Head Unit Installation in my 2002 MP5
 

I am using the 88-00-9000 from Metra to install my HU this weekend (Alpine CDA-7897) and was wondering if I need to use anything else (like a 99-5512 Snap-in kit) for the top half were the radio is. If not do I need to fabricate brackets for the radio to attach to the bucket? If not what should I do?

Check out www.bestkits.com

Does that show me the installation procedures for the kit that I have? I already have the kits, just need some pointers on where to go from there...

the kit should have come with some kind of instructions. I can't picture the kit you got or the Alpine. If the Alpine is smaller than the stock unit you will probably have to put in a face plate to take up the room and center your stereo. Or some of the newer faceplates come with pockets (which are useless except for holding gum or lipbalm). You might have to play around with it or modify it. Good luck and I hope things work out. Sorry I couldn't be more of a help.

Sorry I guess I need to clarify what I have. The 88-00-9000 is the Metra Universal Pocket. It doesn't attach to anything except where it goes into the dash. According to Metra this is what kit this car uses. I got ahold of a 99-5512, which is the Mazda Snap-In Kit that the regular Protege's use (Pre 2000) when they had a Single-Din radio. What I was wondering if the two in conjunction with each other would ensure a proper fitment of the radio in the dash.

If you drill a couple holes in the metra pocket and mount it solidly to whatever brackets hold in the factory stereo unless it slides in and is held in by the main console. If you can get the pocket to fit solidly in that space then remove it and mount the other kit solidly within it, while keeping your previous screw holes accessible then you should be able to mount the two kits as one with the Alpine deck inside it. You will probably have to cut a hole for the wiring harness. You might want to put the stereo at the top of the pocket so that whatever goes in the pocket (coins, keys) stays in with no potential of falling into the stereo. Remember to measure twice and cut once. My wife wants a better stereo in the car this summer so if everything pans out let me know. Its hard for me to give you advice cause i can't fully picture the kits you got. Good luck