RX-8 in dash upgrade

[Zachary Turner]

I just got a 2005 Mazda RX-8 and I'm less than satisfied with the
standard stereo that comes with it. The problem is, it's some huge
built in "control panel"esque stereo that seems unremovable. Not only
is there volume/channel control on the steering wheel, but the button
for the car's hazard lights are on the very same control panel. I want
satellite radio, I want the ability to play MP3 CDs. I want a
subwoofer output!!! What are my options here? Do I even have any?

if anyone out there installs car stereos profesionally, can you tell me
if you've worked with RX-8s before, and if they are simply
un-upgradeable? I suppose I could take the ashtray out and slide an
aftermarket in dash in there, but then you've got two radios, one of
which doesn't do anything, and the steering wheel controls are disabled
(probably).

Advice appreciated
Zach

[Phonedude]

"Zachary Turner" > wrote in message
ups.com...
>I just got a 2005 Mazda RX-8 and I'm less than satisfied with the
> standard stereo that comes with it. The problem is, it's some huge
> built in "control panel"esque stereo that seems unremovable. Not only
> is there volume/channel control on the steering wheel, but the button
> for the car's hazard lights are on the very same control panel. I want
> satellite radio, I want the ability to play MP3 CDs. I want a
> subwoofer output!!! What are my options here? Do I even have any?
>
> if anyone out there installs car stereos profesionally, can you tell me
> if you've worked with RX-8s before, and if they are simply
> un-upgradeable? I suppose I could take the ashtray out and slide an
> aftermarket in dash in there, but then you've got two radios, one of
> which doesn't do anything, and the steering wheel controls are disabled
> (probably).
>

I checked on the Crutchfield site and they don't have anything that fits
your car. They suggest you send them an email and they will help you in any
way they can. It's been my experience that Crutchfield knows what they're
talking about when it comes to what fits in what car -- so you may be out of
luck.

PD

[[email protected]]

Check out Audio Control's LC6, or JL Audio's Cleansweep. Both products
will enable a amplifier upgrade using existing head unit and steering
wheel controls. The Cleensweep has an input for a Satelitte receiver.

[wako29]

don't worry about the steering wheel controls. On Sounddomain they have
a cool little thing that takes all of the steering wheel controls and
turns them into the signal similar to that of a remote for the HU. In
other words, it uses the HU's remote's signals to make the steering
wheel's functions work on the new HU.

as far as the whole dash, I would say get a fly-wheel cut-off tool and
go to work :). Then go back and put a piece of brushed aluminum over it
or something similar. Or go on cardomain.com and see what other people
have done


--
wako29