can somebody tell me how to take out the factory radio in a 3rd gen.???

 

remove the four covers on the side of the cd player and tape deck. they snap out. Find four long (about 2") skinny nails to fit in the holes (or buy a mazda radio removal tool).... Push the four nails into the four holes at the same time (kind of at an angle facing inward) as far as they will go, then push all outward and pull the radio out... it is kind of a bad description, but you get the idea....

 

thanks for the help im bout to go and try

 

The stock radio is a major B*TCH! to get out. It's backstrapped with a bolt to a rubber mount. I would recommend buying the $2 tools to get the head unit out, it makes it much easier if you have the notches so you can lock the tools in each side to pull the radio harder. You have to pull really hard to get it out. Check out www.crutchfield.com for the removal tools, or go to your local car stereo shop, and see if you can borrow their tools.

eric

 

Most autoparts stores that carry cheap radios or speakers also carry the U shaped Ford/Blaupunkt keys to remove the radio. My local Kragen has them for $4.99 + tax.

I wouldn't recommend the nail method, too much of a chance of getting the nail jammed in there and making it very hard to remove the radio, instead of the two second procedure it is with the right Keys.