I have just fitted my empeg (mk2a) to my Car underneath my sony headunit. The Sony is one of their Black Panel Stealth jobs, the empeg looks ok next to it, but would look better if I could get my hands on a front plate from the mk1.

I am not bothered about buttons on the front as I have got used to using the remote with the Sony, but does anybody have a front plate knocking about that their would part with if I crossed their palm with silver ???

Cheers

Cris

I'm not sure that they're compatible, it would probably require custom work.

You know, somebody was selling their MKI outright just the other day here. The price was a little high though, it might require crossing his palm with gold instead.

even with the mk1 panel there is still buttons also the mk2 has a knob and the mk1 did not so you would have to cut a hole for that

Yes, you can do this. The round Mk1 button caps are a standard part from farnell, and the screw holes should line up just fine The only thing you'd need to do is drill a hole for the knob.

Some people who work at sign shops have done custom-cut faces for the Mk1 panels. I remember seeing pictures, even. I don't have a link to any of the threads handy, though, anyone?

You could go to a local sign shop and see if they'll custom-cut a translucent plastic piece to your specifications. That would work, too.

The only problem is that the sculpted Mk2 handle wouldn't match the faceplate very well.

Personally, I think the Mk2 face looks great, better than any other stereo, and I don't see why anyone would want to change it.

If stealth is your goal, look here.

Talk to the guys at empeg. Last I heard anything about MkI panels they had plenty left... You'd need to drill a hole for the knob axle and either get the MkI style buttons or machine the button holes to fit the MkII style buttons.
For that operation I'd talk to DarkStorm, who could probably also set you up with a custom color MkI style panel fitting a MkII or machine a MkI panel to fit a MKII, as he's the guy that has been making custom color panels both for MkIs and IIs...

/Michael

I have put up some pictures of my install at...

http://www.2b1q.com/empeg/empeg01.jpg through to empeg07.jpg Sorry no fancy HTML yet just the pictures empeg06.jpg shows the best view of the problem with the very different headunits.

Cheers Cristian.

I know I'm biased, but I think your Mk.2 looks a lot better in your car than that Sony!

Rob

Great photos! Put them up at riocar.org.