Since my once-decrepit 85SE now runs good and looks good, I thought I'd try restoring the radio, too. There's a largeish hole above the ashtray with an aftermarket Pioneer in the lower half and nothing but hole in the upper half. And I know there is an 85 in a Certain JY (which shall remain nameless so some other JY hounddog doesn't get to it first) so I wonder how to R&R the things. It's not obvious that there's some easy way. I tried prodding and prying but couldn't get anything loose.

Somebody know how to do it, or have experience doing it? Maybe somebody around here that knows how and wants to earn some greenbacks?

 

R&R?? If that's remove and replace (I really wish people would spell things out, at least the first time they use a phrase in a thread), just remove the bezel aroiund the the stereo and heater controls. The you will see some screws...I thin there is one on each side and two below the radio. Just remove those and pull it out, disconnect all electrical connectors and antenna wire, and there you have it.

Rich

 

Jeez, here I thought I was playing with the Big Boys, so I used "R&R" for remove and replace (just like the bigtime bluebook), but ended up with egg on my face.

OK, I'll try the big(ger) bezel and see what I can do. Tommorrow.

 

What's wrong with the existing radio?

 

depends on who installed ur aftermarket radio. i think yesterday or two days ago i just learned what r&r. never seen it for the few months ive been here. i was pretty close at guessing what it was but 64mgb guessed it right on the dot. anyways since everyone has their way of installing aftermarket radios, taking it out might be different. try taking out the surround like what 64 said. then unscrew/unplug everything. youre putting back the stock radio to restore it right? well right on man! classics should be restored or raced to the fullest. good luck

 

SE center panel must be removed to effect removal of the stock stereo system (Clarion, with either digital readout Radio, Cassette, and EQ, or without EQ). Take the following steps in order and you should have the stock radio, and brackets, out in no time at all;

1) Start off by removing your shift **** - you may not need to, but it gives more room for working - put the tranny in 4th or Reverse to get it out of the way. Remove the ashtray by pushing down on the trip lever and rotating it out.

2) Pull up on the shifter surround and then remove 2x phillips head screws that hold the bottom of the center panel in place.

3) Pull off (gently) the A/C temp dial and fan speed dial - then remove the 14mm nuts that hold the panel onto the A/C control unit. This will allow you to gently pull the center panel forward, and...

4) disconnect the lighting wires going to the ashtray and one on each side of the top A/C control dials. These simply rotate 90* and then come out.

5) At this point, you'll see that the radio is 3-piece, but held together with integrated brackets that are bolted to the dashboard support. Take your 12mm wrench and remove the 2x 12mm bolts at the sides, and 2x 12mm bolts at the bottom, holding the entire assembly in place.

6) Gently pull the complete radio assembly forward and remove the wiring harnesses from the back, along with the radio antennae lead.

7) Reinstall front panel, 2x 14mm nuts, fan speed and temp dials, 2x phillips head screws, ashtray, and shifter surround.

You're done, and you're welcome,

 

wow, the fsm couldn't have said it any better, in fact I'm pretty sure that's the most concise explanation I've ever heard for that job!

 

I'll put those instructions on my Palm and head to the JY with tools to try it out.

 

ohhh it was the junkyard car you were refering the r&r about. i feel like a dumbass... good luck with it! see you at rotorfest?

 

I've done it no less than 8 times on my SE(s) and Long Duck hit it right on the head. Nice!

Bliffle, If you get stuck for a stock radio (your R&R is unsucessful) let me know. I think I have a couple in the basement. I'd be willing to part with one for the price of the shipping.

 

I'll keep that in mind.

There's nothing wrong with the Pioneer aftermarket radio, but it's not original.

Where are the best pry points when removing the bezel?

 

If you could I'd get a hold of one of the ones Wankelab has in his basement, that way you can take one completely apart to get the faces off of them so you can make templates to have a new front finish decal made from. They have a problem with peeling.

 

On mine, the bottom of the bezel comes away easily. Then I "pull" the top out on one side, and use a putty knife to pry out the other side, a couple of inches from the top.

Rich