FD RX7 Head Unit Installation (Pioneer MVH-1400NEX) and Interior Wrap Up

In this video, I finish the FD RX7 interior restoration. Check out the links below for some of the parts and tools used in this video.
It is time to finally plug in the Pioneer MVH-1400NEX head unit and check that all of the speaker channels are working.
Some of the finishing touches come from Garage Alpha. Check out their website at garagealpha.com.
FD OEM Trim Part Numbers:
FD RX7 Right and Left Side View Mirror Interior Triangle Trim (FD01-68-DJXC & FD01-68-DJYC)
FD RX7 Interior Door Handle Garnish/Sail (FD01-68-51YE & FD01-68-51XE)
FD RX7 Seat Bolt Cover Trim (J001-57-041)
If you found this video helpful smash that like button! If you have any suggestions or tips for other viewers, comment down below.
Thank you for your support and let me know if you have any questions!
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Links:
Get your iCON GARAGE merch here: teespring.com/...
Pioneer MVH-1400NEX: amzn.to/2Xo3K1U
Pioneer ADT-VA133 Double Din Install Kit: amzn.to/2TqVtZS
FD RX7 head unit wire adapter: amzn.to/3e2AuEG
Pioneer 6.5 TS speakers (replaces KS): amzn.to/2Zv9MR5
FD Front door Speaker Brackets (LHD or RHD): amzn.to/2ynsUW2
Pioneer bypass switch: amzn.to/36k3kxC
High Heat Wiring Tape: amzn.to/3cSUDgt
Speaker gasket tape: amzn.to/2WUqMyx
Foam Seal Tape for trim: amzn.to/2TSGQyL
Wagner Heat gun: amzn.to/2zkjgnB
Wire strippers: amzn.to/3bScL8W
SoundSkins Sound Deadening: amzn.to/2LLinHo
Portions of this video was recorded on a GoPro Hero 8 Black: amzn.to/2WgazST
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Follow me for updates between videos:
/ theicongarage
/ icongarage
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Song Info:
♫Music By♫
●Track by oomiee found at epidemicsounds.com
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DISCLAIMERS:
This video description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the links, I may receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support! - Matt
Use the information in this video at your own risk! Please use common sense and safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or a professional for guidance. Due to factors beyond the control of this channel, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not this channel. The content, views, and opinions in this video are my own. - Matt
#icongarage #RX7 #rotary

[@Kamui609]

Man, you were the exact right person to get this car. The love you have for this RX-7 shows with all the hard work you've put into it. Keep it up!

[@JuanRivera-xo3wo]

Where you at I truly miss your videos, I love how meticulous you are with your project my friend. May God Bless you each and everyday Amigo

[@IconGarage]

Things have been pretty nuts the last couple of years and I had to put my projects on the back burner, but I am going to start releasing videos again at the beginning of the year or sooner. Thank you for the well wishes! I hope the same for you!

[@JuanRivera-xo3wo]

God Bless you and your family and Stay Safe my friend. See your videos some.

[@donaldmcmahon3666]

Jeez, its been two years already?! Glad to see everything coming together. Keep up the good work, you make fantastic content 👌🏻

[@paulog8813]

Congrats on finishing the Mazda. I can only imagine your feelings when driving it for the first time complete. You looked happy. Stay safe. Greetings from Brazil.

[@idokwatcher2062]

Thanks for saving this JDM legend from the Butchering it received.

[@Briguy1027]

You've done such a great job with fixing so many things. It's too bad that nimrod put on the body kit though. After I saw him mutilate car after car I unsubscribed from B is for Butcher.

[@IconGarage]

People either love or hate widebody kits. After living the the (replica) rocket bunny, it is not practical at all. This one has a lot of rough edges and wasn’t cast very well. I have a set of OE rear quarters. I may try to mold in a 1” or so flare so I can run a little wider tire. Front fenders are easy enough to replace. The body will probably be the last thing I tackle.

[@abritton2]

I just finished my head unit install a couple weeks ago it the cage was too tight as well. I am glad to see you filed and sanded the edges down just like I did to fix it. I had the HVAC trim panel off to fit the radio and it made wire routing a lot easier

[@IconGarage]

In hindsight, setting up the cage and head unit before you have all the trim on is the better way.

