OEM Radio removal?

[TripleTransAm]

From what I can tell, removing the OEM Ford radio requires a special tool. If one does not have access to this special tool, is there any way for a normal human being to remove an OEM radio? Ideally without risk of damaging anything, since it will most likely be an issue of removing and replacing (exploratory surgery, so to speak).

[Rider90]

I have the tools, they are just small "U" shaped tools to grab into the small square holes. IMHO, if you have four small screw drivers, you can use them too. Be careful.

[rayjay]

I have heard of people bending wire coat hangers into a U shape and that working.

[TripleTransAm]

So 4 small screwdrivers (jewellers screws?) should be enough to undo whatever 'catches' that hold the radio in place? Just a matter of pressing in? Or is there a direction (towards outside or inside) that I need to push in order to release the radio?

[Rider90]

So 4 small screwdrivers (jewellers screws?) should be enough to undo whatever 'catches' that hold the radio in place? Just a matter of pressing in? Or is there a direction (towards outside or inside) that I need to push in order to release the radio?
IIRC, press in then outwards (away from the head unit) to catch it. Once you get the screw drivers in you'll have some room to play around before coming in contact with the plastic, so if I am wrong and it isn't outwards you will be able to find out without causing harm. Let us know.

[Rider90]

Here is some insight as to what these tools look like...

http://midwestpanthers.net/stereotool.jpg
http://midwestpanthers.net/stereotool2.jpg

[Bradley G]

Drop by a local dealer, ask one of the techs to borrow them for a couple minutes.
I cant imagine getting it out, without the correct tool.
I struggle sometimes with the right tool.
From what I can tell, removing the OEM Ford radio requires a special tool. If one does not have access to this special tool, is there any way for a normal human being to remove an OEM radio? Ideally without risk of damaging anything, since it will most likely be an issue of removing and replacing (exploratory surgery, so to speak).

[King Fubar]

If a tech don't let you borrow his you can get them at Wal-Mart for like 6 or 7 bucks they are called din tools

[Logan]

...or go to crutchfield.com and order them for 10 bucks.

[RF Overlord]

I got mine at AutoZone...don't remember the cost, but it was under $10.

[Smokie]

http://www.installer-data.com/item/display_item.php?it=86-5618.

Steve, I purchased mine at a local auto parts.

[merc6]

so all you do is insert those tols in and they give you leverage to pull headunit out?

[MNMarauder]

those tools are like eight dollars i'll mail you mine if you want!!!!!don't use anything else. bought mine at walmart!!!!!

[martyo]

those tools are like eight dollars i'll mail you mine if you want!!!!!don't use anything else. bought mine at walmart!!!!!

Get 'em at Crutchfield like Logan said. Don't hack around with homemade tools.

[fastblackmerc]

You can use 6 or 8 penny nails, forget which ones. Buy 4 of each they are cheap.... If you are going to remove the radio on a regular basis..... I recommend you get the right tools.

[jgc61sr2002]

Steve - Also saw the tool advertised on Ebay.

[Donny Carlson]

http://www.installer.com/cars/ford.html

http://www.installer.com/kits/86-5618.jpg (http://www.installer-data.com/item/display_item.php?it=86-5618)

[martyo]

http://www.installer.com/cars/ford.html

http://www.installer.com/kits/86-5618.jpg (http://www.installer-data.com/item/display_item.php?it=86-5618)

Donny: Thanks for costing me money at that site! :D

Good find.

[DEFYANT]

I have done just fine with the bent coat hanger approach. For six bucks if you dont need it *now*, then go for it. Otherwise, 2 coat hangers bent into a "U" shape will do.

Insert one into each side of the radio, push each to the outside, gently pull the radio out of the dash.

Simple and free if you need it right now.

[Smokey]

I have a set I made out of a coat hanger a couple of years ago. They work just as well on my '04 Vic as they did on my 92 TC.

[Matt In Detroit]

4 Nails...works great...

[RCSignals]

Go to your local car stereo store.
I was given a set of the tools free at one. Blaupunkt radios come with them in their installation kit (and probably other brands), and the shops usually have many laying around.

[merc6]

walmart had them so cheap I bought them and I don't even plan on replacing the radio this year.

[JeffGrice]

Hi - are these tools to remove the dash face.....or the radio once the face is off? If the radio, how do you remove the dash face?

Thanks.

BTW - any one put a radio with GPS in their car? Suggestion on where to mount the second box?

Jeff

[RCSignals]

Hi - are these tools to remove the dash face.....or the radio once the face is off? If the radio, how do you remove the dash face?

Thanks.

BTW - any one put a radio with GPS in their car? Suggestion on where to mount the second box?

Jeff


You do not need to remove the dash face on these cars to remove the radio. the tool just unclips the holding spring clips of the radio.

[merc6]

The tool was like $4 at wal-mart.

[RCSignals]

The tool was like FREE at the local auto stereo store.....

[rumble]

OK, while we are on the subject of radio removal, which
wire in the harness in back of the radio is "hot" with the key
on and which is the "ground"?


Thanks,
Gary

[QWK SVT]

From what I can tell, removing the OEM Ford radio requires a special tool. If one does not have access to this special tool, is there any way for a normal human being to remove an OEM radio? Ideally without risk of damaging anything, since it will most likely be an issue of removing and replacing (exploratory surgery, so to speak).

TTA, I bought the exact same too Rider90 posted pics of, from the local Crappy Tire, for ~$10...



OK, while we are on the subject of radio removal, which
wire in the harness in back of the radio is "hot" with the key
on and which is the "ground"?


Thanks,
Gary

The attached will show you what the harness wires are... (orighinally sent to me by carfixer)

[rumble]

The attached will show you what the harness wires are... (orighinally sent to me by carfixer)

Ask and ye shall receive, Thank you!

[ahess77]

You can use 6 or 8 penny nails, forget which ones. Buy 4 of each they are cheap.... If you are going to remove the radio on a regular basis..... I recommend you get the right tools.

I have removed Ford radios for years with the nail approach. One of these days I'm going to get that tool:) , then probably lose it and go back to the nails.

[Dragcity]

Got my tool yesterday. $3.97 at Advanced Auto Parts. Never know when ya' might need them, although these are my first ones...