In 2018, I purchased the beautiful Classic Red over Tan Leather 1994 Miata seen in the header of this page - she's everything you'd ever want in a Miata - Package "C", no ABS, low miles, and 100% original from bumper to bumper - including the factory Pioneer MSSS1 Bodysonic stereo system. Like ALL MSSS1 stereos, mine suffered from severe faceplate degradation;  this is a conditon where the factory-applied matte clearcoat begins to fail from UV exposure, exposing the underlying chrome finish to the elements, where it too begins to fail. In addition to cosmetic issues, the stereo began to suffer from cassette deck malfunctions as well as a VERY selective CD player that developed a hatred for some of my slightly damaged Jazz Fusion records, but would play anything recorded by Steely Dan. 

Further, I learned there isn't a single Bluetooth solution on the market that actually works as advertised; I tried them ALL, from FM transmitters to wired cassette adapters and even considered the battery-powered Bluetooth cassette adapters (but chose to avoid them as they require recharging). 

As a life-long tinkerer of all things mechanical and electronic, I had no issues solving the stereo's internal issues - however, I the cosmetic restoration would take some doing. Part of the MSSS1's faceplate structure includes silkscreened graphics, and three adhesive-backed polycarbonate black w/ translucent print overlays behind the knobs - these are often severely brittle, discolored, and may even be delaminating from sun exposure over the past 30 years. 

My goal was not to start a business - rather, I just wanted my own stereo repaired and maybe share my experiences with other Miata enthusiasts. Step one was to reproduce the overlays - and after locating a US-based industrial printing firm, I contacted the owner and explained my project to him. After a few back-and-fourth emails and phone calls, I had secured a company that could reproduce the overlays EXACTLY as Pioneer had over 30 years prior using modern materials and techniques. The problem, however, was cost - to repair just ONE stereo (mine), it would have cost me over $500 JUST for one set of printed overlays! Fortunately, the economies of scale were forever in my favor, and taking a sizable risk, I figured I might be able to sell a few of these and recuperate some of my investment. I placed my order and they arrived EXACTLY as described - and I set to work selling these overlays to fellow Miata owners, with a focus on the 1993 LE market.

After a bit of trial and error, I managed to restore my own stereo - several capacitors were replaced, the CD player was easily repaired, the cassette deck was cleaned, lubricated, and fitted with new high-quality belts, and after a bit of trial and error, I found the perfect Bluetooth module that fits within a void inside the chassis and intercepts the audio coming from the AM/FM tuner module - replacing it with pure, clean Bluetooth audio without static and without any need for external switches, knobs, or jacks. 

Within a few weeks, I had sold enough overlays to recuperate my investment - but what surprised me were the number of folks interested in having me restore their stereos FOR them.  I shared my experiences across several Miata forums and started tacking other Miata stereos including the Panasonic models and even the newer MSSS stereos from Pioneer. 

• General repairs to ALL Mazda Miata NA and NB stereos, including lamp replacement and component replacement where needed*

• One-Way Bluetooth module installation**

• Repairs to other makes and models of car stereos - please contact for details and pricing!

• Mazda MSSS1 FULL faceplate restoration - Currently the only shop offering this service worldwide!

• Panasonic 1267/1197/1297 etc. (Bluetooth install, chassis repairs, lamps, amplifier repairs, Cassette deck repairs)

• Panasonic w/ Bose (Bluetooth install)

• Pioneer MSSS1 Mod. 6268 (Full faceplate restoration, lamp replacement, CD and Cassette deck repairs, amplifier repairs)

• Pioneer MSSS2 Mod. 6269 (Rotary encoder replacement, Lamp replacement, Bluetooth install, Cassette deck repair)

• Pioneer MPSS Mod. 6270 (Same as above) 

• Fujitsu-TEN 1321 w/ Cassette Deck (1984 Toyota Corolla/AE86)

1. Faceplates are removed from stereo, circuit boards removed and prepped for lamp replacement

2. All remaining components are removed from faceplates (display surrounds, light piping, etc.)

3. Buttons requiring replacement are set aside and (if possible), replacements are found

4. Buttons and faceplate are washed in hot water with a series of degreasers, and detergents to remove fingerprints, oils, and dressings (such as Armor-All)

5. Faceplates are lightly sanded with fine sanding films and washed again

6. Once dried, faceplates are sprayed with an adhesion promoter

7. Faceplates are painted with RustOleum Universal Titanium Silver paint

8. After two to three days of curing, laser-printed waterslide decals are applied - these take place of all original silkscreened printings and logos .

9. After two days of further curing, the faceplates are coated in three coats of SprayMAX matte clearcoat - this is a product that is activated at the time of use, and provides a durable coating that is both chemical and scratch resistant. 

