM XM kit! And thanks for the compliment on my Vette! I am sure that working around them all day WOULD drive you crazy! If you wait until you can "afford" one, then it will never happen. Just go for it....you won't be dissapointed!!

OLERED04 · July 6, 2005

The XM Direct is a factory like reciver that allows you to use the stock stereo and controls for xm. It is for you car only and can only be used for certain trucks. Take a look at the xmfan web site and you will learn alot about them. On vettes my mother-in-law has a 96 6speed with like 14k on it gotta love em

MacA · July 6, 2005

The XM Direct is a factory like reciver that allows you to use the stock stereo and controls for xm. It is for you car only and can only be used for certain trucks. Take a look at the xmfan web site and you will learn alot about them. On vettes my mother-in-law has a 96 6speed with like 14k on it gotta love em

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Right after my last reply, I went to eBay and saw a few for sale there. Looks like for about $200 you can get one that will work with the Silverado! Decisions.. ..Decisions!!

BTW, my last Corvette was a '96 Collector Edition w/ the LT4 engine (6spd). Great car, but my C5 is still a notch above!!