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

Will an 85 radio fit in my 79

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Old Mar 29, 2004 | 08:07 PM
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Question Will an 85 radio fit in my 79

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2470415761

will it fit the same as the one now? does anyones have one that will look stock?
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Old Mar 29, 2004 | 11:41 PM
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i dont think it will fit, although i dont know. I might know a guy who has one...
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Old Mar 30, 2004 | 10:33 AM
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I have a SA Radio that works well. I m selling it so if u r interested let me know
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Old Mar 30, 2004 | 10:38 AM
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i would stick with the SA radio. you can wire in another radio, even one from an FB, but in my opinion, if its not aftermarket or OE replacement, it will be a pinch complicated and may look out of place.
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Old Mar 30, 2004 | 11:19 AM
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You'd have to do an awful lot of hacking to get that into a '79. Not just the bezel, but the metal behind it.
You could get a standard DIN radio in there with much less modification, or one of the few 3-hole (shafted) radios still available in there with less modification still. Sony and Pioneer still make a shafted model or two.
I went so far as to make a custom aluminum bezel to hold my CD player and a set of 2-1/16" gauges. Had to remove a fair amount of metal behind the bezel to make it work, but now the aluminum panel is a supporting member (3/16" thick, you see).
http://www.wankel.net/~krwright/imag...w-dash-tb.html
and
http://www.wankel.net/~krwright/imag...nished-tb.html
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Old Mar 30, 2004 | 11:28 AM
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It looks alot better in person
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Old Mar 30, 2004 | 11:35 AM
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It will not fit without A LOT of modification. Its easyer to just put an aftermarket radio in. Its either that or stick with the SA radio.

I fit a set of 2 1/16" guages into my center console without actually making a new plate to go into there. You can see it on my cardomain site. I am putting a Blaupunkt headunit in there and i have 2 guages where the old tape deck was. The third is in place of the broken clock.
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Old Mar 30, 2004 | 02:47 PM
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Thanks, Andrew!

My car just had a hole below the radio - I think it had the optional tape deck once upon a time.

Originally, I fit a GM kit in there with a stacked DIN unit and half-DIN EQ, modifying and filling the plastic bezel to fit, with a Mazda emblem where the origianal radio was, more or less.
http://www.wankel.net/~krwright/imag...onsole-tb.html

Still have that bezel, in fact, and an original uncut one, "just in case."

The aluminum one happened when I was working for a shop with a waterjet. I measured out the plastic bezel, then went through several templates cut out chipboard (cut on the waterjet) 'til I got the curves and placement right. Had to have the back side milled a little to fit the AC controls in there. If someone wants the CAD file, they're welcome to it (personal use only, please!) It should fit '79-80, up to whenever the lower bezel moved up the curve of the console, and started to include the ashtray.
My pedal covers are also waterjet cut, and so is the stainless steel Mazda logo on the rear of the car. Too bad the rest of the car doesn;t do it justice...
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Old Mar 30, 2004 | 03:24 PM
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Originally posted by Frankenrex
Thanks, Andrew!

My car just had a hole below the radio - I think it had the optional tape deck once upon a time.

Originally, I fit a GM kit in there with a stacked DIN unit and half-DIN EQ, modifying and filling the plastic bezel to fit, with a Mazda emblem where the origianal radio was, more or less.
http://www.wankel.net/~krwright/imag...onsole-tb.html

Still have that bezel, in fact, and an original uncut one, "just in case."

The aluminum one happened when I was working for a shop with a waterjet. I measured out the plastic bezel, then went through several templates cut out chipboard (cut on the waterjet) 'til I got the curves and placement right. Had to have the back side milled a little to fit the AC controls in there. If someone wants the CAD file, they're welcome to it (personal use only, please!) It should fit '79-80, up to whenever the lower bezel moved up the curve of the console, and started to include the ashtray.
My pedal covers are also waterjet cut, and so is the stainless steel Mazda logo on the rear of the car. Too bad the rest of the car doesn;t do it justice...
Mazda logo also? Didnt get to check that out... you gonna be at the meet next sat? Im gonna try to get out there, if I can get my car back together........
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Old Mar 30, 2004 | 07:05 PM
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Yup, should be.
It's in the stock location on the right rear. Got another one for the front when I get it painted decently.
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Old Mar 30, 2004 | 07:15 PM
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Picture:
http://www.wankel.net/~krwright/imag...d_tips-tb.html
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