1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

DIN stereo replacement unit makes gaping hole in dash

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-31-02, 06:29 PM
  #1  
I read your email

Thread Starter
 
inittab's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NW New Jersey
Posts: 2,624
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
DIN stereo replacement unit makes gaping hole in dash

I'm looking into options for putting tunes in my car and it seems to me that if I replace the head unit I'll have one big freak'n whole in my dash. Any suggestions for filling it up? I know it's perfect spot for mounting gauges but right now I'm just interested in making look neat.
Old 03-31-02, 06:54 PM
  #2  
Driven a turbo FB lately?

iTrader: (1)
 
MIKE-P-28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Branch, Indiana
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Im assuming when you say big hole you mean 84-85?

Get a installation kit and you'll be OK
Old 03-31-02, 07:26 PM
  #3  
Hunting Skylines

 
REVHED's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Posts: 3,431
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
I just made up a suitable cover plate out of plastic and glued it on. Too easy.
Old 03-31-02, 07:33 PM
  #4  
Rotary Freak

 
V8kilr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Troy,Mi
Posts: 2,441
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
here are some options,

buy a double din radio
buy a cd player and 1 din eq
buy a cd player and 2 half din eqs
get a kit,mount cd player on top or bottom use space below or above radio for gauges
Old 03-31-02, 09:54 PM
  #5  
Driven a turbo FB lately?

iTrader: (1)
 
MIKE-P-28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Branch, Indiana
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Actually in mine, I used a double DIN older model Mitsubishi metal kit painted it titanium silver metallic... Loaded from behind and held in with both din sleeves from the pioneer CD player and the DSP9200 EQ
Old 03-31-02, 10:03 PM
  #6  
I can has a Hemi? Yes...

iTrader: (2)
 
Directfreak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: 3OH5
Posts: 9,371
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally posted by MIKE-P-28
Actually in mine, I used a double DIN older model Mitsubishi metal kit painted it titanium silver metallic... Loaded from behind and held in with both din sleeves from the pioneer CD player and the DSP9200 EQ
Sounds Good Mike,

Got a pic?
Old 03-31-02, 10:34 PM
  #7  
8krpm is not enough

 
speckamp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
I've posted pics of my EMPEG install in a couple of threads. I basically went to circuit city, got the install kit for an 86-89 RX-7 and threw it together. I put a couple of gauges below the EMPEG and it looks great.

--matt
Old 03-31-02, 10:43 PM
  #8  
smog nazi destroyer

 
riffraff's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: california
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
speckamp.. through down some pictures of that if you have any
Old 04-01-02, 01:08 AM
  #9  
Anytime baby!

 
brownmound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Austin, TX USA
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Try this:

http://bestkits.com/app_guide_2001/b...licable&ID=361

and let me know how it looks ok! Seriously I just ordered a Nak head unit and will be needing a kit or making one in the next week. I wish they had a picture of that one.

There is this one also:

http://www.scosche.com/scosche/installation/mazda.asp

My main concern is the fugly and cheapness that these kits might have. Was thinking of just using plexiglass painted black on the back. That would match the finish of the clock, at least.

Let's see some pics!

Right on.
Old 04-01-02, 08:35 AM
  #10  
Driven a turbo FB lately?

iTrader: (1)
 
MIKE-P-28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Branch, Indiana
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by Directfreak


Sounds Good Mike,

Got a pic?
I can get one, but remember the 85 is totally apart

The deck is in my vert, but the EQ is still mounted in the dash panel , boost guage is going to replace the clock in the center of the dash...

By the way brownmound, thats what we use at work is Best, its a good kit. The Scosche is OK, but a lot of their kits are like American International ones, and a snap together pieces of crap But either of these look great..

Last edited by MIKE-P-28; 04-01-02 at 08:38 AM.
Old 04-01-02, 10:09 AM
  #11  
I read your email

Thread Starter
 
inittab's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: NW New Jersey
Posts: 2,624
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally posted by MIKE-P-28

thats what we use at work is Best, its a good kit.
Cool! Sounds like a recommendation to me. Mike, I'll blame you if it doesn't work.

Thanks for the help everyone!
Old 04-01-02, 11:00 AM
  #12  
8krpm is not enough

 
speckamp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
http://www.ub3rgeek.net/~mernisse/RX...nter-decel.jpg

All my pics are always posted to my website, along with all the news / mods / reviews of mods to the car. Just hit the www button below and click on RX-7 GSL-SE in the header and go from there.



--matt
Old 04-01-02, 12:52 PM
  #13  
Driven a turbo FB lately?

iTrader: (1)
 
MIKE-P-28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Branch, Indiana
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by inittab


Cool! Sounds like a recommendation to me. Mike, I'll blame you if it doesn't work.

