Just received my accessories (rotary crest, side strakes, exhaust finishers and sports floor mats) from my dealer today :D They came with installation instructions and looks pretty simple to fix up. Thinking of DIY.

Unfortunately no car yet to put them on... but should be here by late July :)

Okay, I'm definitely gonna install my mp3 player myself. They want way too much to install it. I'll let them do the shock sensor, though, just in case it is complicated - and the price isn't too bad. I figure the cash I save on mp3 installation will cover the cost of a factory service manual.

Could you post a photo of your fender strakes? A lot of us are interested in how they are installed. TIA

Originally posted by B-Nez
Okay, I'm definitely gonna install my mp3 player myself. They want way too much to install it. I'll let them do the shock sensor, though, just in case it is complicated - and the price isn't too bad. I figure the cash I save on mp3 installation will cover the cost of a factory service manual. Normally, adding something like that is a simple matter of plugging in a couple of connectors. Short of taking off panels to access the area, it could be easier than your MP3 install.

---jps

I thought my dealer told m the MP3, cassette, mini disc were real simple, slide in/out modulars. No?

Definately install the stereo mods yourself. The dealer rapes you with the cost of installation. The trim surrounds are the hardest part. You need to be careful not to damage any plastic that needs to be removed. Usually you need to look behind the ash tray or cubby holes to reveal a hidden screw, then most of it will simply snap out. Once this is completed you will be embarrased at the thought of paying someone because a small bolt or two removed by a nut driver hold the stereo component in and a simple multi-connect plug on the rear of the unit is all that is left! All the Mazda components (MP3 player, mini disc, 6 disc in dash CD changer) have "plug and play" compatibility, just pull out the old unit and pop in your new one....no wiring just plugs. The dealer will likely charge an hour of labor (at least) for this, Sevice departments are extremely profitable for this reason. It will take 15 minutes and you will pay for far more. just my 2:)

Have you seen Yuhki's (forum member) pics of removing the audio unit? Looks like the entire glossy black panel comes off in one piece, doesn't seem too difficult. I'm considering installing a auxiliary input for an iPod. Link:

How to remove the audio unit (web translation) (http://www.excite.co.jp/world/url/?wb_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.r-3.jp%2Fspecial-pic%2Ftv%2Ftv.htm&submit=%83E%83F%83u%83y%81%5B%83W%96%7C%96%F3&wb_lp=JAEN&wb_dis=2&wb_co=excitejapan)

id rather have it done by the pros, just in case i am an idiot. looking for half of those little screws could take fro frekin ever if you dont know where to loko (like me...)
________
Chrysler Spitfire V8 Engine (http://www.dodge-wiki.com/wiki/Chrysler_Spitfire_V8_engine)

Ok, here is a pic of the side strakes. It is to be screwed onto the side vents, ie no drilling of the fender is required. Also comes with 2 pieces of double sided tape to keep it in place.

the rotary crest...

Exhaust finisher

Fab,

Thanks for the up-close pics. They look easy enough to install. Especially for a computer geek like me. :D

The reverse side of the rotary crest...again double sided tape and a couple of screws to hold in place.

can anyone tell me what are the side strakes for?!

Originally posted by ExquisikRenesis
can anyone tell me what are the side strakes for?!

Fits on the side air outlets. Look at #5 in this pic.

Originally posted by ExquisikRenesis
can anyone tell me what are the side strakes for?!

They are simply a cosmetic feature.

Thanks for posting those great photographs Fab 8!! :) :D :cool:

Hi Fab-8 --

What are the installation instructions for the exhaust finishers? Do they require any hole drilling or anything?

Also, is the place where the side strakes screw onto easy to get to? And once they're installed, do you think they could be easily removed, or do they do any permanent "damage" to the vents? I guess I'm asking for two reasons -- 1) in case I put them on and get tired of them and want to remove them, and 2) I'm wondering if it would be very easy for someone to steal them off of the car.

Thanks for posting all the pics -- they're very informative!

I cannot believe they are charging $250 US for 4 pieces of aluminum on the side strakes. My company makes aluminum parts for paintball guns and I can tell you those would cost about $20 to make including materials. I guess I will have to find someone that has them and will let me borrow them to make models of then machine my own from there.

Thx for the help rx-8 zoomster...really appreciate it.

Chadr I cannot believe they are charging $250 US for 4 pieces of aluminum on the side strakes. My company makes aluminum parts for paintball guns and I can tell you those would cost about $20 to make including materials. I guess I will have to find someone that has them and will let me borrow them to make models of then machine my own from there.

hahha...yea it sure is expensive...and if you ever get to make a replica of it plz let me know...hahha

Originally posted by frogzapper
Hi Fab-8 --

I'm wondering if it would be very easy for someone to steal them off of the car.



That's what I'm worried about when I get mine.

Thanks for the pics. Can you tell us how the Exhaust Finishers are installed. There does not appear to be any screws or tape in the picture you posted. Once again, thanks very much.:p

Side strakes - don't think the screw holes will be obvious if you decide to remove the strakes as the holes are pretty small.

