Okay. I have read the FAQ and looked through the posts (and looked at whatever website that is with the instructions) and I am still trying to figure this out. It seems that nobody has ever published a very clear set of instructions on how to install a new head unit in the Protege. So here goes the question. I have a Pioneer CD player (from the Ranger) that I want to put in the Protege. It has the metal box that goes around the outside and you push the plates in to hold it down. I also went and found a 1999 Protege pocket (the faq says these work but I'm not so sure). What do I need to do (aside from the wiring harness) to get this damn thing to sit in my dash right? Can the plastic under the console support a stereo? Any special mounting tricks, etc? Once I do my install (if it goes well) I will try and publish a more complete step by step guide to installing it. Thanks in advance.

 

This is a good resource on how to install a deck: http://www.astolfo.com/p5/p5.asp This was posted three or four times when I searched for it just a minute ago.

 

That was the one I was referring to. It didn't have the information I needed.

 

The only thing I don't get is how the hell the factory head unit comes out? I've sat there trying everything I can think of. It looks by the pictures on that site that the "lips" on the sides comes out and reveals the holes for the din removal tool to go in but I can't get thos lips off to save my life.

 

Is this the double din install of the newer models? Actually removal of stock is pretty easy. On the left and right of the headunit are two wingplates that can be pulled off, they have tabs that hold them into holes. Once removed you need either a set of removal keys (On audio sites for sale for DIN removal, or sometimes on E-Bay under Mazda) but I have heard people on the boards use a coathanger to do this.
Either way the holes that the wing peices fit into at key holes, plug in the pullers, push the handles towards the deck so the rods in the holes are pushing out, and the whole unit will pop out. Pretty neat little design actually.

 

The part that I am worried about is how it is supposed to be actually mounted once you get the factory head unit off. I was also wondering about that '99 model pocket I bought.

I'm going to mess with it this weekend I think. I'll take some pictures and post them if I am successful.

 

Do you have any pics? I am going to install single DIN and I can't decide if I want to buy a pocket(and go with cheap kit) or buy a Best kit. Best kits fit well(I heard), but have ugly pocket w/o door (which looks pretty stock to me).
Andif you installed a stock pocket, can you, at least, tell me what kit you used and where you got the praised pocket. thanx

 

I will tell you this. I installed my system using a 99 model year pocket and while it fits I am not very pleased with the way the install looks and it is also a pain in the **** to get the factory deck out without the proper tool (which nobody I knew of had in stock). I finally got the dealership to take it out for me (which they did for free, nice guys). The head unit is in there but it does not sit very well on top of the pocket. I will eventually be taking a blank sheet of plastic and placing some gauges in there or something so that I will be happy.

 

Just a quick question in regards to this topic - how have all of you secured the empty pocket in the dash? and I assume most or all of you just slot the sleeve in above the pocket to mount the HU?