10. After two to three days of further curing, new overlays are applied in the recessed areas behind the control knobs, as well as the CD-IN lamp indicator

11. The faceplate sets are reassembled

• Do you offer a warranty on your work? It depends on the radio, but generally yes - I offer a 30-day warranty on all work unless I specifically note otherwise (prior to accepting payment). My warranty only covers parts and repairs I actually complete - new issues not related to my work or caused by shipping are not covered. It's important to set reasonable expectations - these radios are often well over 30 years of age, and prone to failure - but I will try to ensure all customers are satisfied as I value your business above all else. This business is a very niche market, and word-of-mouth advertising is crucial for my continued success. 

• Do you sell parts? No. Unfortunately, all parts in my inventory are earmarked for customers' radios exclusively. 

• Do you accept radios internationally? Yes, I do! For international customers, I will get a full shipping quote once the project is complete and send the customer a PayPal payment request that includes the full price of the service, plus ACTUAL shipping costs prior to shipment. 

• What is the typical turnaround time? As I've begun streamlining my processes, and invested in better equipment, some radios can be turned around inside of one week if no paintwork is needed and if I have the parts on-hand - however, others (Pioneer MSSS1s for example), require extensive paintwork that can take up to two weeks to finish (accounting for curing time). Generally, one to three weeks is about my average. 

• What happens if you cannot fix my radio? Good question, and it has happened before - Generally speaking, if I determine a radio to be beyond repair and I do not have the parts needed to repair it, I will offer one of two solutions: 1), I can reassemble the radio and ship it back at the customer's expense, 2) If the radio is genuinely destroyed, I will offer to dispose of it, or 3) I may offer to purchase the radio if it has other parts that may be of use to me. I suppose you'll just have to trust my judgement on this one! 

• Do you offer the Jeff Anderson modifications, such as AUX jack or headrest speaker rewiring? Unfortunately, as I do not have a background in electrical engineering, I do not know how Jeff performed his mods (or even what he offered). If, at some point in the future, someone can shed some light on this, I'm more than happy to oblige. As for AUX jacks, I theoretically could offer these, but I've chosen to avoid them in favor of Bluetooth. Technically, the AUX jacks should be cheaper and easier to install, but I do not stock the necessary parts. 

• What Bluetooth modules do you use, and how do they work? I use the DROK modules with AUX bypass feature - this allows me to route the audio from the AM/FM receiver through the module and back into the pre-amp. When activated, the Bluetooth module simply cuts the feed from the tuner and replaced the audio with its own. Panasonic radios are done a little differently - these radios feature an AUX/Accessory port, through which the units' audio is fed through and returned either through an accessory (CD player, multi-band equalizer, or both depending on vehicle options - or a jumper plug if base model) and sent into the pre-amp. In these models, I simply tie the Bluetooth module into this port in place of the CD player (if equipped) or jumper plug. 

• Can you change my backlight color? This depends on the make/model of stereo. On the Panasonic radios, I can change all lighting colors to whatever you want - however, the Pioneer radios have built-in light filters in the displays that cannot be changed - so I'm limited to altering just the buttons and control knob backlighting. One customer requested AMBER backlighting on a Panasonic, so I simply removed the GREEN bulb filters which produced a nice, warm amber glow.

• Do you work on stereos for other vehicles? or just Miata stereos? I will work on anything I can make a profit on. I have one customer who has sent me a few mid-90s GM stereos that needed belt replacements and lamps, so yes! However, I am not well equipped for these and only stock the parts needed for the various Mazda radios. Contact me via the form below and we can talk. 

• I have an old Miata stereo I'd like to sell you - Will you buy it from me? Possibly - it all comes down to the big three - model, condition, and price. If you're looking to unload one or more Miata stereos, please contact me using the form below and be sure to identify the type of radio using the menus and describe the radio in detail using the NOTES box at the end. 

• You charge too much!! How do you sleep at night?!? I charge enough to keep me interested in repairing these radios. I have overhead including supplies, equipment, utilities, and I pay income taxes. If you find a place that does the level of work I offer for less, by all means hire them. I've seen a couple radios that came from the "cheaper" guy and, all told, there's a reason they were cheaper. Truthfully, there just aren't many folks out there offering these services and as much as I'd LOVE to lower my pricing schedule, I simply cannot as I would be unable to handle the workload while working my full-time job in addition to living anything close to a meaningful life. 

• You seriously wrote your own FAQ section, didn't you? DIDN'T YOU??? I'll never tell...

I just threw in the new head unit and all I can say is HOLY SHIT. I did not expect the radio to be THAT much better. Idk if it was the dollar store bluetooth transciever I was using, or the head unit itself, but now with the volume knob at 9 o clock, the audio is LOUD. I used to have it on full blast non stop, and even then, the music was audible at best. I am honestly astounded with how nice it turned out. I know $450 is a chunk of change, but I can say after acquiescing the radio repair, it was worth EVERY CENT. I had no idea what I was missing out. A massive thank you and a wonderful new year to you.

