Metra 99-7505 Single or Double DIN Installation Multi-Kit for Select 1994-2006 Mazda Vehicles

I recently upgraded the stereo head unit in my 2004 Mazda mx-5 Miata. The new stereo has a 6.2 inch touchscreen and fits a double DIN opening. The stereo came with mounting brackets and rubber stopper for mounting the rear but it soon became apparent that it would not fit. It was too small for the opening in the dash by almost an inch.

A quick look online showed that I actually needed an install kit for the replacement stereo. The Metra 99-7505 seems to be a general purpose Mazda kit that fits several vehicle models spanning the years 1994 – 2006. I ordered the kit on Amazon which was less than half the price most places were selling it for.

The Kit

The kit arrived in a bag with a small folded instruction leaflet inside. I was surprised that you actually get two kits in one. A single DIN stereo kit with cubby hole which comes as a single piece and can be flipped so the cubby hole can either be either below or above the stereo. You also get the Double DIN kit which is the one I wanted.

The Double Din Kit comes in three parts: the front bezel and two separate side brackets. No other hardware is included; you’re expected to use whatever comes with the stereo.

Install

The installation is fairly straightforward. If anything, the instructions hampered the install. There are diagrams but they don’t really illustrate which way around the bezel goes so it’s possible the bezel is upside down. The brackets have circles with embossed letters that indicate which bracket is for the left (L) and Right (R). In the end, the easiest way tell if the bezel is the correct way is when you try and line up the screw holes. They don’t line up if the bezel is upside down.

The only other thing is that the bezel has a horizontal support across the double opening. You have to remove this beam. I used side cutters and a modeler’s small flat file to remove and finish the surface. The moulding didn’t try to make the job easier and the beam is flush with the front bevel so some care has to be taken if you don’t want any visible signs of the cut after you install the radio. It’s not hard if you have some basic tools.

Fit and finish

Once the radio is attached to the kit and the wire harness hooked up, you simply slide it into the opening. There are four expanding latches on the kit that snap into place when the radio is inserted all the way. It fits snug and flush to the dash and looks clean and tidy. So long as your stereo came with the rubber bump stop mount on the back then the radio will fit snug and doesn’t rattle.

Conclusion

The kit works well and is relatively easy to use with some common sense. Intuition works better than the included instructions. I actually had to remove the stereo again the next day to troubleshoot a potential problem. The kit recommends a general purpose Ford head removal kit which is incorrect and a bit silly if you don’t have a Ford stereo. The easiest way to remove the stereo is to undo 4 screws and move the center console (that takes about 4 minutes) undo 2 screws and unclip the dash panel (takes about 2 minutes) and then you can push a large flat head screwdriver into the slots the dash kit latches into. If you unlatch the two top ones the stereo will tip forwards and then you can just raise it slightly while pulling and the stereo comes out easily.

Other than vague instructions and some basic crafting skills, the dash kit is easy to install and works well. Now that it is in I’m pretty happy with it. The plastics match in color and though the front is textured and doesn’t match the aluminum finished surround panel, I didn’t really expect it too. I’m pleased with the results which you can see in the pictures.