[@abritton2]

Icon Garage I stumbled upon it because I was restoring my trim at the same time just like you. My interior is finally all buttoned up as well and I’m just waiting on a tune for the engine now that she’s broken in.

[@fevans2366]

Icon Garage wish you lived by me so we could go cruising in our rx-7’s

[@Went__Awol]

Two years already? Wow time really flies. Also i really like the detail you film all your rx7 videos. Keep doing what you're doing👌🏼

[@IconGarage]

Do you have an RX7?

[@Went__Awol]

@@IconGarage i wish. I live in Finland where it is almost impossible to get an reasonably priced rx7. But still my dream car so i keep whatching your video's!

[@IconGarage]

That’s awesome man. Sucks you can’t get an FD tho.

[@furyofgungnir]

Nothing like a new to you refreshed interior. I want a third gen camaro refreshed to OEM new. 80s style is just my favorite. Or a Starion. Had a moment seeing a Dodge Daytona (80s early 90s not charger daytona) someone fixed up today. Just something about that era makes me smile.

[@ajgonzalez5109]

Congratulations! It's been one of the most enjoyable resto/builds on youtube next to project binky and a few others.

[@rhyansanpedro]

Mad respect in taking the time in fixing this B is for build dumpster fire FD.

[@oliverdodic756]

I’m not usually a massive fan of putting modern screens like this into older cars, but i must admit, the quality of the way you’ve rebuilt interior is very impressive! Only the rest of the car to do now 😉

[@IconGarage]

Yeah, it’s like the designers thought one day the car would need a double DIN head unit. It is a clean installation IMO, and it doesn’t feel like a nearly 30 year old car.

[@aln5439]

You’re doing an awesome job man on your channel I try to watch you as often as possible you put great content out very detailed I like that and I like the fact that you do work on FDRX sevens🦾💯Pup🦾 the great work man we need more people like you

[@Plexxarn]

Wow. Look so much nicer now! You are really fixing up this car like it deserves. It takes a couple of years to build something really nice. It's not possible to smash something together in a few weeks like the previous owner did.

[@84eurospec911]

A lot of nice detail going into the car. Good work, now all the car needs is a proper paint job and wheels to get rid of the bisforbigspacers

[@funnyjew11]

Crazy it’s bn two years but completely night and day difference from day one. Great job on restoring this rx-7!

[@zeroyon4562]

Those mats are impressive, awesome they can do the emblem. The car has come a long way, congrats!

[@robatty143]

so close to the "FD RX-7 BUILD IN 15 MINUTES" video man a year will fly love the vids

[@IconGarage]

It has been a long journey for sure. Still need to tackle the engine and suspension.

[@robatty143]

Icon Garage need an intern?? Haha

[@IconGarage]

I can only pay in soda and free t-shirts. 😂

[@SidewaysGts]

Seeing your black interior makes me jealous. I dont MIND the tan interior on my FD, but god I do wish it was the black interior. Been fun watching you do the sound system- Im working on getting any kind of working stereo system in my fd right now. The PO decided to strip everything out from behind the panels (Front/rear brackets, wiring, etc) when pulled the stock sound system and put a whole bunch of gauges / etc in the center console area. he JB welded an Apex-i AVC-4 to the radio plate, and butchered the stock radio plug/harness under the dash to pull power to various things. Im just going to opt to leave those in the center, and am mounting the radio in the glove box- but going to need to tackle how to make brackets for all the speakers.

[@IconGarage]

Having received my FD with a few missing OE pieces, it is a pain trying to track down what you need and finding good useable parts. You might check out draklore.com for radio bezels. The front brackets can be purchased off amazon or other websites. They are aftermarket, but work well enough. I see a lot of the rear speaker brackets for sale on forums and marketplace groups. A lot of guys building track cars strip their interiors. Don’t worry about the center speaker in the dash. It’s hard to find replacements and deal with a 5th channel unless you have the right head unit or amp. Good luck!