-B. Russell, USA, 12/2023

"In August, I closed a deal on an early 1990 NA that I'd been stalking for over 30 years. Got it home and discovered that the audio was terrible. Not surprised it was bad, but I didn't expect it to be THAT bad. All treble. No bass. Unlistenable at speed with the top down.

Additionally, I have a 2000SE, which I love dearly. And I think the audio sound is just fine for my dulled hearing. But I desperately wanted a line-in or a bluetooth connection. I have plenty of CDs and tapes, but I'd forgotten what a hassle and how limiting they are.

Via Miata.net, I found Brandon Bishop and 3rd Millennium speakers. Brandon was super communicative and responsive. After a mix of emails and phone calls, I pulled the radios, packaged them in lots and lots of bubble wrap, and shipped them to him. He also endorsed my plan to install all new 3rd Millennium speakers into the 1990. He confirmed receipt and provided a timeline. I received updates and invoices along the way. Turns out, the radio in the 1990 (Built June 1989) is different from other early NA radios he'd seen.

While he worked on the radios, I installed the headrest speakers. Very easy, plug and play process as my car already had them installed. Received the radios yesterday and installed them into both cars. In the 2000 SE, the radios were easy to slot back in. Need to figure out where to install the switch which turns on the bluetooth. Will deal with that later. Everything fired right up and works just as it had before. Flipped the switch for the bluetooth, and I was able to connect on the first try and now I can pipe Pandora to my heart's content. A little clean up remains, but I'm very happy with how it works. Brandon also serviced the CD player and tape deck. Should be good to go for a while. In the 1990, he replaced a bunch of capacitors and bulbs and serviced the tape deck. All of the used capacitors were included in the box., making the remarkable amount of detail work clear.

Install of the radio was easy enough. Fired right up and started playing the radio. A couple of notes.

* I intentionally left the old door speakers in to see if there was improved sound. I turned off the headrest speakers to hear the doors only. I'm not an audiophile, but I felt that the sound was definitely better. Perhaps 20% to 30% stronger sound from the radio by itself.

* Faded to the headrest speakers, and holy crap!, what an improvement vs the originals.

* As other posts said to expect, when I pulled the driver's side speaker, it was clearly shot. Cone was mostly disintegrated. Installed the driver's side door speaker and shifted the balance to compare the original to the 3rdM speaker. Not a contest. Night and day.

* Added in the passenger side speaker, and the whole package came together. I'm sure there are more sophisticated setups out there, but for my needs, it sounded great. Very pleased as I sat in the garage.

* I also installed the foam protectors for the door speakers. They were easy to manage. I was lucky that I did not need to remove my door cards to install the door speakers. Made the job much easier.

* Took the car out for a drive today around town and on the interstate. It's easily a 200% improvement from where I started. There's still a ton of wind noise, but now I can crank it up enough to hear the music clearly. I don't know that I could listen to a book on tape, but the music is clear enough for what I was looking to achieve. YMMV

I think it's important to note that I found 3rdM's videos on YouTube very helpful. I never talked with anyone at 3rdM, but the videos and included instructions were clear. Shipping was fast, and I thought the prices were fair.

*

I still need to go drive the 2000 SE, but I'm very optimistic. And after my drive today, I can heartily say that I'm pleased with how the system is performing in the 1990. I am doubly excited to have achieved these results while maintaining the factory radios. I want to keep the cars as original as I can while making them livable in the modern world. I feel Brandon and 3rdM helped me achieve this.

Extra kudos to Brandon Bishop (Bishop's Vintage Car Audio Repair). Really enjoyed working with him, and I can't recommend him highly enough. Excellent communication and responsiveness.

-Charles M, Flint MI, 10/11/23

Thank you, Charles! Glad I could help you with not just one, but TWO of your classic Miatas! 

"I sent my radio to Brandon Bishop after it started sending a “crunchy” noise on the right side, both the door and headrest speakers…but again, right side only. In addition, the volume on the right side was way lower than the left. 

I shipped the radio to Brandon, he got it and contacted me. We talked and he then got after it.

About 10 days or so later he contacted me again. He had replace all the capacitors in the radio, it now worked fine. He also installed the Bluetooth module. 

I thought the quality work, the replacement capacitors and the Bluetooth module install were well worth the expense. 

Actually I was quite relieved to find anyone who was willing to work on a 30 year old vintage radio at any price. 

I would not hesitate to use Brandon’s services again, and I would recommend his services to anyone.  

It sure is nice to have the radio back in the car and working. 

