removal of the CD holder pocket

[Dexter]

i need to remove either the door or the whole pocket enclosure....

does anyone know if the pocket supports and holds the kenwood up? id like to remove the pocket so i can put in my LCD temperature display thingy. any links or hints on how to take it out? will i need those speical removal tools things? i have taken then double DIN unit out of an 02 ES, and had to use those tools, but i think lost them. is it the same procedure? ihavent had a chance to take a look im just sitting at work here extremely bored and the idea came to my head.

im numbering file folders. woo woo

[Raptor]

Its just clipped in.
Just like the ES Radio was, except there is no real access to thos clips

What you can do is put tape on the side of your console to be sure not to scratch anything then go from behind and just push on those clips. Its not the easieat way, but it is the only way I've been able to take these out.

If you are interested in selling it let me know

Thanks

Raptor

[Dexter]

what do you mean, go behind?

[DJB00TS]

Originally posted by Dexter
what do you mean, go behind?

:lol: that sounded so wrong

[Raptor]

Well get behind the dash by passing by the opening near the gas pedal. If you look up from there you will clearly see the clips.

[Doggone]

Raptor


Is there a bracket that goes with this din pocket?


I installed one with out a bracket and it rattles.

[Kraven Morehead]

id really like to install my boost gauges etc in this spot. anyone ever tried this?

[TitaniumSpeed]

yeah check out
https://www.evolutionsports.com/productDetail.cfm?catID=110&ProductID=1939

This should fit but you may need to call to verify. Its supposed to be for GTI's but it should fit

[Mazdaspd035]

Originally posted by Kraven Morehead
id really like to install my boost gauges etc in this spot. anyone ever tried this?

Same here...I think it would look good in that spot.

[1sty]

Just pull the pocket out.
Nothing holds it in. The bar secures the radio cage no the pocket.

[slowhand]

I mounted my gauges there. Digital boost and A/F. Made a panel to fit the hole, IMHO looks real cool.
No pics, no digicam, sorry

[1sty]

Originally posted by slowhand
I mounted my gauges there. Digital boost and A/F. Made a panel to fit the hole, IMHO looks real cool.
No pics, no digicam, sorry

Like this:

http://www.mazdamp3.com/members/1st%20MP3%20in%20NH/dash/pocket%20opened.jpg

[Black Majik MSP]

1. I can't tell you how many times I've explained to people how to remove it. I didn't know before & I talked to 1st & then I ended up just doing it on my own & I figured it out. Please just search for "radio pocket" & you will find 8432098230842 threads about it.

2. The pocket doesn't hold the head unit in place. There is a bracket that does this & if you do the search like I told you, you'll find the part # so you can buy it at your Mazda dealer.

3. Don't waste 40 something dollars on that gauge panel on the EVO forum. If you want to install gauges there, get the triple gauge panel from 42nd Draft Designs ($20 shipped): http://www.42draftdesigns.com/mk4tgp.htm

Here is mine installed & awaiting my gauges:

http://www.uploadit.org/files/141003-DELETE1.jpg

[t3ase]

Originally posted by Black Majik MSP
Here is mine installed & awaiting my gauges:

http://www.uploadit.org/files/141003-DELETE1.jpg
a) Any way to get rid of the gap between the headunit and the DIN filler panel?
b) Does the black plastic color match the black surround of the radio? I'm anal as hell about things like that.
c) Wouldn't this positioning mean you'd have to take your eyes off of the road/strip/course/whatever in order to view them?

[Dexter]

Black Majik MSP this thread is from January

[t3ase]

Believe he was actually responding to Doggone's question.

[Black Majik MSP]

Originally posted by t3ase
a) Any way to get rid of the gap between the headunit and the DIN filler panel?
You can move it up & down a little, but if you move it up all the way, you can see the wires through the space underneath. I just figured the gap matches the one above the head unit.

Originally posted by t3ase
b) Does the black plastic color match the black surround of the radio? I'm anal as hell about things like that.
Yes, it does. I know what you mean...I just ordered amber LEDs for my gauges so that they should match the main gauges.

Originally posted by t3ase
c) Wouldn't this positioning mean you'd have to take your eyes off of the road/strip/course/whatever in order to view them?
Ever seen the inside of an M Coupe?

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/8/web/332000-332999/332329_5_full.jpg

Personally, I hate the way A pillar gauge pods look & the fact that they're a dead give away to people on the street & thieves. I don't want the one that goes on top of the steering column & anything else would require a good deal of custom work.

[slowhand]

1st, my pocket is removed and I made a panel out of aluminum.
Powder coated in a satin black to match the black on the HU. Installed Nordskog 2 1/16" digital boost and A/F gauges that black out when turned off. I also have a LED battery monitor(was for my Gold Wing) mounted in the panel.
t3ase, by making the panel, I could keep the gap tight around the hole. Also the boost gauge has a memory recall for LO/HI boost. I don't find viewing to be a problem with the setup.
t3ase, I worked at the old Westinghouse plant on I35 for a while before coming to Charlotte to the plant here. I killed my first deer on the Gold Wing on 1431!!!! We miss Austin, but not the lack of pay.

