Dash Removal Question

[CQ7String]

'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

 

[MONMIX]

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]

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

 

[EBInterceptor]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[InkWax]

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]

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]

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

 

[MONMIX]

Time=money