Miata Mailing List: January 1996, Message #72
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   From: MattMiata@aol.com
Subject: Re: Stealth head unit?
   Date: Tue, 2 Jan 1996 14:24:14 -0500

In a message dated 96-01-02 02:59:58 EST, dherr@extro.ucc.su.oz.au (Dennis J.
HeRR) writes:

>Has anyone put the after market head unit into other than radio/cassette
>opening provided?  (I mean that big 2.5DIN size opening in front of shift
>gate.)  The reason I'm asking is I'm sick of taking the front panel with me
>every time I leave Momo chan - yes, I do take it with me.  (Call me
>paranoid but I haven't had my top slashed yet.) :)  So I though since only
>reason I need the head unit is to control my 12 CD stacker and listen to
>the weather/traffic broadcast and my Pioneer unit can be controlled by its
>remote entirely, why not to put it some other place and use the remote to
>control.  (BTW if I do that, I'm loosing the ability to play a CD and clock
>but hey, I have already 12 CDs back in trunk and I can always watch my
>wrist watch - I'm wearing in on my right wrist.)  And I'm think of using
>that 2.5DIN space for the secondary instrument panel with power window
>toggle switches and other assorted switches - emergency power cut off and
>starter for example. :)  (I'm giving serious thought about removing the
>centre console plastic trim entirely and put some thick carpet instead -
>ala M2 1028.)  For starter, I know PIVOT makes a starter kit that can be
>interfaced directly with most Japanese cars.
>
>The hard part is where am I gonna put the head unit!  The glove box is, for
>obvious reason, out of question.  Also the head unit need to be in front
>area of car so the remote can be work.  Any good idea?

This is just an off the wall suggestion, because I don't know if such a
device exists. Would it be possible to put an infrared relay in the front
somewhere and put the head unit in the trunk?

Here's another one: how about getting one of those trick rearview mirrors
that you can hide the faceplate in?

Just some suggestions.

> Dennis (^_^;
>
>P.S. I heard some time ago the spare tyre inside the trunk contribute to
>the dynamics of MX-5. (Really?)  Since I no longer carry it, how much
>weight should I put in there - I mean using audio gears - to compensate? :)

According to my spare tire (obtained by first weighing myself without the
tire then with, it weighs just about 25 lbs. (Suprise!)

Hope any of this helps.

Matt Hess
'95 Classic Red R
Harrisburg, PA