[1sty]

I like my guages hidden :D.

Mostly for the thrif reason Majic mentioned. Not to mention pillar guages is just getto looking. Over doen and under creative.

[Flat Black]

Originally posted by 1st MP3 in NH
I like my guages hidden :D.

Mostly for the thrif reason Majic mentioned. Not to mention pillar guages is just getto looking. Over doen and under creative.

But easily made, and easy to read.

[1sty]

I have no problem reading mine at all.

[InsidiousMSP]

I sold my autometer gauges and trashed my a-pillar pod. Got my 3 gauge DIN panel in the mail today. :) Gonna put in white-face Defi D-Gauges. I'll post pictures when they're in. Should match the stock gauge cluster nicely at night.

http://www.defi-shop.com/product/dg/images/light.jpg

[Black Majik MSP]

Originally posted by InsidiousMSP
I sold my autometer gauges and trashed my a-pillar pod. Got my 3 gauge DIN panel in the mail today. :) Gonna put in white-face Defi D-Gauges. I'll post pictures when they're in. Should match the stock gauge cluster nicely at night.

http://www.defi-shop.com/product/dg/images/light.jpg

Where did you get your gauge panel from? I wish I could afford those gauges...they look really sick lit up like that. Mine should at least look good during the day because they are nearly all black.

[InsidiousMSP]

Originally posted by Black Majik MSP
Where did you get your gauge panel from? I wish I could afford those gauges...they look really sick lit up like that. Mine should at least look good during the day because they are nearly all black.

http://www.egauges.com/vdo_acce.asp?Subgroup=Generic_DIN&Cart=

And this is the cheapest place I've found for the gauges...
http://www.edoperformance.com/list_products.php?cid=9

[Black Majik MSP]

Those are great prices...I like mine because the gauges will sit flush once I install them.

http://www.42draftdesigns.com/images/tgp_6.jpg

[NoVaMSP]

im prob gonna go digital , behind the door compartment
and custom make the panel
dyno tune makes some pretty cool gauges rectangular and 1.3 x 2 inches.
i also like my gauges stealth and plan on installing air/fuel and boost

[Flat Black]

There are no problems what-so-ever with Autometer gauges. I don't see why people going changing them. So fucking what if they put them in a god damn BMW.

[carbonkid]

i just ordered the defi 52mm white boost, and the 42nd DD gage cage...i will let yall know when i get it all in...

[Black Majik MSP]

Originally posted by tytanium
i just ordered the defi 52mm white boost, and the 42nd DD gage cage...i will let yall know when i get it all in...

Cool, post some pics of that when you get it installed. I'd like to see what it looks like compared to mine.

[pHase1]

Here's what I would do if you want a perfect fit. My dad is an engraver and does work with platic all of the time. Find an engraver in your area and give him/her the deminsions for the hole where the useless tray was. Tell them the diameter of the holes you need cut out and how much space you want between them. You are talking 5-10 $.

On a side note. I have a group buy on Defi D-Gauges and BF gauges here:
http://www.msprotege.com/vbb230/showthread.php?s=&threadid=35626

[CarlM2]

Originally posted by Black Majik MSP
Here is mine installed & awaiting my gauges:

http://www.uploadit.org/files/141003-DELETE1.jpg

BM, I have the same panel and am waiting on 1 gauge. I have the amber LED's but, I think RED would actually match better.

I can't figure out how to mount the panel to the dash, though. Once all the gauges are mounted to the panel, how will you secure it to the dash?

Thanks,
Carl

[carbonkid]

I will probably use glue once all my connections are checked and re-checked. Attached is a pic of it just sitting in there. Only the boost gauge is installed so far.

[azian6er]

^ looks sick!


now all you need are the dave b brushed gauge rings and call it a day!

[carbonkid]

Originally posted by azian6er
^ looks sick!


now all you need are the dave b brushed gauge rings and call it a day!

I know, I know! I just PM'd him, so we will see.

Thanks!

[InsidiousMSP]

Originally posted by tytanium
I will probably use glue once all my connections are checked and re-checked. Attached is a pic of it just sitting in there. Only the boost gauge is installed so far.

Looks exactly like mine. :) Except I have fuel pressure instead of oil pressure.

http://www.turbodreamsdvd.com/msp/gauges1.jpg

[CHICO2003]

Looks good guys... REAL GOOD!! I'm going to do the same thing... just wondering wh you guys didn't opt to put the radio in the middle instead. I think it would give it a more balanced look as well as make it easier to see the gauges.

[Black Majik MSP]

carl: you're right, I think the red LED would match better

tytanium & insidious: your gauge setups look great, but what I really like about mine is how they sit flush instead of sticking out like an inch.

http://www.42draftdesigns.com/images/tgp_6.jpg

CHICO: because that would mean moving the radio & it's a lot easier just to leave it where it is.

[CHICO2003]

moving the radio is a piece of cake!! (especially compared to wiring the boost gauge and everything) I don't know... that's what I'm gonna do at least. I'll post some pics so you can see the difference.

[Bremmer]

do you guys know what the silver color is called or a paint code for the silver trim around the headunit? I got the same guage frame but i want to paint it the silver color.

