I just bought a new head unit for my 94. (Old head unit is stock am/fm cassette) I know how to wire the new unit in, what I am having trouble with is getting the old unit out. I'm not sure what interior pieces I need to remove and in what order? Any help would be appreciated.
.

 

1) Center shifter console
2) Plastic covers on steering column (so you don't scratch gauge clutser)
3) Gauge cluster must be moved about 1 inch up to get to a bolt that holds down the center ac control section
4) Center AC control section.

Oh, somewhere before step 4, you MAY want to remove the old radio :p

 

the head units are actually front mounted if you check the manuals it shows a special tool (2 required) that allow you to slide the stock unit out from the front of the dash w/out removing anything else. They slip into the two holes located under the two small rectangular covers on either side of the head unit , you slip the tools into the holes to release the spring catches that hold the units in place.

 

you can pick up a set of ford radio removal keys at auto zone or borrow a set from any car stereo installer and use them in the parking lot. takes about 2.3 seconds to pull. trim pieces on either side can be tricky/breakable, put the keys in and gently apply pressure on the release pins by spreading the keys towards the doors of the car (reverse leverage thing) and pull out the radidio. voila...buy a mazda to aftermarket stereo harness and your done dude (unless its bose then pray)

 

Oops! I forgot about the removal tool.
Here's a pic of them

 

Thanks all, I picked up the tool and it worked great!

 

...it took me about 3.62 seconds....

 

I just used wire coat hanger-

Cut it into two pieces and bent them in half, stuck the ends into the holes, and levered the tabs inward.

Took me about 1 minute, but was a lot cheaper than buying some tool.

 

Damn man. I tried for nearly an HOUR before I gave up with the hangers!!

Then I went and bought the tool, stuck them in, and they came out in 2.69 seconds

 

I picked up the tool at Pep boy's for $4 and the wirng adapter for $9.99.

 

So, in essence, it took you 3602.69 seconds? I just shoved the wire ends in, wiggled it, and the thing slid out.

 

i took my stereo out with 4 allan wrenches. stupid me, i spliced every single wire to **** rather than opting for the 10$ wiring harness. well at least it works, but one day i've got to re do it. btw, has anyone got the center console speaker working? mines just goes buzzzzz zaaapppppp cccrrrssssssssss (however the hell static sounds)

i had a bad experience with my stereo instillation. pos!

Definitely buy the wiring harness!

 

I hope you guys know what to do if you have the Bose Stereo...

 

Does that mean that the Bose system cannot be removed with the tools described in this thread? It's different somehow?

 

What DO you do if you have the Bose? My '93 Touring has the Bose with the "trunk" full of stuff that doesn't sound very good and takes up a lot of room.

Has anybody used the "kit" that comes with Crutchfield units? They claim the installation is "EZ" and includes a harness.

Also, if I switch to something different for rear and eliminate the Bose tubes in the trunk... is there a different cargo cover thingy, one without the holes like in mine?

Appreciate the help...

 

I'd also like to know what to do with the ol' snake in my trunk, besides getting R2 carpet :p They don't make the trunk covers (or whatever they're called) without the Bose cutouts do they? (being that R1s/R2s don't come with em) Only reason I've stuck with the Bose is the fact that they stuck parts in just about every corner of the car..

 

There is a great thread in the stereo section that you should do a search for to get all the info on replacing the Bose head unit. The bose speakers are not bad at all! It's the head unit that stinks, drop in a nice aftermarket piece and the sound is greatly improved.. there is a harness you can get from Crutchfield that will allow you to drop something right in. Now if you want conrete pounding bass then Bose is not for you..

Matt
93 touring

 

Oh yeah, Stereo forum...forgot about that one.. :p

 

Anybody know where to get the Mazda to aftermarket stereo harness and what the part number would be?
I am installing a JVC SH99 soon..
New speakers are already in.

-Kib

 

I used a Metra harness. Picked it up at the local AutoZone for 10 bucks or so. Can't remember the part#, but it should be on the package.

 

Does this tool work for FD's with most aftermarket single din headunits too?

 

most aftermarket units have different tools, usually just a flat piece of metal with a little bump, a knife usually works...

the center speaker is easy, just run a wire from your remote to the amp under the center arm rest and put it in each spot till you hear the speaker come one... thats what I did, works now...