NB Miata 2-DIN dash kit

Unlike the NA Miata(1989-97), The NB MX-5 Miatas(1998-05) do not have a radio bracket. The radio uses heavy duty clips that secure the unit in the dash. Due to this, installing an aftermarket head unit into an NB is more difficult than most cars. Many people opt to use the Metra stereo installation kit(99-7505). I did the same and was not satisfied with that product.

The Metra stereo installation kit is terrible to mount my Pioneer DMH-W2770NEX head unit. It looks fine with other units but has a large gap between the screen and the head unit with the head unit being signifcantly recessed inside the dash, the plastic is thin and flimsy, and the securement method with the dash kit clipping in has made my head unit fall out on multiple occasions.

This dash kit is designed to rectify those issues. It is extremely rigid and is designed to flush fit the stereo to the dash kit and the dash kit to the center panel for an overall clean and flush package.

The head unit is ISO mounted with 6 screws(M5x0.8 flat head screws with a 10mm head and a 90° countersink angle(ISO metric)) into the dash kit. The dash kit is then press fit under the center panel and can optionally be screwed into the dash for a more secure fit. The dash kit and the brackets for the head unit are one piece and securely hold the stereo in place. I have only tested the W2770NEX but other Pioneer 6.8" head units should be compatible.

Included is the Fusion360 project file, a .3mf file to load into Cura, an .stl for all the wierd people, and a .step file.

Bill of materials

Installation is as follows. Please read all of these before you perform them.

1. Remove the center console. Remove the power window switch. The center console should be secured with 5 screws(sometimes 4---if you know-you know), the shift knob, and 2 clips near the front of it. Lift the front straight up and tilt it back. Slide it forwards off of the trunk and fuel door release levers.
2. Remove the center panel. It should be secured with 2 screws and clips. Pull straight towards the rear of the car. Unplug the airbag switch(some markets may have a cubby, blanking plate, or various switches instead of the airbag switch in this location) and the cigarette lighter. Some people have broken this panel when removing it. I have not but please be careful.
3. There are 2 DIN hole covers on each side of the radio. Remove them with a trim removal tool. This will reveal 2 holes(4 if the car is a later model with the 2-DIN modular audio unit) on each side. Insert the stereo removal tools(U shaped hooks) into the holes, push the clips inwards, and pull the stereo out using the tools.
4. The early NBs with the 1-DIN stereos(1998-01) have a support bar that sits in between the stereo and the cubby or dealer optioned cassette player. Undo the 2 screws securing this bar and set them aside.
5. Install the new stereo into the dash kit and secure it with the 6 screws included. You must use countersink screws or else the screws will prevent insertion and removal of the dash kit.
6. Make your wiring harness. Since the radio harness wiring varies---I will not include instructions. Use the wiring diagram included within the factory workshop manuals to make your harness. Follow the instructions included with your adaptor and the radio. Be safe, disconnect the battery and have a fire extinguisher handy in case something bad happens.
7. Connect the adaptor harness to the car and then to the stereo. Connect the radio antenna lead as well.
8. Test and ensure that everything works as intended before installing the stereo into the car.
9. Insert the stereo into the vacant hole in the dash. Use the scews set aside that held in the bar mentioned in step 4 to secure the radio bracket. If you are missing them, use the screws holding the center panel in---they are the same. If you are missing the spring nuts, use the hood of Steves 2017 Toyota Corolla 50th Anniversary Special Edition.
10. Connect the airbag switch and the cigarette lighter back into the center panel and reinstall the center panel.
11. Reinstall the center console but do not screw in the screw that sits under the power window switch. Screw it in without the center console. This allows you to remove the center console without removing the power window switch. You do not risk damaging the center console nor the power window switch. These switches are expensive and no longer produced. Reinstall the switch and shift knob.
12. Do it all over again since you forgot to wire in the power antenna motor.
13. ?
14. Success?
    
    You are free to modify the dash kit to your liking. You can make a 1-DIN dash kit with a cubby or gauge pods, a blanking plate, etc---I dont really care.

Please do not sell this item. I published this for free for everyone to use.

Thanks Steve

Links
1998 - 01 LS

https://old.pinouts.ru/Car-Stereo-Mazda/Mazda_Miata_Bose_CQ-JM171_pinout.shtml & https://www.miata.net/garage/m2interface.html
 

2001 - 05 Base, 2002 - 05 LS

https://www.miata.net/garage/nbaudio/index.html

V0 - Initial release
V1 - Changed thickness of head unit bracket mounting tabs from 8mm to 4mm to allow mounting with W201-64-999. Changed countersink angle from 100° to 90° to comply with ISO standards. Added Bill of materials. Changed description. Organised 
files - 07/22/2024

V2 - Raised mounting tabs 1mm upwards. Moved screw holes for head unit. Changed bill of materials. Changed description. Added files. - 07/27/2024

V3 - Fully remade using SolidWorks. Dimensions corrected. Included a delete plate. - 11/23/2025