But may be quite easy to steal for someone armed with a screwdriver...:mad: Thinking of applying loctite or something to the screws to make them harder to steal! Any ideas?

Exhaust finishers - instructions calls for the tail lights to be removed first, followed by the bumper. You need to drill a hole in the original exhaust surrounds, as the finisher is secured by a bolt and nut. There are also 2 tabs which needs to be bend such that they clamp onto the inside edge of the original exhaust surrounds. I think you can make out the bolt hole and the tabs in the picture.

:)

Speaking of accesories, what would you do if your salesperson told you that your car comes with a 6 disc cd player, its the GT model (I dont know if that makes any differance) and when I looked at the dealer inventory and found my car, it said nothing about a 6 disc changer installed in my car. When I pick it up, do I go postal on this dude or just tell him you install it for free since you told me it was standard?

Originally posted by Rev It Up
do I go postal on this dude or just tell him you install it for free since you told me it was standard?

I'm thinkin' it's gonna take a combination of both to get it for free. To add effect take 6 old cds with you (just carry them in your hand, no case) and in the middle of your fit ask him "WHAT THE F%*K AM I GONNA DO WITH THESE NOW" and sling them like frisbies across the lot*.



*Disclaimer: the actions described in this post should only be attempted by professionals and this site nor any members are directly accountable for any results of this behavior:D

I had a friend who got an alignment and new tires at the same time. He drove for a week and wound up with 2 bald tires on the front due to them screwing up the alignment. He did not get 2 new tires until he actually climbed up on the managers desk and made a very loud scene in front of all the other customers. Not sure this would work in a dealership, especially since most of their furniture is pretty flimsy, but . . .

do I go postal on this dude or just tell him you install it for free since you told me it was standard?

No, you don't go postal on the dude unless you want to end up in the back seat of a police cruiser. :mad: He is guilty of being stupid and not much more unless he was stupid enough to put it in writing. In that case pass go and collect the 6 CD player :D :D OTOH, more than likely the best you can hope for is getting it at dealer cost which only a manager can take care of for you. So do your heart and mind a favor and approach it that way. We have all screwed something up or down in our lives:(

Sorry, I posted the same thing twice. Dang lag.

Originally posted by Fab 8
Side strakes - don't think the screw holes will be obvious if you decide to remove the strakes as the holes are pretty small.

But may be quite easy to steal for someone armed with a screwdriver...:mad: You're kidding, right?

Anyone that wants your side strakes and has a screwdriver will probably put it behind the strakes and will pry until something gives - likely the plastic vent piece they screw to. I doubt any thief would spend the time to unscrew them.

(This is based on the fact that thieves slash the plastic rear windows on Jeep Wrangler soft tops despite the fact they're held on with zippers and Velcro® fasteners, allowing them to easily be removed from the outside of the vehicle...)

Thanks for all the pics Fab 8.. Can you post some pics of your car after you got all the accessories installed? I am really interested in the side fender strakes, but don't know whether to get the polished ones or the matte aluminum ones. So I wanna see how they look on the car before making the decision.

Originally posted by BillK
You're kidding, right?

Anyone that wants your side strakes and has a screwdriver will probably put it behind the strakes and will pry until something gives - likely the plastic vent piece they screw to. I doubt any thief would spend the time to unscrew them.

(This is based on the fact that thieves slash the plastic rear windows on Jeep Wrangler soft tops despite the fact they're held on with zippers and Velcro® fasteners, allowing them to easily be removed from the outside of the vehicle...)

You're right, my bad. I meant to say that anyone with a screwdriver will be able to pry them off, not unscrew them.

Originally posted by ReX-8
Thanks for all the pics Fab 8.. Can you post some pics of your car after you got all the accessories installed? I am really interested in the side fender strakes, but don't know whether to get the polished ones or the matte aluminum ones. So I wanna see how they look on the car before making the decision.

No problems, will definitely post pictures, both before and after installation of accessories! Shld be able to get mine next week. :D

Originally posted by Racer X-8
I thought my dealer told m the MP3, cassette, mini disc were real simple, slide in/out modulars. No?

Watch out for the "hidden" 10mm bolt that secures the faceplate. If not removed, the facepalte will break. If you remove the plastic panel beneath the steering column the access is easier. Look for a gold anodized 10mm bolt that screws into the side of the audio unit.

Originally posted by Mazda Monkey


Watch out for the "hidden" 10mm bolt that secures the faceplate. If not removed, the facepalte will break. If you remove the plastic panel beneath the steering column the access is easier. Look for a gold anodized 10mm bolt that screws into the side of the audio unit.

Thanks! I'll be doing that work, so I'm sure glad for your tip! I'm getting no extras besides the GT group stuff. Gonna add this kinda stuff later, you know, when the $ funds / deal is right. Again, thanks!!!