-Paul V, South Carolina

Thank you, Paul! Enjoy the tune-filled drives this summer! 

“Brandon was fantastic to deal with from start to finish! His work is thorough and detailed, and he keeps you informed throughout the entirety of the restoration process! He took my dilapidated Mazda radio, and gave it new life. It sounds crystal clear again. To add, he refinished my front face plate, replaced a broken display, added bluetooth functionality, and restored the CD/cassette function on my radio! I’d say now it is even better than it was when it was brand new 30 years ago! Thanks a bunch Brandon!"

-Jacob W, New Jersey

Thank you, Jacob! Enjoy the tunes!

"I am the proud owner of a Miata 94 BRG SE, a Canadian model with tan interior. With time, my

radio was no longer working well, and I wanted to keep the radio as-is because my car has never

been modified and looks almost like new and I still have old cassettes and CD`s with the feeling of

listening to my music with the body effect like a gamer's chair!

One day - I don’t remember how - I came across Brandon`s YouTube page and just watching how

he was fixing the radios like mine the MSSS1, I knew I could trust the guy right away!

I sent messages and called him with my long list of what was not working anymore, cassette, cd

and couldn’t hear the sound very loud anymore and a wanted the radio to have the cosmetic

redone to look like new well a full restoration! I also choose the Bluetooth module that by the

way works like a charm!

I packed my radio sent it to the US and few weeks after my radio was back home and first day, I

received it at night after work it was in my car!

I can’t thank Brandon enough, I was very excited to see the excellent and nice job he have done

on it for me this is worth gold because I love my Miata!

I recommend highly Brandon for the restoration of your radio especially the rare MSSS1."

Caroline M.

Québec, Canada

Thank you, Caroline - it has been a pleasure restoring your stereo! You are actually my FIRST international customer! 

"When I acquired a 1994 Miata with the msss1 radio I was elated. However the stereo was not in functioning condition. I initially sent it to a radio repair specialist who sent it back unable to repair it due to “unavailability of parts”. After this experience I believe that attempts at repairing it were hopeless. The radio went back in the car where it sat silent for another two years. That was until I heard of Brandon’s radio repair services through a Miata Facebook group. I immediately sent him my radio and within 2 weeks it came back in fully functioning condition! Not only that but the front face looked like it was brand new! Brandon was also very communicative throughout the whole process through email. I couldn’t be happier with the final result. Worth every penny! -end quote. I hope this is good! Feel free to correct any grammatical errors if you see any! Thank you again for your amazing work!"

Dylan H. Georgia USA

Thank you, Dylan! Glad everything worked out in the end! It's been a pleasure doing business with you!

My MSSS1 in my 1993 Limited Edition Miata had about as many problems as you could imagine. The lights, CD player and cassette player had been a problem. However, when the amplifier started going and I was losing audio completely I knew I had to do something to try and find a solution. I love the MSSS1, it is an iconic part of the LE package, and just keeping a dead radio in place for the looks was not an option. I heard about Brandon’s services from some other LE owners who had their radios repaired, so I reached out to Brandon and we set up a good time to ship it to him for diagnosis and hopefully to get it repaired and upgraded.

Brandon communicated with me throughout the process and kept me aware of what was going on. It turned out my radio had a lot of issues (like copious amounts of oil in the cassette player - yuck), and through his extensive knowledge of these stereos he was able to diagnose and tackle them one by one. I opted for the modification to add integrated Bluetooth in addition to the electrical, mechanical, and cosmetic restoration. Brandon was able to fix all the systems in the stereo, add the integrated Bluetooth, get all of the lights working, and complete the cosmetic restoration. He even returned the CD that had been stuck in the CD player since before I had even purchased the car. It was a neat piece of the car’s history, and now it will continue to be an integral part of my LE.

In summary, I highly recommend Brandon, and a deep and sincere thank you for keeping another MSSS1 operational and back in action."

Robert T, Charlotte NC

Thank you, Robert! Your stereo was definitely in need of some TLC, and I'm glad I was able to come up with a solution for you! 

"Brandon stepped up to repair my unusual, small production, highly complex original 30 year old AM/FM/CD/CASS when no one else would touch it.  He talked with me at length about my goals for the stereo and the car it would go into.  He kept me updated on options for minor repairs and upgrades along the way and provided extensive documentation on his efforts.  The result of his efforts was a better than new stereo that I feel will easily look good and sound amazing for another 30 years or more!   The addition of bluetooth to this vintage stereo means I can enjoy a whole new array of music options, a huge benefit!   I'm incredibly grateful for his expertise!"

Steve G. M, Long Beach CA 

Thank you, Steve! When you said you were sending me THREE stereos, I thought you were joking! Well, we saved 'em all for you and I wish you many years of enjoying your 93LE collection!

DROK Module User's Manual