I have a '77 with an after market radio, that's on the way out. And I want to replace it with an Retro Sound or USA-630 radio. The 4 x 6 speakers have already been upgraded so I don't need to replace them. The question I have is, does anyone know the step by step to remove the old radio. Is it a big job to get the dash apart...

 

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I don't know about the 77's but on a 76, it is a big job(almost pulling the center console) to put a radio in. Many wires, bulbs etc. to mess with and have working when done.

 

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove console side panels. Three phillips screws on each side. Slide seat to remove the two rear screws on each side. Press down on seat padding to remove the center screws on each side. Lower panels out of slots that they fit into. Remove radio ***** by pulling out on them. There should be a rear support brace on the back of the radio. Remove brace. Using a deep socket or needle nose pliers remove radio shaft nuts and washers. Move radio toward the front of the car until radio shafts clear gauge bezel. Turn radio to the pass. side of the car and bring radio out from under the console. Mark and disconnect wires or unplug from back of radio. On my car there is no need to disassemble the console or dash and I can remove the radio by taking off the pass. side console panel only. mike...

 

Do you have the assembly instruction manual (AIM)? The AIM shows how the stock radio was installed; the console trim pieces, passenger's side dash installation, center cluster install, and the two trim screws under the front side of the console. 77s have the new style center cluster and console not on the earlier cars.

The AIM is not particularly an owner How-To, but having one around is handy.

 

i did this this weekend. I didnt have to do all that.

If the radio is not factory you stand a good chance the PO didnt put the nuts back on the posts on the bottom of the bezel. mine didnt.

I removed the wiper bezel, unplugged the switch and light, 2 screws on either side of the bezel in to the dash, and I started wiggling it until it came far enough fwd to unplug the gauges.
Once that was done I pulled the radio ***** and unscrewed the shaft nuts and the entire bezel slipped out.
I removed the side console access panels to get to the radio wiring and voila. I had an empty dash without removing much.

If the PO was patient enough to replace the bezel post nuts you may need to remove the center console shifter plate to reach those. They are a pain I hear and I didnt bother to replace them.

an AIM certainly helps to locate the screws and see how it goes together.


This is a good time to clean up the wiring in the dash. untangle everything and tie wrap stuff up nice and neat. The gauges look confusing but really each plug is different. The gray wire lights are interchangeable except for length so dont worry about mixing those up. the idiot warning lights are color coded and marked on the back of the gauge plate which is which. You shouldn't have much problem there.

I forget to reiterate what someone said above, un plug the batt. It potentially could save the car if something shorts.