Rep Power: 0

Im having serious issues with getting the head unit out of this thing

Ive read the sticky and im at the last picture. I've removed both screws out of the metal bar and ive pulled and pulled and pulled and i cannot get this thing out. I'm kind of embarrassed because I work at a stereo shop and can't even get the stock head unit out, but I've never had to deal with a civic before.

From what I've read in the sticky, you take out the two screws in the metal plate. The top part of the metal plate is the part that somes out with the radio, the bottom part is stationary and is part of the car. correct so far? So I push up on the top plate and pull towards me at the same time. is that correct?

is there something else that i missed. I took out all the panels but is there a screw or something i was supposed to pop off and didnt?

please help
-Cody

 
Rep Power: 309

The first time it comes out is the worst, try pushing out at the bottom using the metal bracket to get it started. You will loose some clips. Be careful prying,easy to mark stuff up on these.

 
Rep Power: 0

i dont quite get what youre saying by "try pushing out at the bottom using the metal bracket to get it started." And yea, tell me about marking up stuff on these. I just broke my gerber knife trying to pry it out and in the process i left a few marks on the dash.
I didnt mention that its an 04 ex coupe. im not sure if they have an option of the "premium" sound system but this one doesnt. its my g/f's car.

So I grab the top part of the metal piece that I unbolted and push up and pull towards me? Thats all there is to it? I'm not a small guy by no means but i cant get this thing out for the life of me.
-Cody

 
Rep Power: 0

wait, what youre saying is use the bracket that i unbolted to help get it started?? because thats exactly what im doing...
-Cody

 
Rep Power: 787

yeah on the bar that those 2 bolts where in, push out on the upper part of it. you should be able to see the bottom part of the HVAC/radio bezel move slightly when you do this and all you need to do is push harder. just give'er **** and it will come out, there are no other steps

 
Rep Power: 0

dude, me and my friend just did this the other day. Once you get those bolts off just pull it out, it is very hard to do, and takes patience. I would advise getting two people total to do the job. Trust me, its easier than prying it out and braking tools. PM me if you need help.

 
Rep Power: 0

tke a flat head screw driver with electrical tape on the tip and easily pry it our, have a friend do one side at the bottom and you do the other side.... should work... mine came out like a champ and didnt leave any marks........

 
Rep Power: 339

agreed, prying method is much easier than pushing HU in the back.

 
Rep Power: 287

just pull the metal bracket towards you. Only the top piece though. The bottom part of the metal bracket is stuck to the car.

Look where you took those 2 bolts out. Feel behind the metal there. There should be a piece that stick out just slightly more behind. You just pull the towards you.

I've changed my deck like 6 times already..... in and out.

The first time is always the hardest cause you don't know exactly what to do. I can take out the deck in 1 min now, and I'm not joking. Its so easy now.

Yeah, watch out for those clips. I lost like 2 of them the first time I installed a deck... and lost more on other times. I think I only have 3 clips holding down the console area around the deck.

btw, trust me, you do not need 2 people to remove the console area around the deck.

 
Rep Power: 0

You do know you have to pull out the entire dash area that holds all the climate controls and the air vents and all, not just the radio... I pulled it out by the air vents and radio pocket.

 
Rep Power: 287

yeah the whole console area... vents, a/c controls, and deck area. Dont' pull from the outside like I said. Use the metal bracket and pull toward you.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks guys, I finally got it and installed a pioneer premier deh-770. It IS a lot easier with 2 people. I got my girlfriend to help me and we finally got it out. We did lose one of those clips though. Does anyone know if the local auto stores will carry those??

I'm about to drop Polk's new signature series components in the front. I'm sure most of you, if not all, haven't heard of these yet. They just came out. I was actually one of the first people to get them in. They're using Vifa's ring radiator tweeters. I'll give a full review of when everything is installed and tweaked. Hopefully during winter break I can fab up some kicks for em too. Heres a link to 'em.
http://www.polkaudio.com/car/product.php?name=sr6500

Thanks again for all of your help,
-Cody