Finally got my system done - Pix
 

Yep - finally did my install today - now I just have to tweak the whole thing, but it's all installed and working nicely.

I put some new pix up in my Webshots album. Check 'em out if you like:

Stereo Album

Comments welcomed.

I like the set up alot. Wish I could do that. No room for the stroller though:blue:

I dunno - I've still got a ton of room left, as you can see by the fact that my two jobboxes still fit.

That was my goal all along - to get some good sounds without sacrificing necessary space back there. I just took some decent measurments, knew the space I had to work with, and made full use of it.

I do like the other members' suggestions of a long thin box - like where my amp rack is. Wouldn'tve worke for me, but could be great for you.

nice install/setup! i'm about to gut my back and re-do my sub and add a gamecube or something. but i gotta go plan it out and see what i have to give up if anything at all.

good job on the hu/pocket too! :)

who did you buy the pocket from. The user name from ebay. I like that one alot better then mine.

His username is "thensjet" - but I'm pretty sure this came out of his car - one time thing.

You can find them up for auction once in a while. I found this one from a search for "Mazda Protege" - I bid high and got lucky - paid about $40 (better than the $90 or more the dealers want).

Keep looking - I've been trying for almost 4 months to get one, and finally did. This one is actually from a 99 Pro, but is a direct fit.

Very nice! :bt: :bt:

Did you angle the mids up w/ your custom mounts?

looks nice....... :bt:

when you installed the HU after the pocket, how was the fit? did you just use the metal bracket that came with the HU and slide it in or what? did you secure it on the back with anything? i am wondering because i got the same pocket and am wondering how the fit is. thanks!

I didn't secure the back - I just put the mounting sleeve in the stock opening, bent the appropriate tabs, and that was it.

I did, however, have a rattling problem with my old pocket (Metra). To try to avoid this, I used some foam weatherstripping between the new pocket and the stereo sleeve - this also served to support the stereo a bit, as I put some thick stuff in there.

There is a small gap (maybe 1/8") between the pocket and the HU. I plan to fill this with weatherstripping, or maybe even take the trim plate of my old pocket and trim it to fit in the space with a dremel. Right now I'm too busy cranking it up to worry about it :bt:- but it shouldn't be a tough thing to solve.

I had a hell of a time getting the deck in place - with all the wiring and a few sets of RCAs, things get crowded back there real fast. A tug this way, and a pull that way, then a solid shove and I heard the "click" I was waiting for. I just didn't want to cut the support bracket in the back unless I had to.

Looks great! I can't give up that much trunk space (I need to be able to fold down only one half, too), but I like it!

Nice Setup man.

good job.

Yeah, I got that pocket too and there's a 1/8 inch gap between the pocket and the HU. I'm going to use some foam (thick ones) so it provides extra support and cushioning as well (you know how stiff our suspension is :) )

The pocket has an extended piece at the back that fits right into the metal support, so it's really strudy once it's in. (now my problem is trying to get it out because i have the pocket lid opening upwards instead of downwards). It's well locked, and I might need some removal tools for that.:doh:

Whoops - I missed your question, mp4life....

I didn't do the angled adapter plates. Mostly because I got a little lazy, and anxious to get the whole install done in one day.

Now that I'm trying to tune the whole system, I'm tinking I need to do a little sound deadening in the doors. I think that once I get around to doing that, I might just make those angled adapters after all....

For anyone who is considering doing this - I noticed a great way to check clearances while doing my install - I will use the technique when I eventually do make new adapter plates:

First off, you'll definitely have to trim the inner part of the grille on the door panel - there's that "edge" on the inside of the door - I already zipped that of with a dremel. To check and see how much I can build the speakers out (and how much angle and better imaging I can achieve), all I will have to do is pop out the small armrest panel with the window switches. Then stick a flashlight in the door and see what I see. I think there is a lot of room between the door panel and the speaker - maybe enough to make the plates 1" thick - then tapered off to almost no thickness - that might give a very nice soundstage.

Damn - The bug has taken hold......

haha thanks for the response, i was wondering what was up.

I'm thinking of making for 4 to 3 hole adapters out of 3/4 mdf, and angleing it upwards in my 1st gen but unfortunately i recieved some bad news today... the car is dying :( so i'm debating whether or not to still get my sub, but it doesnt look good... I may have to exterminate the bug :( :(

Nice Job! Clean and functional.