Help with Stereo Install

1hot87gt · Jul 7, 2021

Hey guys. Finally getting around to installing the Sony XAV-AX1000 head unit in my 87. Now I think I have everything I need. Bought it from Crutchfield. Have all the factory harness adapters as well as installation trim kit and the keys to remove the factory head unit. It’s all wired up and ready to go. Problem is, I can’t get the factory head unit out. Now I can release it with those curved metal keys and can get it out maybe 2 inches or so. Then it stops. I’m assuming it’s stopping because the wires connected are not long enough to pull it out any further. With that said, there is not enough room to get my hand in there to try and unplug it, and if I go from the back side, there appears to be some type of metal trim on both the driver and passenger side that is preventing me from unplugging the unit from the back.

Anybody done this or something similar that can steer me in the right direction with a tip or trick to get that factory head unit out?

HemiRick · Jul 7, 2021

pull harder, the wires are long enough, the antenna lead is the only one that might not be long enough.

Noobz347 · Jul 7, 2021

Did you look behind the center console? Everything is right there.

For removal of the OEM unit, it's easier to use two of the tools at once on each side and pull slightly until it lets go.

From Crutchfield:

Upgrading the stereo system in your 1987-1993 Ford Mustang

Upgrading the stereo system in your Mustang 1987 • 1988 • 1989 • 1990 • 1991 • 1992 • 1993

www.crutchfield.com

Mustang5L5 · Jul 7, 2021

Reach around the console and see if you can push it out while pulling

1hot87gt · Jul 7, 2021

I tried. It’s more than half way out but still seems like it caught on something. I tried pulling harder but don’t have a good feeling about it. Tried to reach under it to disconnect plug, which I found, and there seems to be enough wire. But it still won’t come up. Bleeding now so I came in to see if I can get it to stop before it’s all over my interior. My radio is the one with the graphic equalizer attached on the bottom. Could that somehow be wired too tight? If I can get the blood that’s pouring out of my finger to stop I’m gonna give it another try. I’m just nervous I’m gonna rip out something and the wiring is all original. Last thing I want to do is to yank the out of it. Any ideas?

Potomus Pete · Jul 7, 2021

I might be mistaken, but there is a bracket with the two bolts. Did you get that far

Mustang5L5 · Jul 7, 2021

The only thing securing the radio is the side clips and the rail guide at the rear. Try pivoting the radio up and down to see if it’s caught up on the rail

talking about this piece in the back

1hot87gt · Jul 7, 2021

Ok. I looked in with a flashlight and did see that piece you circled. Gonna try that. Thanks. Let you know how it turned out.

1hot87gt · Jul 8, 2021

Nope. Tried but same result. Still stuck. I don’t understand it. Will try again tomorrow

Noobz347 · Jul 8, 2021

I think it takes like 20 minutes to pull the entire center console.

If you're hung up on something you can't see, that may be your next step.

90sickfox · Jul 8, 2021

I'm glad your radio held you up to give me time to respond. You don't need the install kit. The radio trim thing can be ditched. Please don't screw any holes in you dash if it isn't rough already. What you do is remove the cubby from the factory radio. Install the new radio cage. Slide the cubby under it. You do have to take the plastic piece that connects to the factory radio off. If needed you can use a thin line of gorilla or super glue gell under the edges. If you ever want to go back stock style it will snap off and easily can be cleaned up. These dashes are getting harder and harder to find without holes screwed in them for radio installations. I've never used a face plate kit. Been doing them in mustangs for 20 years. All you need is the wiring adapters.

Mustang5L5 · Jul 9, 2021

At this point, I’d remove the armrest and just pull the entire center console. I had to do this once when my oem radio got stuck due to a faulty side clip

Help with Stereo Install

1hot87gt

HemiRick

I'd be looking at jacking under the house

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

Upgrading the stereo system in your 1987-1993 Ford Mustang

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

1hot87gt

Potomus Pete

I'm still waiting for the fully nude shots

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

1hot87gt

1hot87gt

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor

90sickfox

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

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Help with Stereo Install

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That is…until I whipped out my Bissell

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