Make a storage shelf out of the tape deck cavity?

[dishe]

So, I saw some pics somewhere on this thread that behind the factory CD stereo, if you don't have the tape deck option, there is an empty tape-deck-sized hole behind the faceplate.

I'm wondering, has anyone ever tried to utilize that space and make a little shelf to throw things like a cell phone?

Taking off the faceplate shouldn't be hard, but I'd like to cover the metal cage inside so it doesn't just look like a hole into the car.

Eventually, I think it would be kind of cool to have an area I can pull out to mount my phone for navigation and/or charging, then slide back in when done. Seems like an awful waste of space for those of us without a tape deck and factory stereo...

Anyone ever try something like this?

 

[Heat]

Here are the pictures he's talking about. The plastic piece below the radio is just a cover for the hole where the tape deck would go if you bought one. If you take the radio out, the plastic piece can easily be removed which would leave you with the space which could potentially be used for something else.

Maybe a pocket (sleeve) from a metro kit for another vehicle would fit into there? I'll take a closer look tonight.

 

[dishe]

Yes, those are the pictures, thanks for posting it!

I'm debating replacing the whole stereo so I can add an aux plug, but like the OEM look and steering controls. Replacing the stereo + getting steering wheel control adaptor + losing the stock look adds up to something I'd rather not do right now.

 

[mpvue]

I mount my blackberry in that space. I put a piece of velcro (the hard platic kind, not the fabric kind) and just stick it there when I'm driving. it's like a tom tom GPS device that way, and it's conveninet when I'm listening to pandora through the phone.

 

[kw_da]

Yes, those are the pictures, thanks for posting it!

I'm debating replacing the whole stereo so I can add an aux plug, but like the OEM look and steering controls. Replacing the stereo + getting steering wheel control adaptor + losing the stock look adds up to something I'd rather not do right now.

You can get an IPOD adapter that also has a aux input that just plugs into the back of the stock radio - just run the aux input anywhere.

David

 

[dishe]

You can get an IPOD adapter that also has a aux input that just plugs into the back of the stock radio - just run the aux input anywhere.

David

I know, but the AuxMod is discontinued, and the other ones I've found cost almost as much as a new stereo (I have a Sony bluetooth model I installed in my other car for $100).

Unless there's a cheap one I just don't know about...

 

[Heat]

For what it's worth, my vote is for the aftermarket route. Take a look at the Sony GT640UI. $160, though Crutchfield currently has an open box version for $144 and a scratch & dent for $135. Prices include kit, harness, and shipping. Besides the auxiliary input, you'll get a front mounted USB port (for flash (thumb ) drives), iPod controls, and .mp3 capability (load up a few CD-Rs with .mp3s and keep them in your glove box). You can switch the display color from blue to green with this model. Add $70 if you want to keep your steering wheel controls though you probably can pick up the steering wheel adapter much cheaper on eBay.

I know that you like the OEM look. I did too, until I put in an aftermarket radio, then I liked the aftermarket look. And you can always return it if you don't like it after a week or two.

Along these lines, do you want navigation? There are some really neat 2-din models out there for $500 to $600 which have a large screen for navigation, or DVD playback when parked.

 

[dishe]

For what it's worth, my vote is for the aftermarket route. Take a look at the Sony GT640UI. $160, though Crutchfield currently has an open box version for $144 and a scratch & dent for $135. Prices include kit, harness, and shipping. Besides the auxiliary input, you'll get a front mounted USB port (for flash (thumb ) drives), iPod controls, and .mp3 capability (load up a few CD-Rs with .mp3s and keep them in your glove box). You can switch the display color from blue to green with this model. Add $70 if you want to keep your steering wheel controls though you probably can pick up the steering wheel adapter much cheaper on eBay.

I know that you like the OEM look. I did too, until I put in an aftermarket radio, then I liked the aftermarket look. And you can always return it if you don't like it after a week or two.

Along these lines, do you want navigation? There are some really neat 2-din models out there for $500 to $600 which have a large screen for navigation, or DVD playback when parked.

I actually have a 2 Sony BT2500s, which I picked up new in box from an ebay seller for $100 each a few years back. They each pack bluetooth and A2DP streaming so I can play right off my phone wirelessly. Cool stuff, but its only single DIN because that's all I had in my previous car. If I go aftermarket in the Mazda5, I think I'd rather go full double-Din since I have the space for it, and install a Nav unit or something.

Problem is, those tend to get pricey- The idea of spending $500-600+ on top of what I just paid on a car makes me a little nauseous.

There are actually some interesting aftermarket models from China for $200-300, but I'm wary of buying those until I find people who have tried it and can vouch for it. I like that they are Windows CE based because I have some background hacking and modding that OS, and I think I could set up a streaming internet station player using my phone as a modem through BT.

But again, that's a much larger project and I think I need some time to recoup after the vehicle purchase before I start tearing about and rewiring. For now, removing that tape deck cover seems rather simple and a shelf might be kind of useful...

 

[dishe]

Reviving old thread... AuxMod is for sale again, and I think I'm getting one.
Meanwhile, considering using this space to store the aux plug and perhaps a slide-out holster for my phone, etc.

I still like the OEM look, and I'm debating trying to put hinges on this door so I can fold closed when not in use, and still look like the stock stereo!
What do you guys think? Anyone else do anything creative in this space?