seems to always be one step forward, two steps back. Got my new headunit and pull the side panels of the center consol to pull out the old (which is also an aftermarket, so this has been done by somebody before), and lo and behold, the radio does not pull out from the front of the consol
Instead, the consol is one big molded piece, and it must be pulled to yank the radio out from behind
Nothings ever easy. The early cars sure have some differences. Anybody have any good tips?

 

Look for screws or release clips that are accessible from the front. I'll guess you have but the radios weren't designed that way and aftermarket units are always designed to be done from the front.

Then again, PO genius has no limit.

 

Search online for a manual to you old head unit. It should contain a picture of how to remove it.


Some/most require some sort of special tool that can usually be made from a coat hanger, hanging file folder, etc.

Following are some examples:

aaa.jpg

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bmw-Mercedes-Rad...07968892647915

 

The head unit should definitely pull out from the front. There is likely a special tool needed to release it. Each manufacturer has a different tool to perform this task, search Google for how to for your brand.

 

Just to reinforce what has already been said in that it should pull out from the front with a release tool. I was able to remove a Blaupunkt with an awl.

 

It does not pull from the front. I'll post a pic tonight. The whole consol piece is molded. This isn't a po issue, but a manufacturing issue from the factory.

This is my third shark, and a first year model to boot - I am learning that these very early samples have many little differences from the later models.

 

Here are some pics. You can also see that a prior installer augered out the **** holes too. The radio is just sitting loosely in there, it is not afixed or screwed to anything at this point. The plastic "face plate" you see is a molded, integral part of the consol.

 

Hey Ed - what part of the "Burgh" are you from? I grew up in Natrona Heights area..lived in Cranberry before moving south to Charlotte

 

Well, you'll probably need to cut the bezel for the new head unit anyway (unless it's very retro). On the other hand, the stock radio in my '85 was also bolted in with a bracket at the back, IIRC, so pulling the console may well be the easiest course in the long run.

 

The early OBs don't use the standard DIN sizing we're accustomed to today. If you look at later model 928s, the hole for the radio is significantly larger than the hole for climate control. You might want to look at buying one of those "retro-mod" head units that are available for sale. They look like something from the 60's/70's and have the dual ***** that old radios had, but have all the modern stuff of a new stereo, like USBs/ipod and cd capability.

 

That's correct John. Different size hole, different type consol, etc. On Roger's recommendation, I did pick up a retro style unit, with cassette (since that's what I like to listen to!) as well as the other more modern things. Can't wait to get it in. Just a big pia to do it, compared to my other sharks. Oh well, so it goes.

Hi Frank - grew up in forest Hills, and lived in the city (east side) and in the north hills area. Too bad for the Pens - all that's left are the Pirates, so our ship is sunk.

 

Hey Ed,

It's nice to know another Shark/Pittsburgher!! Agree (sadly) with your sports comment I'm looking for my life preserver now!!

Frank

 

Couple other Pittsburghers here too. Me, Grey Wolf (mike) and Shark Attack (Kyle) May be more that I don't know about.

We need Ed around here to get some 928ers off their asses and have some GTGs!!

 

Yeah - I miss the guys! We had some good GTGs - go for it Rick! Jusrt pull together an email list and start rolling! The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix was always a fun gtg.

 

I don't know. I'm just the new guy.