Removing factory amp from 94

[3spd on floor]

Hey, i got my HU installed today, and need to get at the factory amp to bypass it. now how the hell do you get those little round cap things that hold the inner panel on? Do you just pull on them, is there a tool or something? I searched like crazy with no results.

Thanks

 

[Gimp]

Try a Trim Pad (or Panel) Removal Tool

NAPA Part # SER2822
K-D Tools Part # 2822

 

[3spd on floor]

Thanks, so then do you use that to pull the whole tab/plug out?

 

[CodePoet]

that's the tool I should buy! I usually use a couple of flat head screw drivers. That's not a great way though...btw i've found that if you happen to break one, and it's cold outside...use a blowdryer to warm them up, I had to do that a few weeks ago. Good luck

Later
CP

 

[3spd on floor]

the hairdryer sounds like a good tip, i'll give that a go tomorrow, they were really brittle tonight when i was working on them.

 

[Gimp]

Originally posted by 3spd on floor
Thanks, so then do you use that to pull the whole tab/plug out?

Yes. Once you get it pulled away from the panel a small amount, they come out very easily.
Also, if you are planning to remove the panel cover completely rather than just leaning it over to reach the amp, remember to remove the two Phillips-head screws at the back edge of the panel (closest to the liftgate), pull back the edge of the carpet and remove the three or four Phillips-head screws that go into the sheetmetal floor, use a T-50 Torx bit to remove the seatbelt hanger, and to remove the clothes hook above the rear passenger door.

Good luck

 

[3spd on floor]

yeah, i think i'm going to remove the whole panel, see if there's room for my old amp back there, and if so maybe i'll mount my old rockford 10" back there. The factory sub is a 10, correct?

 

[Private_Joker]

So - did you have to remove seats also (to get to your stock HU)??
I wanna get at the HU and speakers also, but I don't want to damage anything!

 

[Gimp]

So - did you have to remove seats also (to get to your stock HU)??
I wanna get at the HU and speakers also, but I don't want to damage anything!

You said HU and speakers but did you actually mean the factory amp and rear speakers? (I ask because the thread was about accessing the factory amp to bypass it.)
Our XLTs are 4-doors but removing the rear panel on your 2-door sport is similar. A friend of mine has a Sport and the only thing he has to do differently from the four-door to remove the panel is (1) remove the window latch bracket (two T20 Torx screws) and (2) he has more screws into the floor sheetmetal under the edge of the cargo hatch carpet.
Other than those things, it's the same process - remove the visible screws in the side of the panel by the cargo door, remove the press pins in the panel with the panel removal tool (or whatever you can find), remove the screws under the edge of the carpet that go into the sheet metal floor, remove the coat hook, remove the seat belt hanger (T50 Torx), remove the window latch bracket (T20 Torx), remove or lift up the scuff plate from the side door, and remove the cargo door scuff plate.
If you are trying to hook a bypass harness up at the factory amp without removing the amp, you might not have to take the panel all of the way out; you could get by with just leaning it over and reaching in.

Good luck.