1972 Coupe Radio Removal

[Erich M.]

I need advise on how to remove the radio from the console after the right side dash pad, forward console plates, wiper switch trim plate, passenger side radio bracket, and center cluster screws have been removed. I have wing nuts on the center cluster bottom studs and they have been loosened. The center gauge cluster is loose but I have not attempted to pull it out of the bottom bracket slots since the radio sits behind it. Obviously the radio knobs and nuts have also been remove.

The question is do I remove the radio by pushing the gauge cluster/radio assembly forward from the bottom until the studs come out of the bracket slots or do I try to remove the radio first without having pulled the cluster studs out of the bracket slots. Is there enough room behind the radio to move the assembly so that the cluster studs clear the slots? The heater floor outlet sits right behind the radio and there very little room to pull the radio towards the front of the car. The 1971 Chasis Service Manual says to remove the floor heater duct behind the radio before removing the radio but I can't figure out how to remove this duct either. The 1972 Chasis Service manual does mention anything about removing the floor heater duct.

[Robert S.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

The only way I have found to do this task with minimal risk of damaging anything is to remove the shift console completely and then with the center gage cluster screws all removed from the sides and top pull the center gage cluster rearward and then remove the radio and disconnect the speaker, antenna and power wires going to the radio. I sounds like you have done most of this other than to pull the shift console.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

Erich I have read on other posts that later C3's like your 1972 has the location for the two bottom studs slotted in that the studs will move towards your engine to allow tilting the guage panel to assist in removing the radio.

I have a 68 and 70 that I have removed the radio's many years ago which do not have the slotted guage panel stud holes.

[Robert S.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

I was able to easily remove the radio on my 71 without removal of the center console and center dash. I first removed the right side dash and then just removed the attachment screws for the center dash. I then removed the forward side console trim plates and the plastic heater duct on the bottom of the heater up near the firewall (non AC car). I do not remember if I removed screws attaching the main center console to the floor pan to allow some more relative movement of the parts.

After disconnecting the radio and speaker wiring harnesses, I was then able to push the radio forward enough to clear the center dash and then pull it out on the right side. The clearances are close, but it can be done without any damage.

Removing the center console may be safer, but I really hate doing it.

[Erich M.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

I was able to easily remove the radio on my 71 without removal of the center console and center dash. I first removed the right side dash and then just removed the attachment screws for the center dash. I then removed the forward side console trim plates and the plastic heater duct on the bottom of the heater up near the firewall (non AC car). I do not remember if I removed screws attaching the main center console to the floor pan to allow some more relative movement of the parts.

After disconnecting the radio and speaker wiring harnesses, I was then able to push the radio forward enough to clear the center dash and then pull it out on the right side. The clearances are close, but it can be done without any damage.

Removing the center console may be safer, but I really hate doing it.

Robert,

How do you remove the floor center duct? I cannot find the one screw that the Service Manual talks about.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

Erich I have read on other posts that later C3's like your 1972 has the location for the two bottom studs slotted in that the studs will move towards your engine to allow tilting the guage panel to assist in removing the radio.

I have a 68 and 70 that I have removed the radio's many years ago which do not have the slotted guage panel stud holes.

Jim,

My 1970 has slotted gauge panel holes, and mine is an early (end of January) car.

[Robert S.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

Assuming 72 is the same as 71, the screw shown in the figure in the service manual is on the left (accessible from the driver's side floor). There is also a metal clip on the right side. Once the screw is removed, pull on the duct and it should just snap out of the clip. It's been a while since I did this, but that's what I remember.

[Erich M.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

Assuming 72 is the same as 71, the screw shown in the figure in the service manual is on the left (accessible from the driver's side floor). There is also a metal clip on the right side. Once the screw is removed, pull on the duct and it should just snap out of the clip. It's been a while since I did this, but that's what I remember.

Thanks for your quick response. I'll take a look and see if I can find it on the drivers side.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

Jim,

My 1970 has slotted gauge panel holes, and mine is an early (end of January) car.

Terry my 1970 was built after yours in July 1970. Next time I remove the radio I will have to pay attention. I do know I did not install the nuts on the studs after installing the radio after it was repaired. The nuts are still stored in my 70's ashtray.

[Dave S.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

Terry my 1970 was built after yours in July 1970. Next time I remove the radio I will have to pay attention. I do know I did not install the nuts on the studs after installing the radio after it was repaired. The nuts are still stored in my 70's ashtray.

Jim,
As you may recall my 70 was built the same day as yours (July 8). I've had my radio out and there are no slotted holes on the bottom. I did re-installed the nuts. My bright idea was to spray adhesive on my fingertips so the nut wouldn't drop. Believe it or not it worked for me on that car and a few others too. Once you get the nut started its easy to tighten as the nut has a built in washer.

[Jim T.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

Jim,
As you may recall my 70 was built the same day as yours (July 8). I've had my radio out and there are no slotted holes on the bottom. I did re-installed the nuts. My bright idea was to spray adhesive on my fingertips so the nut wouldn't drop. Believe it or not it worked for me on that car and a few others too. Once you get the nut started its easy to tighten as the nut has a built in washer.

Interesting that a JAN 1970 Corvette would have slotted holes and July built Corvettes would not. My nuts have the washers also. Spray adhesive on the fingertips is a good tip, will have to try it.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

Hi Erich,
In addition to removing the heater floor duct, I found that using a piece of tape to hold the radio's push buttons in the 'in' position gives you a little more wiggle room and protects the buttons from getting scratched.
Regards,
Alan

[Erich M.]

Re: 1972 Coupe Radio Removal

Thanks to all of you for your help. I found that removal of the radio was not possible without moving the front console (part that the shifter trim plate attaches to) away from the guage cluster towards the rear of the car. I loosened the bottom cluster studs which gave movement between the radio and center cluster but the studs cannot be slipped out of the slots because the back of the radio hits the floor heater duct. I found no way to remove the heater duct with the radio in place. The radio can be separated from the center cluster without removing the front shifter console but it interfers with the side of the front shifter console by about 1/16" when removing the radio from the passenger side. I therefore had to move the front console back by at least that amount. This interference may be a manufacturing tolerance and removal of the front console may not be necessary on all cars.