Originally posted by Mazda Monkey


Watch out for the "hidden" 10mm bolt that secures the faceplate. If not removed, the facepalte will break. If you remove the plastic panel beneath the steering column the access is easier. Look for a gold anodized 10mm bolt that screws into the side of the audio unit.
Is it only on the driver's side, or is there one on the passenger side, as well? I wondered this when looking at Yukhi's photos depicting the screw on the driver side (right-drive car).

Originally posted by B-Nez

Is it only on the driver's side, or is there one on the passenger side, as well? I wondered this when looking at Yukhi's photos depicting the screw on the driver side (right-drive car).


Driver's side only. (Left hand drive)

I received my accessories with my car at wholesale cost :) To my surprise, instructions for installation of the MP3 player came with the MP3 front panel. The installation looks pretty straightforward. I haven't done it yet, but I plan to when I get back in town.

Here are the prices I paid:

MP3 Player -- 243.75
Car Cover -- 187.50
Cover Cable -- 7.50
MP3 Panel -- 15.00

Where from? Your Mazda dealer? "With your car" - I guess so. Please confirm that...thanx

Originally posted by Racer X-8
Where from? Your Mazda dealer? "With your car" - I guess so. Please confirm that...thanx

Yep, that was part of the deal my salesman gave me on the car. It was Rider Mazda in State College, PA. I think they're only giving wholesale prices to people who buy their car there.

i wanna see some pics of the 8 with your stuff on it

Cool Ahura.. be sure to share info.. I'm looking to get that MP3 soon but wanna hear how the install goes and how good the deck is..

BTW, how is the car cover? It is good? What kind of material is it? Is it pretty tough? It is non scratching.. Is it of that synthetic chamois feeling material? Sorry for all the questions..

:D

Originally posted by RX-Nut
BTW, how is the car cover? It is good? What kind of material is it? Is it pretty tough? It is non scratching.. Is it of that synthetic chamois feeling material? Sorry for all the questions..

:D

I can't really compare it to other covers since I've never really looked at one up close. But to my eye, the cover is a quality piece. The car is just as flashy with the cover on (I got the yellow/black cover). It has foil shielding where it covers the exhausts, and a clear plastic window where the license plate is. It feels totally synthetic, but not chamois-like. The outside feels like a Gor-Tex coat. I'm not sure whether it's breathable, though. It also looks to be very tough and resistant to any damage to it. The inside of the cover doesn't look like it could scratch the paint.

A car cover was totally necessary for me since I don't have a garage, and oak trees cover my entire driveway. Oh yeah, I'll post when I install my MP3 player, but don't expect that for another 2 weeks since I'm out of town. I'm dying right now... 1 1/2 days with my RX-8 then nothing for 2 weeks.

Originally posted by Ahura
I...instructions for installation of the MP3 player came with the MP3 front panel.

Anyone know if the mp3 player has an aux in? or one of the other audio modules? I'm thinking of how to plug in my iPod. Option of last resort is inserting anything into the cassette player, but I'd rather not even get the cassette player.

Cheers,
-jd.

Anyone know if the mp3 player has an aux in? or one of the other audio modules? I'm thinking of how to plug in my iPod. Option of last resort is inserting anything into the cassette player, but I'd rather not even get the cassette player.

The MP3 player doesn't have an aux in. An input from an external device has been discussed before. One easy option would be to purchase a FM transmitter (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatSectionView.process?Section_Id=201526) for your iPod. The harder option would be to splice an input into the tape/MD output wires in the back of the audio unit. To me, this sounds much harder, and you would need access to the wiring diagram (shop manual). On the other hand, you wouldn't have to burn several MP3 CD's and you could easily sync your car audio with your computer audio.

Originally posted by Ahura
The harder option would be to splice an input into the tape/MD output wires in the back of the audio unit. To me, this sounds much harder, and you would need access to the wiring diagram (shop manual)... It's harder than you think. There are no external connections between the tape/MD unit and the main unit. All of those connections are internal, and proprietary.

---jps

Originally posted by jdl
Anyone know if the mp3 player has an aux in? or one of the other audio modules? I'm thinking of how to plug in my iPod. Option of last resort is inserting anything into the cassette player, but I'd rather not even get the cassette player.
Cheers,
-jd. I'm looking at getting the MP3 and the cassette deck. Not only do we have many cassettes, we also have an iRiver iFP-380T MP3/WMA Flash Player. I'm planning on getting a cassette adaptor that plugs into the iRiver headphones jack. It goes into the cassette deck like a regular cassette.
Haven't you come up with that alternative before? I'm not being sarcastic, I'm thinking you already knew about these and don't want to do it that way for some reason that I am not aware of. If so, what's wrong with that aproach? Is it that you don't have the massive accumulation of cassettes like we have?
:confused:

I think jdl said he doesn't even want to consider getting the cassette player for his RX-8. I concur, I would have no use for a cassette player either, since I completely stopped using cassettes at least 6 years ago.