Audio Systems: Radio reception problem, satellite radio receiver, fm modulator

Question
I have a 1991 Corvette with a Bose stereo system.  The radio portion would not receive any AM or FM stations.  However, the CD and cassette player work fine.  I assumed that the antenna cable came unplugged and took it to a Chevrolet dealer for repair.  They checked the connection at the back of the stereo and at the antenna but did not find the source of the problem.  I was informed that the receiver is separate from the stereo and will require dismantling the console to get to it, resulting in additional costs.  Does this sound accurate?  If I decide not to repair this and opt for a satellite radio receiver with an FM modulator, will it work with the stereo as is?

Answer
Randy,
If you can pull the stereo out of the dash yourself, you can purchase one of those cheapo antennas from WalMart and plug it into the rear of the stereo after you remove the existing antenna cable. On the 1991 vette they didn't install a seperate receiver box, the radio portion is within the CD/tape unit assembly. If after plugging in the test antenna and the stereo receives AM/FM stations OK, then you can save yourself some cash and replace the antenna yourself.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net