[@SidewaysGts]

@@IconGarage ive actually been all over the forums here in the states contacting everyone who has been parting out their FD out (assuming it was recent. not contacting people from 3 years ago, etc lol) Nearly everyone of them has said those damned speaker brackets are like the first ones to go. Ive actually found files for templates- a buddy of mine has a plasma table (in his home no less. its fun working in that garage) that im just going to have cut the templates out for me. Good tip on the center speaker- Tbh i wasnt going to bother. I already have a 4 speaker stereo and speakers ready to go in. Stereo is already in the glove box. just need those brackets now.

[@IconGarage]

One of my goals is to get a plasma CNC. There are soo many parts that would be easy to replicate once you created the digital drawing.

[@marselgarage]

Thank you for doing what you did to the RX-7 and all the videos covering everything in so much detail. Definitely makes me want to get another and start really diving into it again. I am absolutely interested to see what comes next.

[@IconGarage]

🙏

[@zflammer]

Glad to see this channel starting to see some growth again! Congrats!

[@edwardaleman1658]

Matt! You did a great job. Ive been with you since you got the car and man has it been a great ride. I cant wait to see what comes up next. This is what i dream to do with an FD Efini one day! Keep it up!

[@sanjuan240]

I ended up just cutting a section of that metal frame that sits right behind the stereo. That way I got it to sit all the way in with the wiring

[@IconGarage]

Does the head unit fit tight?

[@sanjuan240]

@@IconGarage a little bit but it definitely helped. The harness on my stereo literally lined up with that metal frame. Once I cut a section off it it went right in fits snug

[@IconGarage]

Next time mine is out, I might bend or trim it. Maybe make a new tab that’s farther back. Mine is a very tight fit.

[@ebanuelos8380]

Those kicker speakers are known to sound worse than the entry level ones until you wire in an amp...I highly recommend even a small one

[@IconGarage]

I plan to install a digital signal processor and amp for the whole system. In a video I did a year ago or so, I pre-wired the whole car to be able to install the audio gear in the hatch area and ran all the wires to the speaker locations.

[@pawilson1978]

Great work, nice blend of modern and retro. 👏👍

[@amerezareen7644]

That looks great and phenomenal, so impressed with all the works done. Well done , please continue with the mechanical parts under the hood and wheel related. Looking forward for that.

[@IconGarage]

An engine rebuild, suspension/wheels, and body are all things I have been planning. Also some of the more expensive projects. I’m trying to figure out how to get it all done without breaking the bank.

[@fevans2366]

Man your awesome! Your very thorough and your car shows it. Congratulations on getting your car completed. I appreciate your videos and wish I had your knowledge so I could apply it to my rx-7.

[@hunterhoyt4677]

When's the next video!? Can't wait!

[@IconGarage]

Soon. 2020 has been crazy. Just been laying low for the most part.

[@aln5439]

That’s awesome man keep up the good work on your FD love the content

[@xdwx6168]

Keep up your great energy bro

[@flyryde]

killer work dude

[@IconGarage]

thank you sir!

[@cestusfr]

Your car sure came a long way! nice job!

[@IconGarage]

It has. Still a long way to go. I need a second job to fund my RX7 habit. Lol

[@wldwst22]

It may have taken a long time but it's one helluva payoff. Nice work as always.

[@IconGarage]

A painful amount of time. So much respect for those that can rebuild entire cars in a couple of months.

[@ichallengemydog]

Great job man. Excellent work. Really impressed.

[@IconGarage]

Thanks!

[@cacak69]

Matt is the real MVP..... I’m in the process of doing an audio upgrade aswell and your videos are of great help..

[@IconGarage]

Thanks for the vote of confidence... lol. Just doing what I can to document the process.

[@cacak69]

I have an FD as well and this is of great help... wondering whats the best subwoofer option out there considering the limited trunk space...

[@IconGarage]

I am a big fan of kicker solo baric/L7 (square subs). Best system I ever owned was a single 12” in ported box. I plan to eventually do a single 10” or 8” in the FD. Custom enclosure most likely.

[@cacak69]

@@IconGarage got the same door and rear kicker speakers like you...before I came across your channel 😁

[@cacak69]

The head unit I got is the pioneer W8500NEX... haven’t installed as yet but yours fitted great...

[@xdwx6168]

I have my FD3S. BUT I am changing it from latest modern head unit back to original JDM Spirit R head unit because I prefer original genuine look and feel.

[@IconGarage]

That’s not a bad option. It likely keeps or adds value.

