Changing Headunit

[dawolf]

I bought a cool JVC MP3 player yesterday from Halfords. The problem is I can't seem to get the old Goodman's CD player out because 1) I don't have the right size keys and 2) it was poorly fitted as the prongs are sat very tightly in front of the plastic surround instead of behind it.

I have free fitting with the new player but I'm not sure if I can trust Halfords to do it. I've heard they're not very competent with more difficult jobs. Should I go to an audio specialist instead or is there any way I could do it myself?

[JappyBeast]

You dont use keys, you need to remove the middle part of the dash/air vents to get to the cage where it is screwed in.

Dead good idea as you cant steal the stereo but its a pain taking all the plastic off, there is a how 2 some where.

[JappyBeast]

From our very own rhaines,

"I find it easiest to first remove the screw just under the left of the steering wheel and the cigarette lighter. I normally store these bits and bobs in the ashtry as it's never used for safe keeping.

Next remove the gearnob and lift the gator (all thought htis doesn't have to be done I find it easier to remove the center console without it in place (be careful not to snap the plastic gator surround).

Pull out the ashtray and remove the 2 screws below it (again I store these in the ashtray).

Now all the screws are out it's time to take the centre console out, starting at the sterring wheel end pull with medium force as low as you can, bottom left of the steering wheel, this should now come away enabling you to work your way around the centre console releasing all of it. You will need to pull out the two cable connected to the cigarette lighter (one led and one power) and the centre air con vents (be careful with these as they have a tendancy to snap. The rest should pull away nice and easily."

[dawolf]

Yeah I thought you'd need to take the plastic off, my problem is that the metal prongs are sat flush against the plastic so it will definitely get damaged if I try and remove it. Maybe I could bend the prongs forward first?

[JappyBeast]

No metal prongs, its screwed into the cage.

[houston]

think he means previous owner has attatched a cage to the plastic trim, if this is the case the whole unit will come away with the trim and youll be able to pull the retaining clips and slide out the stereo, but its best to remove the cage once the stereos out and use the correct brackets to bolt the stereo in.

[dawolf]

Well there are 2 prongs stuck out of either side of the Goodman's unit. Lol.

What's this 'cage' thing?

[JappyBeast]

The cage is the the part that holds the double din sections together and then screws into the dash as a whole unit.

[TheNissanMan]

If the goodmans sits in front on the plastic centre console it should only be an outer front cover for the stereo, that bit should come off as it's not required by the stereo.

As long as you can get the centre console off your laughing...

Once the centre console is off you'll see 4 screws holdin in a little cage which holds the stereo and cubby hole/blanking plate below it. Once those are undone the whole cage pulls out and you'll have another 4 screws holding in the stereo, remove those and the stereo comes out in one piece and all you'll have to do is crew in your new one.

I would imagine the Goodmans already has an ISO connector so no problems with cabling there...

If you haven't figured it out by JapFest bring it and some screw drivers down and I'll sort it out for ya :) Shouldn't take more than 30 mins.

It's really easy to do so shouldn't be a prtoblem for Halfords as it's definately one of those jobs you can DIY safely :D

[samwilko]

be very careful taking it to Halfords mate. They let anybody have their fitting job. They wont touch it at all unless its a straight forward stereo out, push new one in connect up ISO, if there s anything else involved they dont want to know. Their free fitting worth £35 or whatever is a joke.

Your far better off following the advice the others have given you on here and giving it a go yourself, you ll be a lot more careful not to snap off plastic bits etc etc because its yours and you want it perfect rather than the Halfords lad.

[TheNissanMan]

Oops, forgot the only warning... Be careful removing the Gearshift sorrund as it can craack at the front if not done softly....

Luckily my brother crashed his and I had a replacement the first time I tried it, next 4 times were fine lol...

[dawolf]

Thanks for your help guys. Managed to do it myself today. It's fitted and working although it's not a perfect fit. The plastic surround is now pushed forwards and the player itself is sat too far back. I need to get the proper fascia adaptor coz the one I have is too large causing the surround to be pushed outwards. Oh, Halfords forgot to give me a headunit case too. Lol.

[JappyBeast]

Cant you put your old head unit in the bottom space?

I have an old graphic equaliser in my space, people ask why I have 2 stereos! :P

[System~G]

I have a part time job fitting stereo for Halfords. I have fitted around 10 - 12 stereos in MKII's (Including my Rev3 and my current MKI), and virtually each one is different (only slightly, but enough to give you a headache).

Often the brackets holding the head Unit and blacking plate/din pocket/CD holder need to be modified slightly to get the hole spacing correct for the head unit.

Dawolf, I am spending the day around Brum/Dudley/Wolvs today (Business et al...) so if you want me to pop in and have a look for you, I will be more than happy to. I have meetings until midday, and then am free after call me on 07834255302 if you want to arrange something

[jerry phipps]

I have a part time job fitting stereo for Halfords. I have fitted around 10 - 12 stereos in MKII's (Including my Rev3 and my current MKI), and virtually each one is different (only slightly, but enough to give you a headache).

Often the brackets holding the head Unit and blacking plate/din pocket/CD holder need to be modified slightly to get the hole spacing correct for the head unit.

Dawolf, I am spending the day around Brum/Dudley/Wolvs today (Business et al...) so if you want me to pop in and have a look for you, I will be more than happy to. I have meetings until midday, and then am free after call me on 07834255302 if you want to arrange something

←

Now thats a offer you cant turn down What a nice guy ;)

jerry!!

[System~G]

Turns out I was actually in Stourbridge for an hour as well... Heard nothing from Dawolf though...

If you need a hand again fella, just give us a shout as I am in your area about once a week.

On a different note Whilst driving along the A461 through Stourbridge, I saw a Silver Celica (ST202) with the reg: Nxxx TOC B)

[dawolf]

Hey System G, sorry mate. Haven't logged on for a few days. The player is fitted and working but as I say it's not a very tight fit as it's currently sat behind the trim instead of in front. Lol. I'll let you know if I need a hand with it, thanks.