Dash Removal Question

CQ7String · 12-19-2003, 09:22 AM

Hi folks,

New guy here, just picked up a 98 Sport, and am having the stock-deck issues that most people do. I'll be pulling it out this weekend and tossing in an Alpine 78 series HU.

I have a full install planned, but it's winter in New England, so it'll be waiting until spring.

Anyhow. I'm just looking for a quick lesson on pulling the dash apart to get the stocker out. I'm no stranger to the just-pull-stuff technique, but I figure I'd save myself the trouble and ask on here. (Yes, I did a search).

If anyone could clue me in on anything I need to be aware of when taking the dash off, I'd much appreciate it.

- CQ7
----------------------
1998 Explorer Sport
http://www.fortunatemind.com/audio
Admin @ Club3G - www.eclipseforums.org

**MONMIX** · 12-19-2003, 08:49 PM

on Ford you " need " a special tool to pull the old HU out. Not a lot of dash disassy is needed.
The tool really looks like two U 's
I have heard of some folk making their own out of coat hangers. I believe I have seen them at higher end car audio shops.

Fish Man · 12-19-2003, 11:35 PM

or just go to best buy/circuit city and have em pop it out for ya

EBInterceptor · 12-20-2003, 12:35 AM

I've also heard of people bending coat hangers into "U" shapes and using them. That's essentially all they are. I think that Crutchfield includes them when you buy from them, but if you have one already. I'd try hangers first though, I know my friend has done that before.

CQ7String · 12-20-2003, 11:31 AM

Thanks guys. I'll be pullin' it out today.

One more quick Q: I've got a DIN deck and a DIN dvd/mp3 player going in underneath it.

I don't need a dash kit, correct?

CQ7String · 12-20-2003, 01:20 PM

Got it out. For those searching - put a removal tool in both sides until it clicks, then push them outwards away from the face to pull it out.

Looks like I'll need a dash kit too. Yuck.

*EMG7895* · 12-20-2003, 02:26 PM

you dont need the tool to pull the hu u can just use 4 small screw drivers and stick them in the holes and push aways from the radio and pull out

CQ7String · 12-20-2003, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EMG7895
you dont need the tool to pull the hu u can just use 4 small screw drivers and stick them in the holes and push aways from the radio and pull out

Yeah I know.

I'm just a 'ho for tools anyways, even if it's something I'll probably only use once.

*expo5.0* · 12-20-2003, 06:23 PM

what kind of dash kit are you talking about?

i don't think they make one that will fit two 1 din sized items. you'll probably have to do a little trimming of the bezel as well. Its not big deal though.

here is a picture of a truck with a 1 din and a 1/2 din (thanks to mike knott- his truck)

**MONMIX** · 12-20-2003, 09:17 PM

the tools are so damn cheap.
Get them and share with your friends

InkWax · 12-22-2003, 06:31 AM

Is it just me or did I go the TOUGH way???

When I went to change the HU I just unscrewed the 2 screws under the HU..... and then well pulled....disco'd the plugs and had access to anything and everything I needed access to....

I found that lots easier than buying some stupid tool or even making it.....just remember....you need to use some tugging force to pop out the "clips"

I thought it was quite simple.....and the best part... you can take it in the house where it is warm to install the HU into the brackets and then head back out to the car to reconnect everything and you are done...

CQ7String · 12-22-2003, 09:08 AM

I did it the same way as well. It's only two screws and a handful of clips - and it's a good excuse to clean your vents up.

*Jason_25* · 12-22-2003, 09:31 AM

I agree. I never saw any use for the tool at all. It's so easy just to pop the trim panel off.

**MONMIX** · 12-22-2003, 09:08 PM

Time=money

12-19-2003, 09:22 AM	#1
CQ7String Wannabe Elite Explorer Boston, MA 98 Sport Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 231 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	'98 Dash Removal Question Hi folks, New guy here, just picked up a 98 Sport, and am having the stock-deck issues that most people do. I'll be pulling it out this weekend and tossing in an Alpine 78 series HU. I have a full install planned, but it's winter in New England, so it'll be waiting until spring. Anyhow. I'm just looking for a quick lesson on pulling the dash apart to get the stocker out. I'm no stranger to the just-pull-stuff technique, but I figure I'd save myself the trouble and ask on here. (Yes, I did a search). If anyone could clue me in on anything I need to be aware of when taking the dash off, I'd much appreciate it. - CQ7 ---------------------- 1998 Explorer Sport http://www.fortunatemind.com/audio Admin @ Club3G - www.eclipseforums.org Last edited by CQ7String; 12-19-2003 at 10:34 AM.

