Phoenix Gold Phorum

So I want to replace the old Eclipse HU in my 99 F150 with something new. I don't really want to pay someone the $30 to do it like I always have in the past. I have installed all manner of other stereo goodies but never attempted a HU.

How do I get the old one out? I know the cage is held in by tabs that hold it to the install kit, but how do I get the HU itself out of the dash to start the process of removal?

Thanks.

All depends on how they installed it

I actually screw my cage to the radio....it takes a little trick to get it out

Figures.

What kinds of things can I look for?

I would start with a basic un-install....you will need to remove whatever parts of the dash are hiding the screws for the radio

Pictures would help the process as well

Here's what I got now...

I assume I need to take the outer panel off and then maybe the install kit can be removed?

Yes..start with the outer panel

Step 1) Take out any CD that is in the radio
Step 2) Take the faceplate off of the radio if it comes off
Step 3) Disconnect the power to the radio. Disconnect the negative battery cable if needed.

Then start with the removal of dash panels to gain access to the radio.

Alright, I'll see what damage I can do. And when I say that, I'm not kidding- me and plastic don't get along well. Learning how to remove hidden attachment clips and whatnot is often accomplished by breaking them and then looking at it and going...oh, thats how its held on there. This is why I usually pay the $30 + install kit.

You can slide a small flat head...key word *small*...behind the plastic and slide it from side to side to reveal where the clips are located

OK, well I accomplished this without tools in less than 30 seconds. Lesson of the day- if looking for a head unit to steal, F150s make good targets...

OK- more dumb questions! I could have started a new thread, but this one has the pics in it already, and I'm lazy...

Lets say I wanted to add a deck like a Kenwood x592 and also wanted to add an EQ to go with it. Do they make different install kits to put a 1/2 DIN EQ in with the deck or do you just mount it in the normal one a different way?

Man I'm a newbie!

Put it where the little cubby hole is...attach it to the radio

So if the bottom part is not removable, just cut it out or something?

The nice thing is I have the one in the pictures and the x592 is coming with this one as well. So I guess if I screw one of them up, I can always try the other one....

GaryJ

So if the bottom part is not removable, just cut it out or something

It should be.....it should just be screwed on

Looking at my pic above, I don't think there is a 1/2 DIN worth of space under the deck with that top part as thick as it is. Maybe the one that is coming with the deck will work...here it is.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_149 ... D1327.html#

dBincognito wrote:GaryJ

So if the bottom part is not removable, just cut it out or something

It should be.....it should just be screwed on

Well I went out and pulled it out of the dash again. The kit is all one piece from top to bottom. I'll see how the one looks that comes with the deck this week. I don't think the one in the pics above will do what I need it to.

Nothing beats working on your vehicle in the condo parking lot at 10 at night.

GaryJ wrote:

dBincognito wrote:GaryJ

So if the bottom part is not removable, just cut it out or something

It should be.....it should just be screwed on

Well I went out and pulled it out of the dash again. The kit is all one piece from top to bottom. I'll see how the one looks that comes with the deck this week. I don't think the one in the pics above will do what I need it to.

Nothing beats working on your vehicle in the condo parking lot at 10 at night.

there is a cage that goes around the radio. The cage has some metal tabs that are bent behind the dash to hold it in place. The radio has some clips on the side that lock into place on the cage.

Glad you figured out the dash removal Gary. F-150's and explorers of that vintage are as easy as it gets. Best method is to tilt the vents on either side of the radio toward each other. Use one hand on the inner lip on each sid and GRIP and RIP!

As far as the 1/2 DIN EQ? My vote would be to skip it all together. I know the kdc-x592 only has the 3 band parametric, but imho additional processing in the signal path is only worth adding if it's a great piece of equipment. You really wouldn't be missing much without it as a few bands of parametric control is likely to be almost as effective as several more bands of graphic equilization. And they're UGLY to boot! Get yourself a 15 band PG if you really want to play with something worthwhile.

Well, I was thinking one of the PG TEQ models or Clarion also makes/made a 7 band. Any of these list around $200 but can be had for < $75. They all will raise voltage up to 7-8V too.

Any thoughts on one of those models? The 3 band on the x592 seems a little less useful.

I use the Clarion you are talking about in my Mom's car.......it actually works really good....but only has 1 set of inputs and 2 sets of outputs

It's coming out soon

Well, thats ok. I have 2 amps and each is a 2 channel, so I probably don't need any more than that. Unless for some crazy reason I decide to swap one out for a 4 channel and run my 6s and tweeters seperately. Uh oh!! Better stop thinking about it...

There was a guy on here I thought about getting a Ti475 from. Nah...better just go to bed.