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View Full Version : Some comments on removal/install of stereo head unit>>


ZR1Vette
01-29-2010, 10:45 AM
First comment is what a PIA...very tedious and I can only assume head unit was installed first then dash trim install around it. Anyway just a few pointers (now from experience and what a few told me):

You will need to remove the lower center console, upper trim plate and the upper center vent piece. Console/upper trim are all 7 mm socket screws (watch what you remove from where....there are two lengths of screws) and the vent piece is held in with two small Phillip head screws.

To completely remove the lower center console the shift knob needs to be removed along with releasing (on 1990 MY) the reverse lift ring.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/ZR1shiftknobandparts.jpg

Remove shift knob center piece (just gently pry up) and then I used a small vice grip tool to pull out the lead drift pin (right of knob in pic above) out then just unscrew knob. The lift ring needs to be release by removing the small (1/16") Allen head set screw.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/ZR1shifterliftlockoutdetail.jpg

Of course unplug cigarette lighter and trunk release button.

What you need to be very careful with is the metal 'wings' on the unit..they are sharp and will marr/cut the black trim if you are not careful>>
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/ZR1Boseheadunit.jpg

Here you can see where the 'wings' attach to the console...I added heavy duct tape on the black trim on the right...this has to be protected otherwise you will damage it.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/ZR1headmountingscrewsiteandtape.jpg

To make it easier (note: 'easier' does not mean easy) to move the right trim remove the three screws shown>>
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/ZR1centerconsoleareaII.jpg

When reinstalling the head unit make sure the two connectors are lined up to slide into the square opening behind the unit...if you do not do this (guess how I found that out) the connectors will keep the head unit from sliding fully back>>
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/ZR1headunitplugs.jpg

Anyway, all is back together and now I have great CD sound (a Doc Don CD upgrade)... I will say this again...this Bose system makes the Bose unit in the C6 sound not so great.

End of winter projects...making up list for next winter's projects

Dynomite
01-29-2010, 10:51 AM
Excellent pictures and documentation :cheers:

As I recall, when I removed the stereo I did not remove the shift knob but rather shifted into second. I lifted the console and rotated it counterclockwise a bit :thumbsup:

By the way...how do you get those "red tags" in the photo?

GOLDCYLON
01-29-2010, 11:53 AM
Actually I found this procedure (Radio or Head unit removal) to be extremely easy and no the shift knob does not need to come off. Simply shift the car into 2nd.

Reading your notes however I can tell you did it the 100% correct way making sure you masked off areas and pulled the trim plate completely off inorder to make sure everything was out of the way and the potential for scratching or breaking anything was minimized. Judging by the cleanliness of the car, all the areas of the photo taken its clear you like to do things in a 100% professional and non shortcut way. I salute you :thumbsup:

Scrrem
01-29-2010, 11:57 AM
Michael, Great job and nice photo documentation!!! I could even follow this documentation :mrgreen:
Rich