How would I put an aftermarket radio in my '82 GS? Is there a thread that details a previous install?

Also, I replaced the clutch not too long ago and somehow messed up the wiring behind the center console while dropping the transmission. The fuse for the cigarette lighter/clock/interior lights pops whenever I replace it. I have the ground connected to the back of the cigarette lighter but have two loose wires (one black female connector, one red male connector). What did I mess up? :P

Thanks!

 

First step for both is to download the factory wiring diagram here:

Foxed.ca - Mazda RX-7 Manuals

The Haynes manual also has these diagrams.


When I installed my stereo I looked around for writeups but did not find too much information. Essentially figure out how to take out your stock radio and wire in a new one. I do not think there is an adapter harness to make it easier.


Use the wiring diagram to chase down exactly what has come unplugged and go from there. Pics would help.

 

OP.
Are you trying to put a CD player into your car?

If you are, you will need to cut the radio console dash panel to accommodate the player.

I have done a few.

On the other issue, I`ll bet you that you have pinched a wiring harness to ground somewhere. I am guessing around the transmission hump of the car. I would use a meter to find out where the problem is. Something else, have you tried a new lighter plug or even checked it to see if the one you have now is shorted?

You WILL need a wiring diagram & VOM meter also, to figure out where the problem is at.

 

Pull the radio trim out and check out the little grounding block screwed into the back of it. Verify there are no + wires plugged into it. That little bastard will cause problems if you flip that plug upside down into it.

 

Here's the wiring harness I used.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MAZDA-CAR-STEREO-CD-PLAYER-WIRING-HARNESS-WIRE-AFTERMARKET-RADIO-INSTALL-PLUG-/390659575690?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ARX-7&hash=item5af5200f8a&vxp=mtr
It does work with the stock system but if you want to actually push some power to the speakers it won't do the job. The stock speakers are rated to blow at an extremely low wattage (like 20w or something ridiculously low like that) and using this kit won't let you put anything more to them. It'll run the stereo as a stock unit through the amplifiers and you'll have to be satisfied with that.





I ended up running dedicated hard lines to each speaker from the head unit which gave me 50w peak RMS to each speaker (old speakers replaced with Kenwood in all 4- worked great). Then when I wanted more sound I wired a 4 channel 400w amp into a storage bin and had each speaker amplified. I'll find some pictures of the rats nest of wires I made back there, it's a bit of a chore.

Not worth it if you like to just listen to the rotary on short trips as I do, I never used it after the turbo swap - too much music coming from the loud exhaust.

 

I have a good picture of the wiring mess when all the speaker wires were run to the head unit in the stock location, I'll try to find that here in a minute.

 

20w is alot compared to the SA's 3w.lol SA Clarion sounds like a 1920s gramaphone.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm going to do a little more research and get to work!

 

Have you considered this

Love the ability to use my phone for music & directions while retaining the stock look.

 

My single din head unit went in with no problems except for the +30 year old connectors crumbling. So I ran power straight from the battery with a fuse of course. Also the supposed theft deterrent flimsy aluminum case is a joke. I have washers and metal screws securing the front. I will post a picture if you want.

The unit I got was CD player which I never use. It's usb thumb drive all the way.

 

Looking at this harness on ebay, noticed that it said "Not For Use On Factory Amplified Sound Systems." Does this mean that I will need to remove the factory amp?