Chevrolet Malibu Accessories & Modifications

jerrywimer · January 2005

It was also part of several magazine ads for the sedan / maxx. The ads I'm talking about had a fold-out page. When you first open to the ad and the page is folded in you see the sedan. The folded in edge overlaps up to the midpoint on the front doors and has the sedan rear on it. Fold that out and you uncover the Maxx from the midpoint back..

chrpai · January 2005

XM wasn't a priority with the Malibu I bought a couple weeks ago, and now I'm wishing it had been.

I see after market kits that mention GM XM-Ready radios with 12 pin harness's and the "BAND" button. Am I correct in reading that my new Malibu LS 1SA has an "XM-Ready" head unit that when connected to the correct rig will allow me to integrate XM into my Radio/Driver Information Center?

The prices of these after market kits with installation seem to be a little bit more then what it would have simply costed as a factory installed item. Guess I'm paying more for the labor to retrofit it instead of getting it done faster the first time around.

hickoryd · January 2005

Thanks. I ordered the Focus deflector from Auto Seattle. The emailed receipt/invoice description says for the "'04 Malibu Maxx". It's the same part number as listed for '04 Malibu on their web site, so the two models must be identical where the hood meets the grille and front quarter-panels.

sub2500 · January 2005

Would anyone know if you can put 225x60 R16s on an '04 Maxx LT? It looks a little tight to me.

e2helper · January 2005

I am not too familar with what these aftermarket/dealer installed kits are using (i.e., how close they follow OEM production).

But in the case of Malibu if your radio has a "dual line" display (as opposed to single line) the radio is designed to work with factory installed XM. There are 2 styles of radio on Malibu with dual line display (UN0 and UC6). The UC6 radio has the built-in CD changer.

The single line display radio (U1C) does not have aux audio inputs available. Of course aftermarket systems might tie in radio some othe way that doesn't require that but at least for production that is the way it is.

pao · January 2005

check this link out for XM Radio for GM

http://www.myradiostore.us/bundles/car/gm-xm-bundle.html

For use with the following vehicles that have XM Satellite Radio Ready head units. Radio must have a "BAND" button to work with this bundle:

CHEVROLET

2003-2004 Avalanche

2003-2004 Blazer

2000-2004 Cavalier

2000-2004 Lumina

2002-2004 Impala

2001-2004 Malibu

2000-2004 Monte Carlo

2003-2004 C/K Truck

2003-2004 Silverado

2003-2004 Suburban

2003-2004 Tahoe

2000-2004 Venture

pao · January 2005

I checked with autoseattle also...and they told me it will fit the Maxx without problem...have sold quite a few of them with no complaints...will be placing my order shortly as well

pao · January 2005

Tirerack recommended 225/55-16 on 16X7.5 inch rims, when I was looking for a tire and wheel package upgrade.....I dont know how wide the OEM rims are on the Maxx..will have to check

chrpai · January 2005

I've hit a few of the vendor websites where they have various converters and receivers. A few common themes are

GM->Pioneer Pioneer Receiver ( XM )

GM->Pioneer Pioneer->Terk Terk Receiver ( XM )

GM->Kenwood Kenwood Receiver ( Sirrius )

So I'm intrigued enough to consider giving it a try. I found the two fuse panels on the side and I can see there is considerable space to mount the adapter and receiver in.

Does anyone know the procedure to remove the double DIN radio or otherwise reach the 12-pin harness? I cant tell if the whole face of the dash comes off or if there are recessed clipbs that allow you to pull the stereo out.

Edit: Google is my friend!

http://www.me-mag.com/pdf/ME0804.pdf

maxx10 · January 2005

I recently upgraded my rims from 16 to an 18 inch rim with a lower profile tire. I believe that it is the highest you can go on these cars. I hill post pics soon!

pao · January 2005

would love to see the pics..Im looking at going to 17X8inch rims....and 225/50/17 from tirerack in the spring....tirerack recommended the combination.....here is the rims I like...got a preference

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/DisplayWheel.jsp?wheelMake=Mille+M- iglia&wheelModel=MM11-3&wheelFinish=Bright+Silver+Paint

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/DisplayWheel.jsp?wheelMake=Mille+M- iglia&wheelModel=EV-R&wheelFinish=Bright+Silver+Paint

hickoryd · January 2005

Installing a smoke colored bug deflector on a white Maxx really changes the front-end look.

