Has anyone successfully transformed the empty space in the stock P5 HU into a pocket or some sort? I just bought a replacement HU from a forum member and don't really have a use for the tape player .. so I thought I would take it out and try to custom fab something to make it into usable storage space.

Post any ideas/pics/products you might know of. Thanks.

 

I've seen switches installed in there, and I know a Mazdaspeed3 guy (I know, not exactly the same head unit, but surprisingly close.. same modular setup) modded a Harmon Kardon Drive+Play display into it and it came out GREAT. Plus, anyone with the AuxMod auxiliary input can't really use it as a pocket much... it would work well for holding.. I dunno a cell phone or somethin, not too much.

 

That's exactly what I want it for

What about the aux mod though? I'd be interested in getting that hooked up so I can play my iPod using the radio controls. Does that take up a lot of space? Never seen one installed in a P5..

 

You're not talking about one of these are ya?
http://www.sylfex.com/products/AuxMod/

 

the auxmod doesn't let you control your ipod, it's just an aux-in.. to control the ipod, you'd either need the mazda OEM ipod integration kit (129.99, but yeah it works with the Protege5 radio) or I think an aftermarket one that is the same price.

 

So which auxmod were you referring to? The custom one from MSProtege where you splice a RCA cable and solder it in or the one I posted from Sylfex?

 

That's the one I was talking about. I have only installed it on a Mazda3, but on the Protege5 it should be the same.. it would restrict the size of the pocket a little.

The only thing I've personally seen that lets you control the ipod (doesn't show you anything on the display, but lets you control the functions of the player) is the OEM Mazda ipod integration kit.

Or you could get the harmon kardon drive+play, I think the original model is under 100 dollars now.. and then plug a cable from it into your sylfex auxmod and you're good to go. it uses a weird little joystick controller with a display you mount to your dash (or in your dash if you're crafty)

 

Hmm .. never heard of the Harmon Kardon product. I'll check it out.

Quite honestly though I think I'll just get the Mazda iPod integration kit to make it easy. I had my iPod setup using an FM transmitter and it was horrible. The sound quality wasn't that bad, but changing songs and artists using the iPod wheel while driving was a BAD idea!!

 

Harmon Kardon has a great rep in the home stereo/ hi-fi world. Definately good stuff.
Are you looking for the single din pocket that goes under the aftermarket HU? They probably have them at your local car stereo installers, but you can also get them from sound domain or even ebay.

This thing, right? You can see it under the HU, holding my celly)


If you wann get fancy, hit up the RX-7 club for an "R1 Din Pocket" and it'll even have a little lid/door.

like this one:
http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.ph...ight=r1+pocket




EDIT I'm on glue. There's a ipod hook up, tapedeck or mini disc player that goes there.

 

yeah.. I had my ipod connected through a custom cradle with line-out to my aux-in, but I never changed music while driving aside from maybe pushing the "next track" button.. I typically just listen to a full album at a time, and don't change music unless I'm parked.

 

He's talking about the spot in the OEM head unit where the tape/MD players go (or just a door that says "multimedia audio system" or some junk)

 

lol, yeah I figured that out AFTER I replied.

owned, once again, by comprehension.

 

Maybe just cut out & glue in some black plastic trim to cover that wire mesh and keep it as a simple pocket for phone /sunglasses. Line it with felt or other padding so nothing rattles as you're zoomin' along.

--OR--

If you put the tape player back in, the 'Smart Deck' tape deck adapter from Griffin will give you MUCH better sound quality than an FM transmitter, and you can use the Prev/Next buttons on the stereo to control the iPod.

PS- That's one fine lookin' stereo! Where'd ya get it?
PPS- Hope you like Tom Petty.