what adapters are needed to remove the factory cassette player and install a cd player. Also, where can I get them

 

On a FC you need a #2 Philips head screw driver to remove the factory radio.

You can get one at most home centers (like home depot), sears, and even from the local Snap-on dealer.

 

To install the din cd player you need an install kit to fill the extra space underneath and on the sides of the cd player. If you have an s4, these kits an cause enough undue stress to cause the surround to crack. They fixed this problem on the s5. You also need a wiring adapter but be forwarned that the front speakers are amplified seperately and will have to be re-wired. Since they are in the dash its a pretty easy job. All in all, if you have put a couple stereos in its an hour and a half job. If you haven't, you might want to have it done.

 

crutchfeild has an EXCELLENT higher quality kit for our cars. You can also get one of the oversized radios (2 din size). - www.crutchfield.com

Here's mine installed:

 

What kinda CD does that thing take? I have never seen one like that?

 

Hey Vaughnc, what did you use to hold the back of that deck up? When i used that kit, i just put it in there and the weight of the back of the deck would sag down and bend the front **** all up, i had to shove a wooden block (very custom install eh?). How did you do it? or did you not run into this problem? Thank you

 

The advantage of using the stock brackets and making your own trim plate:

 

Roy James I ran into the same problem with that kit, the deck is just sitting in there. Also, when I put the wiring harness adapter in, there was no ground wire. Is there one and I'm just not looking hard enough or do you have to ground it yourself. I grounded it myself but the ground point sucks, anyone know where is best place to ground?

Thanks,
Aaron

 

Best ground is the 10MM bolt right behind the access panel on either side of the front lower consol (just to the right of where your knee its).

Take out the screw, pull the panel off, and you'll see the bolt right there.

 

That is the same place i put it.

Icemark, care to elaborate on how you used the stock braket? i tried it, but i couldnt get any of the holes to line up, or did you just make your own holes? I think the latter would be more acceptable. How about that CF stuff, thats nice as a mother. How about some more on this Mark, thanks!

 

yes you have to drill holes in the stock bracket as Mazda did not follow ISO standards back in the '80s.

I use a piece of paper and poke through where the ISO holes are on the aftermarket radio, then use the poked holes as the template for drilling holes into the stock/factory braket. I drill using 1/4 holes so there is some play if needed when mounting to the aftermarket deck.

as far as the carbon fiber panel, I had made a CF center vent. So instead of using black plastic to make my trim panel I used some more CF. I have since sold my CF ven't so I need to cut another piece of plastic to replace the CF trim panel. It just has been low on my priority list.

But I do like how when the face of radio is removed the factory pocket cover is exactly the same color as the radio panel.

 

Its hard to see as well in those pictures, but I replaced the green LED and bulbs in the Alpine radio face with orange ones, so it matchs the dash better.

Its kinda nice that Alpine started using the white displays, so the color is pretty close to the off white- blue/white used in the 87-91 clock display.

 

Sweet, thanks man, this is how i am going to do my next install. BTW, nice site Icemark

 

the kit from crutchfield came with side brack supports - so no sagging in the back. You basically screw together a nice frame around the radio

The "el chepo" kits you get from circuit shitty and worst buy just have mounts on the front.

 

Well, that is my problem right there, i got it from Best Buy. Thanks guys

 

Out of curiousity, Icemark, how would you install a single DIN CD player w/o the factory brackets. I've got 2 87's & neither had a bracket for the radio. I can't find one, either. The only option I see right now is to completely fab a bracket myself. What should I sue for the bracket material. I don't have access to much in the way of metal fab equipment. I can't see mounting a CD player other than ISO. I just don't know how to go about it without having the factory brackets. I like my new surround panel that I just bought too much to load it up with any weight & have it crack.

 

Actually, Metra makes the kits, and the good kit is part #99-7501, NOT 99-7500 (that is just a face).

If you've had the misfortune of getting a car that has had its factory harness plugs cut, you can also get new plugs. You'll find the part numbers in the archvies. I probably repeated the same numbers twice so far.

Oh, do note that if you have to replace those plugs, you won't find a listing for the RX7, look under Ford Festiva, it's the same plug layout.

www.metraonline.com

 

Well there are a couple of options.

One is to use the FC radio gauge kit that one of the members here is making. They would mount to the same spots as the factory panel.

another is too get a factory bracket. Most people selling stock radios include the bracket. or get the bracket from a junk yard. I think I paid $10 + shipping for the last factory stock radio/cassette combo with bracket that I got.

The third is to build your own mounts that use the factory mounting holes. But unlessz you are a decnt metal worker, or have access to a shop with metal working tools, that may be a difficult option.

the forth way, is just to get the aftermarket kit and use it until you can find a factory bracket.

and finally, you can always order the radio theft kit from your local mazda dealer, but he will charge you an arm and leg. Some dealers will tell you that the theft kit doesn't exist anymore, but it does they just have to look in the older parts books. It will include a new dash panel, the mounting bracket and the power plugs. I remember buying one about 5 years ago and it was around $300... so that may not be a cost effectove option with so many people parting out FCs right now.