Question/Advice about new radio installation for the P5...

[Hank3]

I'm currently considering upgrading my P5's stock radio. Looking to spend below $150...but closer to $100 would be better though (I only have so much money for car mods every month and I've been scrounging every dollar). I don't need anything booming as I have some lower-end speakers off Amazon to replace the stock paper ones. I won't be going with an amp or sub in the future. Just looking for better quality sound and getting something that has a front USB port for my thumb drive. I was intending on going double-din, but it looks like that will be out of my price range. I was trying to get ideas on what's available and came across a some potentials on Crutchfield (Sonic Electronix is about the same price on the ones I'm considering but they don't supply the radio removal tool). The MSP radio pocket is a little out of my price range, so the one Crutchfield supplies with their install kit will do just fine for me even though it's not the most aesthetically-pleasing or functional one available.

My question has to do with the "fit" of certain radios. On Crutchfield they have a red exclamation point on certain models/brands that don't fit. Saying that installation requires you to "Unbolt or cut out the factory stereo's rear support bracket to make room for your new receiver."

I haven't removed the stock stereo out yet. If I purchased a radio that required unbolting or cutting out the rear support, will I be able to put the stock stereo back in at some point?

These are the ones I'm currently considering - thanks for any feedback:

Alpine CDE-121

Kenwood KDC-MP345U

Kenwood KDC-348U

JVC KD-R620

Pioneer DEH-3200UB

Pioneer DEH-4300UB

 

[azoblu3]

I got the Pioneer DEH-2200UB which I think is basically the same size as the ones you listed and it fits fine withour cutting anything.

 

[njaremka]

i argued with crutchfield over the phone about their depth measurements. when i replaced my stereo, i first checked the crrutchfield site, since they have all the fitments worked out already. well, when i checked their site, they had both kenwood models that were supplied STOCK in the MP3 and MSP listed as "Does Not Fit". since they came stock in the protege, i called them and asked them about it. they stuck by their "Does Not Fit" even through i had the guy look at mazda's literature showing those stereos came stock.

that being said, take crutchfield's depth recommendation as a safe fit depth.

for a less expensive dash pocket alternative to the covered MSP pocket, check out mazda P/N B02A-66-9M0A which is the mazda pocket without a cover. (I have this one in my car) or, there is mazda P/N B03A-66-9M0 which is just a blank plate. add either of these to the MSP support bar, and you get a nice factory looking installation.

 

[Hank3]

Thanks for the feedback.

njaremka - do you have any pics of the two part numbers you provided? The pocket is $11.15 on onlinemazdaparts.com, but with shipping, it'll take it closer to $20. I wanna see if it's worth the money to get that over the Scosche pocket that Crutchfield offers. So is it still possible to install the factory radio back in if you were to install one that does not fit and requires unbolting/cutting? If so, I'm not really worried about getting one that doesn't fit

 

[njaremka]

Thanks for the feedback.

njaremka - do you have any pics of the two part numbers you provided? The pocket is $11.15 on onlinemazdaparts.com, but with shipping, it'll take it closer to $20. I wanna see if it's worth the money to get that over the Scosche pocket that Crutchfield offers. So is it still possible to install the factory radio back in if you were to install one that does not fit and requires unbolting/cutting? If so, I'm not really worried about getting one that doesn't fit

the kit that crutchfield sells will look aftermarket. if you go with the MSP support bar and one of the pockets, it will look MUCH better. unfortunately, i dont have any good pictures of my installation with me - unless i run out to the car right now....

the pocket looks similar to this -

and the blanking plate looks the same, but is flat all the way accross. (i can't find any pictures of it)

to compare these to the scosche setup,. just look for any single din radio installation into a 2001+ protege, and that what they look like. i personally think those dash kits are junk compared to the stock setup.

 

[njaremka]

actually, here is an installation in a miata that actually uses both panels part numbers i just gave you -


he has a switch panel mocked up into the blank plate, but it should give you some idea what it looks like.

 

[Hank3]

Thanks for the pics. I think I'll pass on the blank plate since I'll want to use the pocket to store my wallet and cell phone or other little odds and ends. Looks like the Mazda pocket is taller than the Scosche one, too. Is there anything special that's needed to install the pocket?

I guess now the only question is if I go back to stock, will the OEM radio fit if I get a "non-fitting" aftermarket one?

 

[njaremka]

the only thing needed is the msp / mp3 radio support bar - P/N TA06-66-9B1

 

[Hank3]

OK....thanks!

 

[yangsui]

Search a local junk yard for the MSP pocket. They are not exclusive to MSPs and can be found on all pre-2002 3rd gen Proteges. I found one in a junk yard for $4. Just needed a little cleaning.

Else someone on the Toronto Protege forum has both the pocket and the support bar. PM me if interested. I'll try to connect you two. Will have to pay shipping from Toronto (Canada) to Florida.