I just called an audio shop that someone on this forum used for the their custom install replacing the factory HU.
I was trying to find out how much it would be for the custom faceplate that would hold a single DIN unit. I have a JVC KD-DV5100 installed in the glove box.
They said I was better off buying the one that is being mass produced by somebody on the RX8 forum. It would be much cheaper. I told them I haven't seen anyone selling this piece on the forum. They are going to look for the link, and forward it to me "if" they find it. Best I can guess is that they're referring to the R-Magic piece.

Is there another piece being sold that I haven't been able to find using the search?

BTW - Their price for the custom piece with the lacquer finish, $1000+. Does that seem insanely expensive to anyone else? I mean, I'd like my HU to go in the center console, but for $1000, I'm happy using the remote control. Besides, 99% of the time I'm listening to my MP3 player. I don't even touch the actual head unit.

- Cesar -

 

in california, 1000 for that custom install is not bad, keep in mind, that not only the face has to be customized, the circuitry has to be relocated, the heater controls either need to be relocated or modified, etc. as long as the shop is good, and you want to go with an aftermarket headunit, then do it.

btw, does your 8 have nav?

 

Black gloss finish is uber labour consuming for the finish before paint is applied, so the $1000 mark is not out of line at all. Remember that there is much more to this than just making a faceplate, there is also the headunit relocation to do as well. To bring the $ down a little bit, lose the black gloss finish and go for a matte silver that matches the silver accent colors in the car. The finish time goes down considerably saving some $ at the same time. As far as mass manufacturing this piece, I do not know of anyone on this site that is doing that at this time. I take this vehicle one at a time for the cd player relocation and rebuild. Everyone has different ideas on what they want in the radio area, the last one I did had a G meter installed directly below the new radio opening. No mistake about it, this is a major modification that takes a good amount of time to do properly. $1K is not that far out of line at all.

 

Thanks for the responses.
I guess I'm sticking with the setup I have now.
No nav.

I thought about the R-Magic setup, but decided not to go with that because I may want to use that area for a LCD later on (and I don't want a glue on piece). The JVC HU plays dvd's but it does not have a built-in screen. It's actually nice having the HU in the glove box because it's completely out of sight.

- Cesar -