Okay, here's what my "problem" is. I want to install my XM radio and my iPod in my '8, but I don't like the idea of mounting one or both of my units on the right of the radio (with a perma-mount that screws into the dash or the pro-fit that attaches to the right side of the tranny tunnel) because of knee-room concerns for the passenger in the right seat, via a suction-cup mounting to the windscreen (too tacked-on looking), or in the center console (because of heat issues). I have an as-yet-uninstalled Audiolink for the iPod and am itching to get going on the install.

My idea, not covered on RX8club as far as I can see, is mounting the two desired units in the "nav tray" available from a couple of sources. My questions are as follows, and thanks in advance to anyone who has any input.

1- Is the nav tray an OEM part? This is not clear in the posts about the nav tray I've read thus far. I am concerned about how "nice" the piece looks when installed.

2- Since I don't have a nav screen installed in my car, is the installation of the piece a straightforward process that I could accomplish myself with a Dremel, or should I have a pro install it?

3- It looks like there's room (horizontally) to install my XM radio (RoadyXT) and my iPod (60gb) together. To mount my units to the piece, it looks like some drilling into the nav tray would be required... Though I guess I could use double-sided 3M tape. If I drilled into it, would there be sufficient depth to not have screw heads sticking out the back of the tray?

I'm sure I'll think of another question, but this is a good opener.

 

I'm considering installing this myself...i can tell you it is an OEM part...i haven't seen a DIY post yet for the install.

 

I think this thread might answer your question. Looks pretty straight forward to me.

 

i have one mounted with an 8" screen in it. you could use a dremel, but a thin shafted soldering iron works better...... the peice is deeper than you think.. if you need photos i can snap a few for you..

just pm me with what you want and your email..... also i have a myfi mounted on my ebrake... and they are almost free...

beers

 

Wait... You have your myfi mounted on your HANDBRAKE?

As for that nav tray... How wide is the opening, exactly? Wide enough for a satradio unit and an iPod (the latter mounted vertically)? I see you have an 8" screen, but I assume that's diagonal. I'd need probably 7-1/2" to fit the two units I have in mind with the appropriate mounting (4" wide radio, 2-1/2" wide iPod, plus clearance).

 

the tray is 8 1/4 wide and ~ 4 1/2 deep...

and yes i have a myfi mounted to my handbrake... works great! not a great photo, but you get the idea..


beers

 

What a novel idea.

I've decided against going for the nav tray... I installed my AudioLink and my XM today and have everything squared away in the cupholder and hidden compartment, and I'm happy with the way it turned out. Thanks for your input, though.

 

glad to help.

beers

 

I've seen a few different threads of this installed, but some of the older ones seem to be pointing to images that have been long since removed.

I'd much appreciate some pics of this tray from different angles.

I was planning on just using it as a place to set my cellphone, possible run my auxmod minijack to it for the ipod and a place to set/mount a tomtom/nuvi/sony-nv-u70.

Does that sound reasonable? Or does it seem to only facilitate the mounting of an LCD? Is it flush to the dash all around? it looks like it has a back that sticks up a bit. Ideally i'd just like a gadget shelf there.

 

i can take some photos of it the way it is.

you could use the tray for anything... but look at the piece close... it is deeper than you think... check it out at mazdaparts.com

if you want some photos pm me with what you want, and an email address to send them to... i will try to knock them out tonight..

beers