Review on Upgrade Your Mazda Vehicle with the Metra 99-7505 Single/Double DIN Installation Multi-Kit - Black (1994-2006 Models) by Johnny Murphy

I recently upgraded the stereo head unit in my 2004 Mazda mx-5 Miata. The new stereo system has a 6.2 inch touch screen and is suitable for double DIN hole. The stereo came with brackets and a rubber plug for attachment to the back, but soon found it didn't fit. It was almost an inch too small for the dash hole. A quick web search revealed that I really needed a replacement stereo install kit. Metra 99-7505 appears to be a Mazda universal kit, suitable for several car models from 1994 to 2006. I ordered a kit from Revain which was less than half the price it was sold for in most places. Bag with small folding instructions inside. I was surprised that you actually get two sets in one. A single DIN opening stereo that is supplied as a single unit and can be flipped over so the storage opening can be either below or above the stereo. You will also receive the double din kit I requested. The double din kit consists of three parts: a front panel and two separate side brackets. No other hardware included; It is assumed that you are using what comes with the stereo. Installation Installation is very simple. If anything, the instructions got in the way of installation. There are diagrams, but they don't really show which direction the frame is moving, so it's possible that the frame is upside down. The brackets have circles with embossed letters showing which bracket is left (L) and right (R). In the end, the easiest way to tell if the bezel is the right one is to try and align the screw holes. They don't align when the bezel is inverted. Another thing is that the bezel has horizontal support by double hole. You must remove this bar. I used side cutters and a small model maker's flat file to remove and finish the surface. The molding didn't try to make the job easier and the beam is flush with the front bevel so care must be taken if you don't want any visible cut marks after the radio is fitted. It's easy once you have the basic tools. Installation and Completion Once the radio is attached to the kit and the wiring harness is connected, simply plug it into the hole. The kit includes four spreader latches that snap into place when the radio is fully seated. It hugs the dashboard snugly and looks clean and tidy. As long as your stereo has a rubber mount on the back, the radio will stay in place and won't rattle. Conclusion The kit works well and is relatively easy to use. Intuition works better than supplied instructions. The next day I actually had to take the stereo back off to fix the potential problem. The kit recommends a universal Ford Head Removal Kit, which is wrong and a bit silly if you don't have a Ford stereo. The easiest way to remove the radio is to unscrew the 4 screws and move the center console (takes about 4 minutes), unscrew the 2 screws and remove the dashboard (takes about 2 minutes) and then you can do a large flat screwdriver insert the hole. Slots that the dashboard snaps into. Unlatching the top two tilts the stereo forward and you can then just pull it up a bit and the stereo will pop out slightly. Aside from the vague instructions and some basic crafting skills, the dashboard is easy to install and works well. Now that it is, I am very happy with it. The plastics are color matched and while the front is textured and doesn't match the aluminum finish of the surround panel, I wasn't expecting that either. I am delighted with the results you see in the photos.