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

 

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)

 

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

 

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?!

 

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

 

They are simply a cosmetic feature.

 

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

 

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.

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

 

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... 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?

 

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