Need some help... removing factory stereo...

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Several months ago, I bought an Alpine CDE-103BT receiver. I haven't installed it yet; thought I might need to re-sell it for the $$$.

I'm trying to install it now, but cant seem to get the factory stereo out of the dash. I've got a couple pieces of a wire coat hanger stuck in the factory head unit, but it will not come out.

Any help/suggestions would be much appreciated....

[JoeBoomz]

This thread covers a few different options for removals. I always had success using 3" nails.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=71590&highlight=nails

[quick vic]

I would go to your local parts store and get the ford radio removal tool, it is alot easier then the coat hanger trick and faster. good luck...

[TFB]

I would go to your local parts store and get the ford radio removal tool, it is alot easier then the coat hanger trick and faster. good luck...
Agreed, unless you're familiar with just how far to insert the coat hanger, nails, etc, it's easy to FUBAR the mounting clips and then you'll need to remove the dash trim to get it out...

[ImpalaSlayer]

its simple, push the coat hanger pieces in about an inch, the push them outwards and pull, it slides right out. you dont need a tool, i have 4 pieces of welding rod ive used dozens of times.

or watch this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN_mYWmbQPI

[quick vic]

You have done it a dozen times, he has never taken one out before, I agree the coat hanger cut at the right lenght will work pretty good but for the first timers the removal tool is easier,I thought i was the only one who used welding rod to take the radio out works great and dont bend like the tools do.

[ImpalaSlayer]

You have done it a dozen times, he has never taken one out before, I agree the coat hanger cut at the right lenght will work pretty good but for the first timers the removal tool is easier,I thought i was the only one who used welding rod to take the radio out works great and dont bend like the tools do.

how do you think i learned? i cut the 4 pieces and went at it. took me a few times to realize you dont have to put it all the way in and to push out.

[quick vic]

the mazda version of the escape are a pain i still have probs with them sometimes,love the vic's and mgm a piece of cake.

[kmastl]

+1 This is what I use.


This thread covers a few different options for removals. I always had success using 3" nails.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=71590&highlight=nails

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Had to put it on hold as thunderstorms started rockin' my house shortly after I made OP; lasted for over 4 hours! I got sidetracked into other projects and never got back to trying it again, but plan on doing so when I get home from work today. Will post of any success/failure...think I may go with the nail suggestion, as the coat hangers may bend too easily.

[SC Cheesehead]

Had to put it on hold as thunderstorms started rockin' my house shortly after I made OP; lasted for over 4 hours! I got sidetracked into other projects and never got back to trying it again, but plan on doing so when I get home from work today. Will post of any success/failure...think I may go with the nail suggestion, as the coat hangers may bend too easily.

I've got a set of wire coat hanger ends that I cut, and which work well for me. I couldn't get the nails to work right when I tried 'em.

Hey, I got an idea, drive up to my place, and I'll help you pull the radio, cost will be reasonable, guaranteed... ;)

[fastblackmerc]

I've got a set of wire coat hanger ends that I cut, and which work well for me. I couldn't get the nails to work right when I tried 'em.

Hey, I got an idea, drive up to my place, and I'll help you pull the radio, cost will be reasonable, guaranteed... ;)

Stop at Walmart or any FLAPS on the way and for $5.00 you can get the right Ford radio removal tools.

[SC Cheesehead]

Stop at Walmart or any FLAPS on the way and for $5.00 you can get the right Ford radio removal tools.

Or stop by your nearest dry cleaner and pick up a coat hanger for $0.00 .... :D

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Didn't get around to messing with it yesterday; hopefully tonight. Just hope my new Alpine HU will still allow me to use the steering wheel controls and cd changer...

Rex, I will be motoring through your area Friday afternoon on my way to Asheville; unfortunately, won't have time to stop by and say 'hello'. Keep the cribbage board on the ready, though....

[IwantmyMMnow!]

If anyone is interested in a set of ss inserts, let me know. I ordered a set of the black titanium ones last week and should be getting them any day now.

The ss inserts I have are still in original packaging; I never took them out of their plastic and they have been sitting in my garage for 4 months now.

I'd be willing to part with them for $60 and can bring them with me to future meets. If you want them now, I'll ship them first class for $65. Just PM me and I'll give you my PayPal info. I will also accept money orders or personal check...just keep in mind if you pay by check, it will take a couple extra days to get them.

Since I was able to get a set of titanium inserts, I've decided to not go with Carolina blue accents...will go with black, which will probably look better on a SB than Carolina blue. I still plan on using Carolina blue accents here and there, but the 'biggies' (inserts, pinstriping, brake calipers) will be black. Maybe lean closer to the hue of blue the Carolina Panthers use, that way my car can truly be a "Panther".

Don't worry, Rex, I still bleed Green n Gold! You gonna try to get tix for the Panther/Packer game on Sept 18th?

I also have two of the 'dividers' from my cargo bin mod that I don't have any use for...shoot me an offer if interested.

[SC Cheesehead]

If anyone is interested in a set of ss inserts, let me know. I ordered a set of the black titanium ones last week and should be getting them any day now.

The ss inserts I have are still in original packaging; I never took them out of their plastic and they have been sitting in my garage for 4 months now.

I'd be willing to part with them for $60 and can bring them with me to future meets. If you want them now, I'll ship them first class for $65. Just PM me and I'll give you my PayPal info. I will also accept money orders or personal check...just keep in mind if you pay by check, it will take a couple extra days to get them.

Since I was able to get a set of titanium inserts, I've decided to not go with Carolina blue accents...will go with black, which will probably look better on a SB than Carolina blue. I still plan on using Carolina blue accents here and there, but the 'biggies' (inserts, pinstriping, brake calipers) will be black. Maybe lean closer to the hue of blue the Carolina Panthers use, that way my car can truly be a "Panther".

Don't worry, Rex, I still bleed Green n Gold! You gonna try to get tix for the Panther/Packer game on Sept 18th?

I also have two of the 'dividers' from my cargo bin mod that I don't have any use for...shoot me an offer if interested.

I've been trying, but prices are way more than I want to pay. I do have a line on free, secure parking in a fenced lot about two blocks from the stadium, though, so if you can find decent prices for tickets, I've got the hook up for parking.

[IwantmyMMnow!]

I've been trying, but prices are way more than I want to pay. I do have a line on free, secure parking in a fenced lot about two blocks from the stadium, though, so if you can find decent prices for tickets, I've got the hook up for parking.

Last year, I was able to get two tix when the Pack was in Atl off of ebay for $177 and change...10 days before the game. Seats were good, although the final score wasn't.

I'll start searching on ebay and let you know what I find. What is your 'limit'? Mine is $100, but would be willing to go up to $150 if the seats are really good. Only go to an NFL game once a year (if that), so paying a little extra isn't a biggie.

I'm sure my brother and sister would be interested in going, so I'll look for two pairs of tix...we can sit together and they can sit next to each other so I won't have to put up with their childish bs....:lol: