Factory Radio Removal

[dealrocker]

My friend has a 96 Thunderbird and he is trying to remove the factory radio. He recently got a Haynes repair manual, but still can't perform the task. The manual says you have to remove the instrument cluster bezel before removing the radio. The manual has only a picture that doesn't help him to find the ICB. Wondering does anyone know where the ICB is or have easy method to remove factory radio.

Thanks in advance.

[007_SuperCoupe]

There are a few things to consider when replacing a factory radio. I'm by no means an expert, but have done this project a couple times.

The first, is if the aftermarket radio is a direct fit for the factory radio bracket. If so, the bezel may not have to be removed (but in all honesty, I'm not that familiar with the '96/'97 interior, so I really don't know).

Unless Ford changed the design in '96, the factory radio itself should have 4 small holes basically near the corners of the radio itself. These are the holes for a special tool to remove the radio. The radio is held in by a pair of springs, one on each side, and this tool will spread those springs and lock them so that the radio can slide out.

A new bracket may be required for the radio, but I have no way of knowing that. In addition, an adapter wiring harness is required to adapt the factory speaker harness to the aftermarket radio. These generally cost $25-$30 if you don't already have one.

I generally just take my car in and have a stereo shop do it for me. Around here, I'm only charged about $25 to have a radio swapped (plus any parts required), so to me, it's well worth the money. I know it's done right and if something doesn't work, I have a place to take it to in order to get fixed, generally on their dime, not mine.

Not sure that this helps, but I hope it does.