[@johneverson354]

You are doing a great job keep at it

[@fevans2366]

Matt drop some new content on the RX-7 !!!

[@IconGarage]

I need to. I haven’t touched it since this video other than driving and enjoying it. Still lots to be done.

[@TheRealMrCods]

Dont forget to fix that part under........oh nevermind its too late now anyway.............jk..................Car looks f*^king amazing Mate 💖

[@IconGarage]

😂

[@georgeobongen2900]

Clean all the plastic trim pieces and apply plastic restore to make it look newer and shinier. itll rejuvenate plastic trim pieces like it was new

[@jax_light]

woo

[@Briguy1027]

No more videos after this? Still, great job on the interior!

[@IconGarage]

No, I have a lot more to do and I have a pile of parts I need to get on the car. 2020 has been a ball-breaker so I’ve been laying low and trying not to spend too much $. I will pick things up soon.

[@hughjaskoch5456]

@@IconGarage Look forward to seeing more. Been following this cars journey since B Is For Builds shoddy work on the car originally. It was this car that opened my eyes to how bad of work that dude does and stopped watching since then. Please post more videos!

[@builtbymiller]

We need more of your videos! Where you at?

[@IconGarage]

2020 was nuts for me, as it probably was for most. I have a lot of content to get out and I am trying to get my schedule together to release videos soon.

[@BenSmith-eh5zp]

Was worried Matt died.

[@builtbymiller]

Sweet can’t wait. I love your work and attention to detail!

[@Chris-hw4mq]

@@IconGarage Cant wait to see whats going on with the Rx7. Maybe get a new project car love the detailed videos you do.

[@IsraelGuitarZ]

Cleeean

[@hakimhasanmasood9820]

Dude just daily upload your videos and you'll soon become successful

[@IconGarage]

Yeah. That would be nice. I think that’s possible for full time creators. Really difficult when you have a normal job to make and edit videos in a single day. Maybe it’s possible to batch videos over the weekends.

[@lancelaprarie6128]

Nice

[@roocrew86]

awesome man, looks mint!

[@IconGarage]

We are getting there. Honestly the interior turned out better than expected.

[@panikosrxristodoulouxristo1733]

The RX7 interior look fantastic👍good job but same time sad as i was enjoying watching you fixing it. Can i ask or send me the link from where you bought those "palm rest" as you describe them. Thank you and looking forward for more new RX7 videos😊👍

[@IconGarage]

Thanks! Garage Alpha calls them "Hand steps" garagealpha.com/collections/catalog/products/mazda-rx-7-fd3s-jdm-hand-steps.

[@LevansLawnLandscape]

Hi Matt I like those "palm rest" pads and was also wanting to upgrade my door sill strips; any advice on where to find any of these would be great!

[@IconGarage]

I picked mine up from Garage Alpha.

[@MicroTeck]

hey man how much you spent on your interior restoration ? Im about to doing mine and look where I can save a little

[@pwkim21]

Man I just found your channel and this has been my dream to rework an FD. Are you going to do anymore work? I’ve been wanting to modernize the interior with a retro/modern mix. Would love to get your input.

[@IconGarage]

Yeah, I still have a lot more projects to do. I haven’t done much off camera and am gearing up to start releasing videos again.

[@furyofgungnir]

@@IconGarage glad to hear that. Came back to check if you had posted any update.

[@bryanrobiou9697]

Will you be posting more videos?

[@IconGarage]

Yes. I had planned to release a video last week but a winter storm prevented me from getting home for a few days. I plan to try and get it posted this Friday.

[@R26Roman]

Great content, how do you feel about the cars reliability? Do you have startup issues? Ford winter storage is waiting building inside the engine a really issue? Just picking your brain and would appreciate the knowledge. Keep up the great work!

[@IconGarage]

Ultimately, the reliability boils down to the owner’s level of care and having some knowledge of rotary engines. There is a lot of cases of failures and issues that leads to a general thought that rotaries are not reliable. There is some truth to this. I wouldn’t recommend a rotary vehicle to anyone that wasn’t willing to either pay for regular maintenance by a notable shop or know some minimum level of care themselves. Complicating things often is a lack of knowledgeable rotary shops. There is no one even close to me I would feel comfortable taking my FD to work on. SoCal, Florida, Virginia here in the states for example offer lots of good options for rotary mechanics. For winter, I usually drive it less so I use fuel stabilizer and a battery tender, but also try to get it out for a drive a couple times a month to keep the engine fluids moving and seals lubed. Ultimately I think it takes passion and patience (and willingness to spend money) to own a rotary vehicle. My FD costs me more to own than my other cars combined.