Went to a small town Mardi Gras parade yesterday and parked with the front facing the street. Had a lot of gawkers during the time before the parade passed. No comments about the deflector, just mostly "Look honey, there's that new Chevy Maxx!" The companions either smiled or frowned, about 50/50 for our unofficial survey. One float rider even tossed large gold colored beads right at the front bumper. Not sure of his intentions.

More people becoming cognizant of the Maxx, I believe, as a result of the ad campaign where an SUV and a sedan get it on in a closed garage, then out pops the Maxx.

jerrywimer · January 2005

I haven't seen that commercial yet. Better keep my eyes open, because it sounds hilarious.

bwolter · February 2005

The hood of the sedan and Maxx are the same. And I'm happy as can be with how the deflector looks on my Maxx. It came from autoseattle.

pao · February 2005

what rims did you get....would love to see pics....or their website

hickoryd · February 2005

The GM ad agency's official name for that ad is (see title). In dance, it means a dance for two, as the "couple" dances around each other before retiring to the garage.

Yes, it is funny.

bwolter, I also got mine from AutoSeattle. What color is your Maxx?

kurtamaxxguy · February 2005

Just wondering if anyone has tried Falken tires on their Maxx or Malibu ?? The 'B' traction rating on stockers is worrying me wrt travel in the snow.

CU top-rated Falken but few tire shops carry them.

bwolter · February 2005

My Maxx is what is called Silver Green. Looks olive to me. Also had the windows tinted. Not completely black, but it's dark. Also makes it look good. The sound system is pretty good. So I may not bother having my Bazooka subwoofer installed. I think GM did pretty good on the sound system on the Maxx. But then, maybe I don't know much about sound. By the way, I don't use a subwoofer to get "boom boom". I only use it so I can clearly hear the other sounds from the main speakers. Makes a big difference listening to symphony music. You'll hear instruments you hadn't heard before on a CD that I usually played on a plain system.

kurtamaxxguy · February 2005

yes the Maxx's audio is pretty good. Having once been an audio designer, Most of the "subwoofers" out there are really nothing more than one-note resonators trying to create a fake "rave" experience rather than decent bass/sub-bass. If the subwoofer helps you distinguish instruments and "tickles your toes" then it's doing its job.

chrpai · February 2005

My only complain is the CD player. I've heard and experienced people complain about a swooshing sound that it makes. Its speed sensitive so it's slower at the end of the CD. My community concert band made a cd that has a label on it. As it gets half-way through the CD it starts skipping really bad. I assume if I burn this CD onto new media with no label it will get fixed. But the CD plays just fine in all the players in my house and in my old 2001 Malibu.

sschriber · February 2005

I too experience the woosh woosh sound on some of my CDs. No labels and this is the only player that makes the sound. Also, has anyone else experienced the CD being wicked hot to the touch after ejecting?

chrpai · February 2005

Now that you remind me, I havn't experienced wicked hot but I have experienced very warm.

bwolter · February 2005

I hear that sound too, but only with "burned" CDs. It doesn't do it with original retail CDs.

sschriber · February 2005

Any new information on roof racks for the Maxx? Are aftermarkets available? Issues with the fixed rear skylight? I agree with one of the previous posts that a fixed rack would be a great option on the non-sunroof models. My '95 Neon Sedan had a factory rack that was hugely useful..

pao · February 2005

both yakima (q towers with cross bars) and thule (multipurpose rack system option one) show a fit for the maxx..the only issue I can think of is the sun roof....do a google search for either brand and look at their fit guides

meandmymaxx · February 2005

Hi all, just bought a 2005 Maxx LT with a sunroof. I have never had a sunroof before. My question is what does the deflector do? Does it cut down on the wind noise? Do you have to remove it when going through a car wash? Or is it just cuz it looks good?

)

bdubsee · February 2005

Congrats on a great choice! What color is yours? I reluctantly bought one of the sunroof deflectors because this car has the noisest factory sunroof I've experienced. I personally hate the way they look on any car but I have to admit that it does a great job on my Maxx and makes the sunroof usable at speeds above 10 mph. I bought the BeneVento that uses 2 clips and no adhesive. It does fine in the carwash - no need to remove it.

