After reviewing many other installs of the aftermarket Sirius unit, I decided not to hack into my ashtray but rather create a smooth OEM looking panel in place of the ashtray and cover. 90% complete with building the panel. Once the form is perfect then it will be painted in a high gloss black.

Mad props go out to my man Chris (in the pics). He owns a VR MS6 and is also a NEPOC member.

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/s1.jpg

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/s2.jpg

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/s3.jpg

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/s4.jpg

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/s5.jpg

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/s6.jpg

Mad props go out to you for that soon-to-be bomb install

Thanks!

Painted and awaiting clearcoat.

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/s7.jpg

Here we have the test fit. Waiting for clearcoat to cure so I can wetsand and polish.

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/s8.jpg

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/s9.jpg

It looks crooked. The way the photo is framed the A/C vents and horizontal lines on the stereo are straight, but the Sirius tuner looks tilted down to the left.

Yes, it is for my viewing pleasure. It's also the shape/form of the unit. When your sitting in the drivers seat it's a perfect viewing angle.

Adjusted it a bit more and put on a different style of finish.

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/su1.jpg

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/su2.jpg

Here's a before pic with the unit just velcroed to the ashtray cover.

http://www.altspace.com/rx8/s1a.jpg

Think you should have kept the gloss black. The new finish is too glossy to match the other trim pieces.

i agree think it looked better gloss black...this finish looks to dark to match.

Thanks. Problem is there were many small imperfections in it, so after hours of painting and sanding I tried something different. I know I'll change it up again at some point but for now it works. Might even wrap it in red vinyl to see how that looks.

Nice Job! I've seen the other threads you were talking about where the ashtray is pretty much demolished to put this radio in there. Great alternative.
Just wondering...do you take out the radio much and is it a pain? I have the boombox for this and love it. I would hate to lose that. Thanks!

Nice install. Got a pic of the back of your panel? Curious to see how you mounted it.

Thanks. Both the Sirius unit and the panel come out very easily. The panel is not secured, but rather a tight fit. Sort of goes in at the bottom then snaps in at the top under the HVAC controls. The Sirius unit has support in the back, but is mostly held in by the tight fit of the panel itself. That's it. I'll snap pics of the panel back later.

I also have some thick read vinyl/cloth that is a very close match to the leather. Even has a leather pattern embosed. Thinking I might try that out as well.

Looks good but if it was me i would have used 3m spray and a piece of black leather instead of painting it.