Stock radio install
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 465
From: Henderson, NV
St. Jude Donor '19-'20-'21-'22
Stock radio install
Will the factory radio fit through the console access panels, or is it necessary to remove the center cluster? The access openings look pretty tight.
The radio installation instructions in the service manual basically say to remove the whole front of the dash warning the the center cluster could collapse if forced.
The radio installation instructions in the service manual basically say to remove the whole front of the dash warning the the center cluster could collapse if forced.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,817
Likes: 470
From: Wichita Kansas
I have put my radio ('72) in from the passenger side after removing the lower dash pad on that side and the access panel. It was indeed tight. I believe I also had to remove the screws of the center gauge cluster on the driver's side as well, so that I could lean the cluster in the direction of the rear of the vehicle to get as much room as possible to squeeze the radio in. Not sure if there was anything else back there I had to remove. Good luck....
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,806
Likes: 258
From: Dublin Ohio
I've done it like Kansas123 and I think I put a scratch across the front of the selector buttons. What I do now is take out the emergency brake console so I can slide the forward shift console (with gauge bezel attached) back as a unit. That does require removing the shift plate as well so maybe more 13 more screws and the hidden bolt in the back of the e brake console but it opens it up so much up front it's almost fun to change a radio.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,265
Likes: 951
From: Lake Tahoe, CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 725
From: Marietta GA
I like to leave the two radio nuts loose until I get the gauge cluster and other adjacent modules lined up. With everything loose you don’t put any unnecessary stress on 40 plus year old parts.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 332
From: Cartersville GA
Not sure if it will help much but here are some photos I took when installing an original radio in my 72.....The hardest part is putting it all back together and getting it to fit nicely. Mine turned out better than it was before I started. Each and every wire/vacuum hose has to be just right for everything to go back into place. The drivers side speaker is a pain to replace as well.
72 radio install....
Good Luck....
Brian
72 radio install....
Good Luck....
Brian
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 465
From: Henderson, NV
St. Jude Donor '19-'20-'21-'22
Thank you for the advice (and photos). It is very much appreciated.
I have all stock audio pieces restored/repaired and ready to go back in, I'm just scared *%$^ to do this job. My dash is in great shape. I just don't want to screw it up.
Being a dealer installed item, they must've knocked this job out in no time. Then again, the interior pieces weren't 48 years old at the time either.
I have all stock audio pieces restored/repaired and ready to go back in, I'm just scared *%$^ to do this job. My dash is in great shape. I just don't want to screw it up.
Being a dealer installed item, they must've knocked this job out in no time. Then again, the interior pieces weren't 48 years old at the time either.
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