EGADS!! 68 radio installation?

[Steven H.]

had radio pulled by repair shop and sent for repair .. I'm trying to reinstall .. the right front dash panel is off and the upper console is out .. it seems about impossible to reinstall the radio due to very limited working space behind the console .. would appreciate ideas on how to go about this .. connect radio to upper console and then try to attach upper console to dash/lower console? reinstall upper console and then try to wiggle the radio in (seems impossible) .. any ideas/advice appreciated!

[Bill C.]

Re: EGADS!! 68 radio installation?

that EGADS extends to any C3!!!

What I found to work best and is the least destructive is:

1. Remove the parking brake console. This will require taking the rear
storage compartment frame out too.....
2. Remove side extensions from the parking console.
3. Remove the shift plate and unscrew the heater/vent control unit -
swing to the side.
4. Remove the two lower nuts from the Gauge bezel
4. Remove the shift console. My 72 does not have fiber-optics, but I bet you will have to disconnect something to get the shift plate removed.
5. Remove the upper vent/AC control unit.
6. Remove the PASS front dash assembly.
7. Remove the three DVR side screws for the front dash assembly.

Once all that is out of the way you should be able to get enough room to maneuver the radio out.

This is a long winded way but it will prevent damage to pieces if you just try removing the bare minimum.

I have done this just this way several time, it takes about a good Saturday to get done.

I hope I did not miss anything

[Mark F.]

Re: EGADS!! 68 radio installation?

Bill is correct, you must take the shifter plate off. It also pays to have very small hands to get the nuts on at the base of the gauge panel that attaches to the shift console.

I've got my gauge panel and right dash panel off right now for a heater core replacement and gauge replacement.

To get the radio in, it's a very tight fit and you have to make sure that the wiring behind the radio is out of the way as it will limit your space. This is not a fun job by any means.

Good luck and try and not scratch things as it's easy to do. If you have any suspect gauges etc. better replace them now as you don't want to do this again in your life time. I'm on my second one and it isn't any fun.

Mark

Mark

[Pat M.]

Re: EGADS!! 68 radio installation?

Wow! I always thought it was a bitch to remove and reinstall my 70's radio, but after seeing all Bill does mine's a breeze!

I don't remove my brake console, shift plate, or heater/vent control. I simply remove the passenger side dash pad, unscrew (but do not remove) the upper dash pad, and the remove the console side extensions.

I can do this in part because I long ago removed and did not reinstall the two lower nuts on the gauge bezel. In my opinion, there's plenty enough holding the bezel besides the nuts, and this makes the job MUCH easier.

It is a bit of a trick to wiggle it in and out, including the wiring as Mark said, and my way does leave things more prone to scratching. But I've done it so many times I can now remove or install the radio in 45 minutes or less with no damage.

[Alan S.]

Re: EGADS!! 68 radio installation?

Hi Steve,
I agree... EGADS!
Because of stupidity I had my radio in and out several times in just a couple of weeks. I found that in addition to all the steps that have been listed, removing the CENTER heater FLOOR duct gives a few more inches BEHIND the radio for wiggle room. The duct is fastened by a clip and by 1 screw from the drivers side. 71 AIM, UPC 1, Sheet M1. Probably a similar location in your 68 AIM. Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Jim T.]

Re: EGADS!! 68 radio installation?

Wow! I always thought it was a bitch to remove and reinstall my 70's radio, but after seeing all Bill does mine's a breeze!

I don't remove my brake console, shift plate, or heater/vent control. I simply remove the passenger side dash pad, unscrew (but do not remove) the upper dash pad, and the remove the console side extensions.

I can do this in part because I long ago removed and did not reinstall the two lower nuts on the gauge bezel. In my opinion, there's plenty enough holding the bezel besides the nuts, and this makes the job MUCH easier.

It is a bit of a trick to wiggle it in and out, including the wiring as Mark said, and my way does leave things more prone to scratching. But I've done it so many times I can now remove or install the radio in 45 minutes or less with no damage.

Pat I agree with your removal methods. I have a 70. I did not install the lower two nuts to retain the guage panel after initial removal on my 70.
Caution when the installing the chrome screws from the guage panel in that they are installed in the same removed locations. Some are longer and could puncture the dash panels. Have not done it, but have read it could happen.

[Jim M.]

Re: EGADS!! 68 radio installation?

I agree with Pat, I've used that same procedure a number of times and works well. by removing the side screws holding the bezel in place along with the heater switch bezel you can flop the bezel forward a little and that give you enough room to slide the radio in. Pretty much a PIA, but it works. I leave those lower bezel nuts loose and don't tighten them since there is plenty of of other screws holding the bezel in place.

[Pat M.]

Re: EGADS!! 68 radio installation?

The guys are right, the final step I forgot to mention is to unscrew the gauge bezel from the sides and top, then you can pull the bezel up and out slightly, which (barely) gives you enough room to slide the radio in or out from the side.

The bezel will be sitting on the top of the console with the lower nut studs sticking out, and here's where significant scratching can occur. So I cover my console with heavy towels prior to removal to prevent this. Good luck.

[Bill C.]

Re: EGADS!! 68 radio installation?

The way I listed is overkill and does take longer.
But - the probability of screwing something up is greatly diminished.

I have done it the quick way before, but ended up poping a wire off behind the gauge cluster.

My 2 cents

[Joseph K.]

Re: EGADS!! 68 radio installation?

Pat I agree with your removal methods. I have a 70. I did not install the lower two nuts to retain the guage panel after initial removal on my 70.
Caution when the installing the chrome screws from the guage panel in that they are installed in the same removed locations. Some are longer and could puncture the dash panels. Have not done it, but have read it could happen.

I agree with Pat to. Just put a a heave soft Rag/pad on the console to protect it while working. Undoing the nuts on the posts is a real trick but it can be done.