ShyutanSan

Hey all my dash is still oem, I'm trying to decide whats the best dash setup. The dash is 1+1/2 din, am I correct when I say this? Is it possible to fit two 1 dins in the protege without major mods to the structure of the pilot?

Post some pictures, that would help me a great deal thanks! (also good to show off your car setups)

-Peace

ChopstickHero

you can fit two single din units no problems...

ShyutanSan

Holy **** that is cool... what mounting method did you use to fit the two dins into the dash? Is there a special way you did it, or did you just put it in like any other dashes. I would imagine the two decks would move around without something to hold them together.

hihoslva

I know there is a part from the MP3 and MazdaSpeed Proteges, which is a "bar" of sorts - it supports the Kenwood that comes in those cars, and then the pocket with lid is installed underneath.

I have used the "MP3" pocket in my car:


The pocket is very secure, as it snaps into place and has a tab in the rear that connects to the dash support in back. All I did was install the pocket, then installed the radio sleeve above it. I used a little bit of foam insulation between the two for extra support, and to keep the radio from rattling against the top of the pocket. Basically, the pocket supports the radio, and it works very well.

The part I spoke of above is an extra support for a setup like this. If I ever change out the deck again, I just might pick it up from the dealer so I can have a "correct" setup - but mine works very well as is, without the extra support bar.

To install two DIN components, I would think this support piece would be a good thing to pick up. It will definitely be necessary for you to support the rear of the unit(s) - at least the bottom one. However, there is a great dash support bracket right behind the radio made for this purpose - and the stock deck has a screw with a rubber sleeve on it that sits in a hole in this dash support (same hole that the MP3 pocket uses for support) - if you could transfer that screw to the new unit (the "bottom" of your two DIN decks), you'd be all set.

Hope this helps.

~HH

ShyutanSan

Oh sorry I have a 2002 ES 2.0L. I guess it can fit 2 din.

Thanks guys.

MisterT

It'll fit two units if you want or an MP3 pocket and a DIN unit like Hiho's. I know that if you go to sites like crutchfield, they will say likewise, but it can be done. Ask Mr. Smith there on chopstickhero's screen.

MisterT

MisterT

You should see blue ledz's. His is on to something big last I saw his car (a couple of weeks ago). He is going with a TV where the radio is, placing CD player where the AC controls are and moving those below it. Looks good too! He hasn't gotten the tv just yet, but has a blue velvet type of material around the radio and where the passenger side air bag is. It's gonna look sweet!

MisterT

P5ChemDood

hihoslva, is that a kenwood mp-8017? I just recently got a 2003 P5 and have been deliberating on whether to swap out the clean looking stock CD player for my 8017 that I pulled out of my last car before I traded it in. How does it sound? And do you possibly have a pic of the HU lit up in the dark with the buttons set to Red?

hihoslva

Chem - yes, it is an MP8017.

Sorry - I have no pics of it lit up at night, but maybe I can take one for you. It looks good with the red buttons - not a perfect match to the dash, but pretty good.

My only complaint about it is that it's too bright. I like my dash lights dim, and even with the dimmer function working the deck is still too bright for my tastes. I actually pulled apart the faceplate, and put a few pieces of masking tape over the LED for the blue "Q" button to dim it down - that worked well. But this is just my craziness - I really like my dash lights dimmer than most people, I think. Even my wife does not find the deck to be too bright (got an MP8017 in her Jeep, too).

As far as sound, it's good. I mean, I think the internal amp is just so-so, but I am running two external amps so I don't use the internal power anymore. Early on, I used the deck power for the door speakers, and it was a little louder and clearer than stock, but nothing to write home about.

LOVE the mp3 capability though - I won't live without it now, and even when I look at new decks, if they don't play MP3 CDs, I don't even consider them.

Hope this helps - I'll see about snapping a pic or two later if I get the chance.

~HH

P5ChemDood

Thanks hihoslva! Yeah, I know what you mean about the brightness of the deck. When I had it in my other car, I turned off the cheesy "graphics" so that the only thing on the screen was the scrolling title. The blue Q button never really bothered me too much, though at one point I considered how it might look if i put a dab of black paint on it so that the only light that shone through came from "around" the button. I think I will go ahead and install it as soon as I get those "ford forks." Don't wanna go messing up my dash trim

DrooandhisES

dude! i've been looking all over the Aftermarket to find that damn pocket! i know mazda charges some obserd amount of money. i really want it for mine seeing as that i have a kenwood deck that i havent put in yet. is there a site that you can order it off of? somewhere that doesnt anally rape you on price? this would be very helpful.

Thanx

Droo~

MisterT

Horrible shot there! Pic does not do you justice. From what I saw it looked a lot cleaner than this. Keep us updated. It was looking sweet when I saw it a while back. Also, what alarm are you using? I want to get one to replace the factory one, but that's another story