Thanks for the help everyone!
everyone always does, wont be new to me

Only thing to consider is that if not installed totally right, they have a tendecy to push outward on the dash and as we know our dash panels like to crack

Seems anything later than the 83 dash was bad about that, even my 88 vert dash panel I just replaced! Not only Rx-7's but Miata's are as bad

Last edited by MIKE-P-28; 04-01-02 at 12:57 PM.
Old 04-01-02, 01:55 PM
  #14  
Anytime baby!

 
brownmound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Austin, TX USA
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Originally posted by MIKE-P-28


Only thing to consider is that if not installed totally right, they have a tendecy to push outward on the dash and as we know our dash panels like to crack

Do you have any photos of the Best kit installed, Mike? I really would like to see how it looks. Specifically, I dislike when the head unit protrudes way beyond the plane of the OEM panel. Anyways, if you got pics, let's see em. Also, where do you get the Best kit?

Right on.
Old 04-01-02, 02:00 PM
  #15  
Rotary Freak

iTrader: (1)
 
85RX7GS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: NJ
Posts: 2,693
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I was fortunate enough to find a faceplate with a glovebox in the junk yard that I used.
Old 04-01-02, 04:07 PM
  #16  
Anytime baby!

 
brownmound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Austin, TX USA
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
here is the Best Kit

Here is the response I got from a dude at Best Kits:

Hello,
Thank you for the inquiry. I do not recommend the MA1530. The MZ10 (which is
a metal kit) actually works better. It has a provision for a single DIN
radio. Please see the attached photo (it is the best I have).

We do not sell direct. You can purchase from a local dealer or try
www.autosoundgear.com <http://www.autosoundgear.com> .


Gordie

I've tried to attach the pic, so hopefully it shows. It's a crappy pic though.

Right on.
Old 04-01-02, 04:41 PM
  #17  
Driven a turbo FB lately?

iTrader: (1)
 
MIKE-P-28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Branch, Indiana
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I got a pic of the kit in my 88 vert...

If you need the kit, Ill order you one...

Im a dealer
Old 04-01-02, 08:45 PM
  #18  
-SE with Mods

iTrader: (1)
 
RX7145's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Ohio, Columbus
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have some pics on my web sight. looks very nice!!
Old 04-01-02, 09:53 PM
  #19  
Driven a turbo FB lately?

iTrader: (1)
 
MIKE-P-28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Branch, Indiana
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by brownmound


Do you have any photos of the Best kit installed, Mike? I really would like to see how it looks. Specifically, I dislike when the head unit protrudes way beyond the plane of the OEM panel. Anyways, if you got pics, let's see em. Also, where do you get the Best kit?

Right on.
Ok here ya go, its from my 88 vert, I had to do a little filing and modifing to get it the way its show. But its pretty much self explanatory when you get into it...
Old 04-01-02, 10:50 PM
  #20  
Seven Is Coming

iTrader: (1)
 
RotorMotorDriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Washington
Posts: 6,503
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Ok guys, heres a pic of my "install" in the 85 GSL using a crap Schucks install kit. The kit said it would fit the car, but they lied. I had to do a little trimming here and there to get it to fit, but it wasnt too hard at all. A sharp box knife made it nice. Anyway, heres the pic...

~T.J.

PS - The surround was already cracked and messed around the radio area because the guy before us tried to make a stereo out of an 88 Nissan Maxima fit
Old 04-02-02, 01:42 PM
  #21  
I can has a Hemi? Yes...

iTrader: (2)
 
Directfreak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: 3OH5
Posts: 9,371
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 3 Posts
Hey, look at what the second Gen Guys have..



Looks Great, and they have a guy who makes em.

here's the thread
https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...5&pagenumber=1

Selling on EBAY

Old 04-02-02, 01:53 PM
  #22  
Right near Malloy

iTrader: (28)
 
Pele's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Behind a workbench, repairing FC Electronics.
Posts: 7,839
Received 505 Likes on 342 Posts
That metal kit looks cool.

My metra kit doesn't look all that bad, but it does leave small gaps and sits kinda funny... But for $15 it meets expectations.

In fact that kit in MIKE-P-28's Vert looks similar to my metra kit with the Equalizer plate in and the blank insert in where the equalizer goes.

I have my head unit in the upper bay and a pocket in the lower bay. I keep a tin of altoids in the pocket... I think they're stale by now.
Old 04-02-02, 02:04 PM
  #23  
Driven a turbo FB lately?

iTrader: (1)
 
MIKE-P-28's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Fort Branch, Indiana
Posts: 6,444
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
But with the Metra kit, I dont beleive you can do a front load DIN, thats recessed? See if you look at the picture of mine, the deck is actually behind the dash panel kinda like factory. I dont like when the deck sits TOO far out of the dash, just my personal opinion sometimes it cant be helped tho.
Old 04-03-02, 01:45 PM
  #24  
Right near Malloy

iTrader: (28)
 
Pele's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Behind a workbench, repairing FC Electronics.
Posts: 7,839
Received 505 Likes on 342 Posts
It's true.. With my metra kit, the back edge of my head unit's faceplate is even with the dash.

Must fix.

Hell.. Must get new dash panel... (DSPO got their stareo stolen.. Broke the silver surround. )



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:53 AM.