[azian6er]

how tight was it back in there behind the console? Did you guys have any problems running lines for your boost gauges or anything?

I am thinking of doing this, but i dont know if i have enough line for my boost gauge to fit here.

-B

[Black Majik MSP]

There is plenty of room, but I had some trouble with the vacuum line. If you have too much, it wants to push the gauge or the gauge panel out. Then when you try to shorten the line, it barely fits. My problem is just that my vacuum line for the gauges is that hard plastic kind & isn't very flexible. If you could, wind up some slack underneath there & you shouldn't have any problems. Make sure you also zip tie it securely so it doesn't get anywhere near the pedals.

[azian6er]

you just passed it through the grommet on the right side of the firewall correct? (right side when looking at the engine.)

[CarlM2]

Black Majick must have bought all his stuff from 42 Draft Designs... I have the exact same thing. I have the hard plastic piping, picked amber instead of red LED's, etc... It's like a parallel gauge universe! :) hahaha

Anyway, there is indeed plenty of room for everything. It's an easy dash to work in. I had some trouble poking through the grommet on the firewall. I poked the one where all the wires for the ECU come through. It's double-walled and thick. I poked a nail through it, then put some liquid soap on the vacuum hose, then put the hose on the nail and pushed the nail back out into the engine bay. ....or at least that's what I did after a few other things didn't work.

I also ran the signal wire for my oil pressure gauge through that grommet. Overall an easy installation, especially with the instructions from 42DD. They were fantastic to deal with.

I would recommend getting your gauges, panels, etc. from:
http://www.42draftdesigns.com

I dealt with Evan. I would email him first, tell him what you want to do, and then he'll tell you everything you need and the cheapest way to go about it. Great place!

BTW, Black Majick, how did you mount the gauge panel?

[Aaron]

Damm those gauges are cheap!!!!! I wonder how the white gauge would look in our msp's!!!!!

[Aaron]

Originally posted by tytanium
I will probably use glue once all my connections are checked and re-checked. Attached is a pic of it just sitting in there. Only the boost gauge is installed so far.


How do you like your compass mirror???? LOoks Great!!!

[carbonkid]

Originally posted by Aaron
How do you like your compass mirror???? LOoks Great!!!

I LOVE it (I tend to get lost)! Thanks!

[carbonkid]

[i]
tytanium & insidious: your gauge setups look great, but what I really like about mine is how they sit flush instead of sticking out like an inch.
[/B]

I like flush too...do you have a pic of them installed during the day and at night? Now I am curious!

[Black Majik MSP]

azian6er: I used the hole that has a rubber grommet in it near the windshield washer motor (way up near the top). It has nothing in it & when you push on it from the engine bay, it just falls down by your pedals & you're left with a hole big enough for several vacumm lines.

carl: Since I only have the boost gauge so far, it's just held on there with 3M VHB double sided tape. When I get all of my gauges, then I'll work out a more secure way to hold it in there.

tytanium: I'll try to get some pics as soon as I get access to a friend's digicam. Hopefully Santa will bring one so that I can start getting pics whenever I want.

[Newf]

yeah post pics! I'm interested in the flush ones as well.

[Zray]

I have a question:

http://67.99.44.52/imgs/guage-cluster.jpg

[servoeyes]

That's pretty neat...Definitely puts the gauges into better viewing positions. I can't see it being that hard to do...just need to move the stereo cage down.

[CHICO2003]

THAT'S what I was sayin!!! Nice work Zray!! Guys, it's more than doable... I mean, think about it!! you're drilling wires through firewalls and doin all this other funky shit... movin the stereo cage down a notch to make it more balanced... make it easier to read the gauges... no brainer! glad to see someone already did this! as soon as I get my order I'm on it.

[CarlM2]

Here's where I am so far....

http://home.nc.rr.com/candcm/MSP/Dash1.jpg

http://home.nc.rr.com/candcm/MSP/Dash2.jpg

[Black Majik MSP]

Mine looks just like that ^^^ except I only have the boost gauge on the left. Thing 1 & Thing 2 are chilling in the other 2 holes. :D

[CarlM2]

Originally posted by Black Majik MSP
Mine looks just like that ^^^ except I only have the boost gauge on the left. Thing 1 & Thing 2 are chilling in the other 2 holes. :D

Santa's bringin' me a Voltmeter so, I've just got Thing 1 for now:
http://home.nc.rr.com/candcm/MSP/Dash3.jpg ;)

[Zray]

Originally posted by CHICO2003
THAT'S what I was sayin!!! Nice work Zray!! Guys, it's more than doable... I mean, think about it!! you're drilling wires through firewalls and doin all this other funky shit... movin the stereo cage down a notch to make it more balanced... make it easier to read the gauges... no brainer! glad to see someone already did this! as soon as I get my order I'm on it. Whoa, I say Whoa hoss! :D That's a photochop, not an actual installation... but it seems to make sense, yes. Have the gauges higher and the "less essential" stereo lower... I'd definitely be interested in a how-to for moving the stereo down and still keeping everything factory-snug-tightness =)

[azian6er]

bump, let me see your gauge set ups!

-B