BTW- just got my Maxx tinted today (I live in Orlando). My tint lady says they are easy to tint and it looks fantastic.

bdubsee · February 2005

Here are a couple of pictures of my '05 Maxx LT with the new tint and sunroof deflector:

http://car.icompton.com/maxx_posttint.jpg

http://car.icompton.com/maxx_posttint2.jpg

ericw55 · February 2005

Nice!

pao · February 2005

good looking car....VA state laws are too strict for tinting here.....have the same wind deflector as well...works like a charm at highway speeds....

meandmymaxx · February 2005

Thanks bdubsee, She's Dark Grey metallic #88 had the windows tinted, looks great. Will look into the deflector.

sgr5516 · February 2005

GM is addressing wind noise complaints when driving with the sunroof open at highway speeds on the 04-05 Malibu Sedan and Maxx. They issued TSB 04-08-67-009. They will provide and install a wind deflector and cover the cost if car is still under warranty. I will look into this the next time I have my Maxx serviced.

pao · February 2005

well Im wondering for those of us who went ahead and installed an aftermarket deflector...will they reimburse us now....uuuuumm interesting thought

maxx4me · February 2005

he, he, he....get real pao (8 ^ (l)

jerrywimer · February 2005

I'm discussing the deflector thing with my wife now. I'm not sure she likes the appearance of the car as well with a deflector as without it (thanks for the links to your car's pics for comparison, btw, Pao). But she hates the wind buffeting with it open.

I'd take the deflector in a heartbeat (especially for free), but it's supposed to be her car, so she gets to make the decision.

maxx4me · February 2005

It is a tough decision. I don't like the buffeting noise, but I also don't like the look of the deflector either (8 ^ (l) doh!

billymaxx · March 2005

Oops, I see this was already posted earlier on.

Check out the custom ground effects you can get for your Maxx:

http://www.razzi.com/recentreleases/new-maxx-05.shtml

Definately will make your Maxx stand out.

-Bill

jerrywimer · March 2005

Too bad that the sunroof doesn't include one of the built-in popup style deflectors like some other GM vehicles have (the '03 Trailblazer I owned had this, for instance). Then the debate over looks vs. noise would be a moot point. :P

rich47571 · March 2005

[quote]An Automobile magazine reviewer wrote that the Maxx shares absolutely no sheetmetal with the Malibu. This is believable looking at the roof, sides, and rear. What about the hood?
Is there a chance that the Focus brand bug deflector for the '04 Malibu will NOT FIT a Maxx?
I feel certain that the body styling at that location is identical, even if the 2 hoods have different stampings.[/quote]

I build the Malibu and Malibu max and that quote by the reviewer is complete BS. The front ends of the cars are identical, they use the same exact fascia, headlamps, hoods, fenders and so on.

pao · March 2005

the maxx and sedan are identical from the front pillars foward to the hood...several maxx owners have installed the focus deflector already without any problems.....

chrpai · March 2005

Rich-

You build Malibus? Let me say to you, thanks buddy. I really like mine and I appreciate you guys putting them together.

hickoryd · March 2005

Thanks rich47571. Yes, the one I got from Auto Seattle was the Focus and it is an excellent fit.

kurtamaxxguy · March 2005

Yes, for a first year car you folks did a good job - the front and drivers area is quite nice! Good to know the Maxx front is similar to Mailbu sedan - makes it easier to get parts!

Though I wish more time had been spent on the back before production begun (back trim quality/fit is the weakest feature - it's where most of my rattles come from).

pao · March 2005

just ordered these rims for my 04 Maxx LT

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/DisplayWheel.jsp?wheelMake=TRMotorsport&wheelModel=R5&wheel- Finish=Bright+Silver+Paint

with these tires...225/50/17:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Avon&tireModel=Tech+M550+A%2FS&vehicleSea- - rch=true&partnum=155WR7M550&fromCompare1=yes

ordered thru NTB here in Northern VA..will post pics when i get them mounted on my Maxx website

jerrywimer · March 2005

Can't wait to see how they look on your car.

)

pao · March 2005

http://home.att.net/~p.oswald/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html

My Maxx website..showing the new additions...first pic on the site shows the profile...close up shots back in the photo sections..scroll back to get to them...enjoy....love the look now

pao · March 2005

Let me know if the link to the website works..and shows the new photos..teh default photo on the home page should show the rims..if not let me know

maxx4me · March 2005

hey, I've been in that car!! What a great view of the movie theaters from there eh? They do look great. That G&G Bailey link you have on your page is the bomb! I can't imagine snakeskin floor mats. (8 ^ (l)

pao · March 2005

Jim,,did the website work..showing the rims on the car..Im having problems updating it..and when I look at the site..it still shows the old photo with the OEM rims...let me know..thanks

maxx4me · March 2005

oops, you are correct Paul. I just went to the Chevy website to look over the stock rims, and your photo is still showing the LT OEMs. Sorry.

Chevrolet Malibu Accessories & Modifications

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Chevrolet Malibu Accessories &amp; Modifications

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Chevrolet Malibu Accessories & Modifications