Upgrading from Stock Radio

[zephyrus17]

I want to upgrade the radio stack to play cd/aux in from mp3s. I've looked around and read that I need a new JDM radio surround. Is the width of newer radios wider than the current surrounds allow?

[93_Clubman]

If you're just doing the usual upgrade from OEM tuner/ cassette to tuner/ cd/ mp3 then width is usually ok, it's the height that's the problem. NA6 & NA8 have a 1.5 DIN OEM tuner/ casette, whereas later tuner/ cd/ mp3 are often 1.0 DIN, leaving a gap between bottom of tuner/ cd & cubby holder. However, you can just buy a 1.5 DIN cubby holder to get around the gap issue.

[zephyrus17]

So the total height is equivalent to 2.5din?

Also, if I get a 200W head unit, will the default door speakers be able to handle the power?

[93_Clubman]

So the total height is equivalent to 2.5din?

That's my understanding, & also from what I can see of my OEM versus an old tuner/ cd & tuner/ cassette that I have.

[zephyrus17]

I went to JB Hifi to have a look at their models, and the pioneer that I was looking at had some slide-in mechanism and is not meant to be bolted on. Is this a common feature among all brands and what workaround can I use?

[hks_kansei]

do you mean the tin rectangular liner thing?

most makers use that system, basically just a tin sleeve that you bent the prongs over so it clicks in behind the fascia.
Then you slide the Head unit into the sleeve.


it's the usual one that they use, but pretty much all of them wil also have threaded holes on the side to bolt them in if you prefer.

[zephyrus17]

I called City Mazda here in Adelaide and they said only Melbourne has stock of the 1.5DIN cubby hole. However, they quoted me 3 products, all around $35-$38 title "Centre Console Ornament w/o Radio" or something. I'm not really sure which is the one for me. I got the part numbers from the department:
FC0255235A
LA0355235A
HA4055231E

Anyone know which is the correct one?

[93_Clubman]

I called City Mazda here in Adelaide and they said only Melbourne has stock of the 1.5DIN cubby hole. However, they quoted me 3 products, all around $35-$38 title "Centre Console Ornament w/o Radio" or something. I'm not really sure which is the one for me. I got the part numbers from the department:
FC0255235A
LA0355235A
HA4055231E
Anyone know which is the correct one?

Can't help ref part numbers, but my understanding is you can get the 1.5DIN cubby holders from good car stereo outlets - why not try one of them then you can see what you're getting & probably get it cheaper than a genuine part.

[zephyrus17]

Will do. I'm trying to install a Pioneer DEH-2250UBG into the slot and I have no idea how this goes. Do I use the sliding sheath or not? The mount has some pre-bent tabs, do I have to unbend them?

[zephyrus17]

^ Delete post above! Successfully installed after a bit of utter confusion. Can't believe JB-HiFi charges $95 for such a trivial task

[Lokiel]

^ Delete post above! Successfully installed after a bit of utter confusion. Can't believe JB-HiFi charges $95 for such a trivial task

Welcome to the DIY world. The more you actually do yourself, the more you wonder why you never did it before since you can save a hell of a lot of money.

Years ago I got charged $50 for removing+replacing door trim when getting speakers installed; that's a 10 minutes maximum job - NEVER AGAIN!

I reckon I've saved over $2,000 in labour on my car doing it "DIY" in the last 12 months alone.

[zephyrus17]

Yeah.. I agree. DIY, especially in this country, will save us loads.

After I installed the head unit I just realised how crappy my speakers were Maybe I'll upgrade those as well! hehehe

[Benny]

If you want better sound quality, upgrading the speakers should be the first thing you do as this will make the biggest difference.

[zephyrus17]

Yeap, will do that.