[@hey_hentai]

Did you ever end up selling your ganador mirrors? Im still interested, please let me know

[@eesbyrd]

Did you have any clearance issues between the speakers and the windows?

[@IconGarage]

No. The speakers are rather thin. They are almost the same thickness as the mounting bracket. Probably less than 1/2” thicker. I think there is plenty of clearance.

[@imjaxmacintosh1580]

does this head unit work for rx7s with the bose speakers in the trunk?

[@IconGarage]

Technically yes, but you may have to do additional wiring into the Bose system. I haven’t worked on a FD with Bose to have experience with it. Search RX7club.com.

[@TheRealMrCods]

You coming back?

[@IconGarage]

Yes! I was actually filming some content today. I have missed making videos and the last year has been nothing short of crazy as I am sure it has been for most. Life got in the way and I have been beyond busy at work (fortunately). But I need to get back to making content. I’ve missed everyone! Hope all is well!

[@MariuszSnioncyNoname]

Is there something happening with rx-7? it's almost a year.

[@IconGarage]

Yeah! Getting back into releasing content soon. Just been enjoying it and haven’t done anything new to it since the last video. Lots left to do!

[@Ciserio]

where do i get the shifter and the ebrake boot for the rhd rx7 fd?

[@IconGarage]

I got mine from Redline Goods.

[@cadwgawn]

What is that knee bolster on the transmission tunnel? Mine doesn't have one of those.

[@IconGarage]

Are you RHD or LHD?

[@cadwgawn]

@@IconGarage I have an LHD.

[@IconGarage]

I think it is a RHD thing as the transmission tunnel bulges out on that side for the cats. There is much more room for the driver in the LHD version.

[@cadwgawn]

@@IconGarage it looks kinda cool, maybe Garage Alpha, will copy it for us. Thanks for the great content, I've turned to you many times when I get stuck on something.

[@ajgonzalez5109]

Hey, so... any updates on the Datsun or the RX-7?

[@IconGarage]

I recorded some videos. I’ll be getting those out soon hopefully! It’s got some issues and I have been ordering tons of parts. Also have a new engine and trans on hand to start planning the swap.

[@ajgonzalez5109]

@@IconGarage Thanks a lot for responding!! looking forward to your next video!! Just an idea, maybe do a small video showing what you got lined up, maybe get the ball rolling again with the channel... it's been a while now lol

[@IconGarage]

For sure!

[@AS-zt8bi]

Do u recommend this pioneer model ?

[@IconGarage]

Yes. For me it was the cheapest Pioneer head unit with Apple CarPlay. It has a lot of other features and can accommodate things like a back-up camera. It is a good all around unit. I do feel there are times when the touch screen doesn't pick up me touching it right away.

[@delukxy]

Icon Garage shut down?

[@IconGarage]

I took a little time off with everything going on in the world the last year, but I have been recording content and need to get it uploaded soon.

[@delukxy]

@@IconGarage Well I hope you are safe, well, and fully vaccinated. Perhaps a restart video with a run down on future uploads.

[@Nbomber]

@@delukxy"I hope you are fully vaccinated" Thats a normal thing to say.....

[@earlsomerville4621]

Where’d you get that shift Boot?

[@IconGarage]

Redline Goods

[@earlsomerville4621]

@@IconGarage Thank you sir!

[@midnightfd3s]

WHERE IS THE CONTENT!? Lol I found your channel and you aren't making videos :(

[@IconGarage]

2020 was crazy and I have had a lot going on. I am planning to post more videos soon.

[@midnightfd3s]

Sweet, using your channel to help with my fd restoration

[@haboubpose6767]

why is it u never show us the installation... like ever...that's what I'm watching for lol

[@IconGarage]

It would make for super long and boring videos... 😂

[@ZyzzNutss69]

Get rid of that widebody kit bro

[@IconGarage]

Bruh...