Haha I've seen you repeat that phrase 3 times in the last 3 days firebird. Me being guilty of asking once

 

And people wonder why my sig says what it says.

I wish I could get Astral to update the FAQ. About more info than just the Metra kit. Maybe I'll copy his post, add some updates, and make a new FAQ myself. Gonna take some time....... one of these days.

 

Just got an answer from Crutchfield Support:

So it was $129 for the dash kit WITHOUT the Axxes box and connections, and ~$30 for the ASWI-PS

 

I ordered the kit from Crutchfield. It was 74.95 with the front end I bought with it. It DOES include the Axxess box and cables.

I was just holding them in my hand.

The box I received was dated 11/19/08 so it's loaded with firmware revision 1.1

I'll be driving to Metra to have them upgrade it (it's 35 miles from here and I don't have the cable).

 

You confused the crutchfield rep by even mentioning the steering wheel controls.


Right from Metra's website:
Description

Mazda RX-8 2004-2008 Double-Din Radio Installation Kit

2004 - 2008

Product Specifications

* For Manual climate control only
* Includes Interface
* Retains factory climate controls in their original positions
* Retains factory hazard switch
* Will accomodate Double-DIN or Dual ISO mount
* Rear support included for heavy DDIN units
* Painted black to match factory finish
* Display can be customized

NOTE: Will not work with auto/electronic climate control. Utilizes the factory climate buttons to retain all existing features of the factory HVAC. User-configurable text may be added to factory display. Control clock functions, both 12 and 24Hr modes, with the engineered and supplied accurate crystal-controlled clock. Retained HVAC control indicators dim with headlights and backlight dims with vehicle dimmer control. HVAC status shown on upper display. OEM style connecters are included for audio/ climate/ hazard/ and display connections making it a simple plug-n-play installation. Step by step instruction manual with detailed illustrations also makes life easier. Software is USB updateable for application additions and/or technology improvements.


And it shows it right on the damn box.


Without the Axxess box, the kit is nothing more than a faceplate. Add in the fact we have 100 people on this board who have already ordered, installed, and are delighted with the kit. You are the first person to even question it.

 

Thanks FirebirdDude! I've been stalking this thing on Metra's site, but Crutchfield's info threw me off, as did the steering wheel controls. For some reason, I lapsed and thought the Axxes box was for the steering wheel controls (I know, I know, stupid me). LOL

What's worse is I actually already have the steering wheel controls and forgot about! My GF's mom bought the kit for me last year for my birthday. All this stuff has been sitting untouched in the garage for over a year waiting for this kit.

Guess you can keep that left ******** in your sig another day my friend! LOL

Thanks again for putting my mind at ease!

 

Ugh don't I know it.

You welcome. No problem.

 

UPDATES!!!

Ok, so I got this all in, put it in the dash, and fell in love. I finally got some time to sit down and start the iPhone holder/integration project, and I got a template cut out. I'm gonna start a thread and post up some pics tonight. Stay tuned!

 

Just to let everyone know, you can still get the Metra Kit for $129 at Crutchfield until July 31st with this coupon code 3A825

 

Currenlty Crutchfield has a deal that if you purchase a head unit over $199 you get the Ingtergration kit for half price. Just ordered the JVC KW-XG700. And the kit was $75. Not sure how long the deal will last. and can't wait for the stuff to arrive so I can install.