Factory Radio Installation Question (FB)
 

Hi. I have a '84 GSL-SE with a dying factory radio. I was able to locate a spare radio and preamps from a car that was being parted out. My problem is that my Haynes manual really doesn't go into removing the stereo. I tried removing the old one yesterday, got the fan and temperature knobs off, and then got stuck. Do I have to remove the nuts around those controls (fan and temp)? Also, is there a certain procedure/tool needed to remove the stereo surround? My understanding is that once I remove the console cover surrounding the radio, it's just a matter of removing some screws that hold in the radio. I'm just really worried about breaking the surround, as it's not exactly something I can readily replace. Also, are the preamps located behind the radio, or somewhere else in the car? I really want to get this done right so I can put some new speakers in it, as the factory ones are also shot. I went through the entire archive yesterday, and I could only find two or three passing references to radio removal/installation that did not have a lot of details. Any help would be appreciated, including pics if people have them. Thanks.

Oddly enough, the previous owners of my car had an aftermarket radio that they violently ripped out of the car so I now know how to take out/put in the radio. Yes, take those nuts off behind the temp knobs. Next, remove the two carpeted panels on the side of the radio and remove all the screws. Should slide out nicely. The preamps are much easier. Remove the storage bins (via the screws around their edges) and the amps are right underneath them. I believe rear is the passenger side one and front is the driver's side.

Hope you get this done. :)

It's been years since I dealt with this, but if my memory is correct, there are 1 or 2 small holes on each side of the stock radio (note: you may have to remove a small trim ring around the radio) If you insert a small tool a couple of inches into these holes it will release the latch that holds the deck in and the deck will pull right out. It's very similar to the way many of the newer DIN units are installed today.

If you haven't broken your surround yet, my recollection is that you need to remove the shift boot surround to get to the screws at the bottom of the radio surround. I can't recall if you need to remove the center armrest 1st to get the shift boot surround out.

Ah yes...stereo...I need tunes in my car, I have kind of an issue since my swap is unethical...share your woes atm.