Factory HU removal ??

[jeffnoel]

I haven't started pulling and prying on things yet because the cars at my wife's work. I have a new HU, install kit, and the amp integrator kit and am ready to do this when she gets off work tonite. My question is about removing the trim and factory unit, does the trim just pop out with a little force how about the factory headunit? jeff

it's a 2002 GT with the Mach 460

 

[Infinity]

Short answer- yes.

Place the gear shifter in it's furthest back position.

Pry up on the shifter "trim". You can use your fingers, or I recommend a putty knife with a thin towel or plastic bag stretched over it to prevent any marking. It's held by I think 4 metal push-pins. Release the wiring harnesses for the fogs, Trac, etc and set this piece out of the way. You'll probably need a small-bladed screwdriver to release the little clip on the side of the Molex plugs as Ford left VERY little slack in these.

Pry out the center vent area. I always popped the bottom first, then wiggled the top loose, but it is held by 4 more of the metal clips.

The radio is held in by only 2 7mm screws at the bottom. Try to use a backstrap on the new radio as it will probably rattle.

 

[jeffnoel]

Thanks

 

[Infinity]

Anytime. If you need anything else, just holler.

 

[jeffnoel]

Well since you said anything here goes. I've got the deck installed and it sounds great thanks. But , I noticed when I removed the factory HU it had 3 plugs going to it but the Metra amp integrator only connects to 2 of them. Do you know what the 3rd plug is for? All the speakers work, the system cranks, and no popping when turned on just wonder what it goes to. jeff

 

[Infinity]

If memory serves correct, it would be the integration into the factory MACH 1000. I think the 3rd plug goes to the stock subs.

 

[jeffnoel]

OK, new HUs been in for about a week now and just got back from a weekend carshow in Vegas and have another question. Everything works but the sound quality isn't what I expected best I can describe is it sounds like I'm in a fishbowl. Not sure what the prob is any suggestions? Jensen deck connected to Mach 460 using the metra harness. I swapped the deck into the Expedition and it sounds fine there not sure what's up.

 

[Infinity]

It's probably the factory equalization and crossovers built into the amplifiers. It makes things a bitch to get it to sound right. Keep playing with the bass/treble as much as you can- other than that, you'll either need a full parametric EQ ($$$$), or pull the whole sumbitch out and replace it. That's the downside to the MACH system

 

[jeffnoel]

OK figured out the fishbowl thing was being caused by using the loudness feature on the deck, turned it off and it sounds great. Next I'm getting some 50hz FMODs and 150hz Bass Blockers as was suggested in the install writeup in the tech section, hoping this will make it even better?

 

[Infinity]

Entirely possible. You could also look at cheap higher order crossovers instead of the bass blockers (which are a simple capacitor which blocks a signal at 3db/octave. AKA, not much). try this one here:http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=266-172

Or, you could simply buy a couple of ferrite coils to add to your "blockers" to make a true crossover. Either way you choose, you should improve your sound. Good luck.