Originally posted by pobody@Oct 7 2004, 10:29 PM
sorry for the dumb question, but what exactly does the dash kit consist of? Some specifics would be cool. Thanks
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"DASH KIT"
Usually a "dash kit" or "radio install kit" consists of a piece of plastic
that fits a specific car's dash and allows you to install a standard DIN-sized
aftermarket stereo in place of the stock stereo. The dash kit helps to fill any
gaps left from removing the stock (usually larger) radio and helps to make a
flush fit between the new stereo and the dash. Usually you simply remove
the old radio, mount the kit to the new radio and slide the new radio into
the dash. Occasionally, in order to properly mount a new radio, you must
actually replace a portion of the dash rather than just simply fill a gap. Such
kits may include integrated AC ducts and/or spaces for AC control knobs.
MAZDA6 DASH
In the case of the Mazda6, the radio dash panel has -everything- mounted
on the rear of it -- the panel does not simply cover up stuff, the stuff is actually
mounted to the panel. This includes special integrated electronics between the
radio, AC controls and the upper LED display, not to mention integrated AC air
ducts as well as the actual AC control panel. Any "dash kit" for the Mazda6 will
need to provide the same functionality and because of this will need to be
much more custom than the average radio installtion kit. Unless Mazda
continues to make future Mazda6 radio dashes the same as the 2003 and 2004
dashes, it is not likely that any installation kit manufacturer is going to make
much effort to produce such a special, expensive kit just for two model years.
If they do, expect such a kit to run in the $50 to $120 range, depending upon
the maker and the volume of kits produced. Also expect car installation shops
to charge out the wazoo (double to triple, at the very least) to do a radio install
since, compared to an average install, the Mazda6 kit would require tons of
disassembly and re-assembly of dash components.
SAMPLE PICS (NOTE: these are NOT Mazda6 dash kits!):
Here's a fairly standard-looking style dash kit that runs from $10 to $20:
Picture of an average dash kit.
Here's a more expensive kit that includes integrated AC air ducts. This kit
just has the holes for mounting the actual vents (you must re-use your
existing AC vents). This kit is probably for a Chevy or GM truck:
Picture of a more custom dash kit with integrated AC air ducts.
These are the types of kits the aftermarket kit suppliers are accustomed to
making. The Mazda6 dash is -way- beyond what most manufacturers are
willing to tackle, but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed...
-mazdahatch
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