Has anyone every removed and/or replaced their stereo head unit by themselves? If so, is there a 'best way' to remove and tear down the dash? Does and don'ts, I guess, is what Im after. Pictures would be useful too, but I don't expect much help there. Thanks Mark
Hi Mark: I have done extensive work on my dad's 1990 and 1986 estate wagons (same design) and the best advise I can tell you is it to take it slow and when you feel a part binding, stop right there and find another tool to help release the woodgrain panels on the dash. Rule number one, the center dash piece comes out last!!! Even though it may appear you can just grab ahold of it and pull it out, you will snap off the parts that are held on with screws located under the lip of each end piece. If you are going to mess with center dash piece, now is the best time to remove all the pieces and replace any burned out bulbs in your cluster and tighten up any rattling woodgrain dash covers, especially the one over the glovebox. To remove the headlight knob so you can remove the left dash piece, you can use a mirror to see behind the knob and insert small allen wrench into the slot in the plastic -- once you are in there you will know what I am talking about. Apply firm pressure straight out towards you on the inner spring clip located inside that slot and carefully pull the knob at the same time. Then, you can easily remove the chrome/plastic threaded part that holds the left dash cover to the headlight switch. Replace any and all blown bulbs and while you are there, replace the turn signal bulbs with long lasting ones for good measure. Once you remove the center dash piece (don't forget to pull off the chrome defroster knob if your car is so equiped) you will be able to see the four 1/4" or 5/16" bolts holding the radio in place. You should also check for blown bulbs in the center information light string that has the CEL, oil, seatbelt, washer fluid, etc. Not sure if your unit is bad or if you intend on swapping in an aftermarket unit, but make sure you get the correct wiring harness or it won't work. Good luck and let me know if you need any other assistance removing things since I just did a complete restoration on my dad's 1986 wagon and might be able to help you out. Ted
This might help with changing the head too: http://www.the12volt.com/ You might borrow a Fisher Body manual from the library, and mark all your electrical connectors with a permanent black marker, because even after doing my humble and far simpler Fairmont wiring almost 6 times, it still is intimiditating. Also the Auto Zone site's Free Repair Guides are often helpful: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/