12-19-2003, 08:49 PM	#2
MONMIX I fix dents Millersville , Maryland 2000 Explorer Sport Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,827 Vehicle Specs	on Ford you " need " a special tool to pull the old HU out. Not a lot of dash disassy is needed. The tool really looks like two U 's I have heard of some folk making their own out of coat hangers. I believe I have seen them at higher end car audio shops. __________________ MONMIX Wheels and intake for sale Live your life for a change My Explorer CHURCH.... sort of

12-19-2003, 11:35 PM	#3
Fish Man Wannabe Elite Explorer Marietta, GA 1995 Explorer XLT Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,794 Vehicle Specs	or just go to best buy/circuit city and have em pop it out for ya __________________ 1995 XLT 4x4 4.0L TT, AAL, Warrior Shackles, 3" PA body lift, Flowmaster, K&N, Pioneer DEH P7500mp HU, JBL P300.1 pushing a Memphis 10 in a stealth box, JBL BP80.4 running Autotek and MA components in some Q Logic kick panels, 33" BFG Mud Terrains on 15x8 AR-23s. My (really old) CarDomain Page

12-20-2003, 12:35 AM	#4
EBInterceptor Wannabe Elite Explorer Ada, MI '98 Sport Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 2,359 Vehicle Specs	I've also heard of people bending coat hangers into "U" shapes and using them. That's essentially all they are. I think that Crutchfield includes them when you buy from them, but if you have one already. I'd try hangers first though, I know my friend has done that before. __________________ Mike '98 X Sport 4.0L V6 SOHC 4x4,KKM,Shackle/TT, AAL, Rancho RSX, Flowmaster 50, 4dr. Leafs http://www.cardomain.com/id/dishdog2 '07 Sport Trac Limited, 4.6L V8 4x4 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3358201

12-20-2003, 06:23 PM	#9
expo5.0 Elite Explorer Red Wing, MN 1996 xlt Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 7,306 Vehicle Specs	what kind of dash kit are you talking about? i don't think they make one that will fit two 1 din sized items. you'll probably have to do a little trimming of the bezel as well. Its not big deal though. here is a picture of a truck with a 1 din and a 1/2 din (thanks to mike knott- his truck) Attached Images __________________ C43 ///AMG 390/440 @ wheels + tasteful show ICE and cosmetics Explorer Roadster- 5.0, bags, all one-off body, hasn't moved in 3 years- parting out. Tahoe and G35x daily drivers- stockish Specialized S-works and p2, Giant Trance X, Marin Pine Mountain

12-20-2003, 11:31 AM	#5
CQ7String Wannabe Elite Explorer Boston, MA 98 Sport Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 231 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thanks guys. I'll be pullin' it out today. One more quick Q: I've got a DIN deck and a DIN dvd/mp3 player going in underneath it. I don't need a dash kit, correct?

12-20-2003, 01:20 PM	#6
CQ7String Wannabe Elite Explorer Boston, MA 98 Sport Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 231 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Got it out. For those searching - put a removal tool in both sides until it clicks, then push them outwards away from the face to pull it out. Looks like I'll need a dash kit too. Yuck.

12-20-2003, 02:26 PM	#7
EMG7895 Elite Explorer '91 xlt, 93 Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 1,715 Vehicle Specs	you dont need the tool to pull the hu u can just use 4 small screw drivers and stick them in the holes and push aways from the radio and pull out

12-20-2003, 09:17 PM	#10
MONMIX I fix dents Millersville , Maryland 2000 Explorer Sport Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,827 Vehicle Specs	the tools are so damn cheap. Get them and share with your friends __________________ MONMIX Wheels and intake for sale Live your life for a change My Explorer CHURCH.... sort of

12-22-2003, 06:31 AM	#11
InkWax Wannabe Elite Explorer Pitman NJ '98 XLT Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 107 Vehicle Specs	Is it just me or did I go the TOUGH way??? When I went to change the HU I just unscrewed the 2 screws under the HU..... and then well pulled....disco'd the plugs and had access to anything and everything I needed access to.... I found that lots easier than buying some stupid tool or even making it.....just remember....you need to use some tugging force to pop out the "clips" I thought it was quite simple.....and the best part... you can take it in the house where it is warm to install the HU into the brackets and then head back out to the car to reconnect everything and you are done... __________________ '98 XLT V8 - 5% tint on top of Privacy Glass, KDC-MP822, KDC-C712, Excelon 6.5" comps, Excelon 6.5" 2-way, JL 10W7, JL 500/1, RF 400.4 (old school = good product). Energy Suspension Front Sway Bar bushings/Rancho RS5000/Replaced Leaf Springs/200amp Alt

12-22-2003, 09:08 AM	#12
CQ7String Wannabe Elite Explorer Boston, MA 98 Sport Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 231 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I did it the same way as well. It's only two screws and a handful of clips - and it's a good excuse to clean your vents up. __________________ CQ7String / Boston, MA / My Website / Admin: Club3G

12-22-2003, 09:31 AM	#13
Jason_25 Elite Explorer ECX Member New Bern, NC '95 Explorer "Expedition" Join Date: Nov 2000 Posts: 5,349 Vehicle Specs	I agree. I never saw any use for the tool at all. It's so easy just to pop the trim panel off. __________________ 1995 Explorer "Expedition" 4.0 4x4 1987 Bronco II XLT 2.9 4x4 1988 Bronco II XLT 2.9 4x2 1997 Explorer XLT 5.0 4x2 My Truck

12-22-2003, 09:08 PM	#14
MONMIX I fix dents Millersville , Maryland 2000 Explorer Sport Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 8,827 Vehicle Specs	Time=money __________________ MONMIX Wheels and intake for sale Live your life for a change My Explorer CHURCH.... sort of