How do you take out the factory head unit?

kaspar139 · February 3, 2003

Hey guys, I have a 2001 Silverado.

How do you physically take the radio out of the din? Do I have to take the whole dash off or something? It doesn't look like my ol mustang that you slid these little inserts into both sides, and just slid the whole thing out.

I am sure all you guys who have upgraded your head units know how to do this. Any advice would be appreciated. Also, if you have any pics, that'd be good, because I don't wanna mess the goods up

Thanks in advance!

Firetiger(MN) · February 3, 2003

It's fairly easy to do once you know how. Start by removing the trim piece that surrounds the driver area on the dash. This piece encircles the lights, gauges, radio, climate control, etc. You'll have to tilt the steering wheel down to clear the hazard signal light button, but it will clear. I found it easies to start by getting your fingernails under the upper left had corner of the trim near the vent above the light controls. Slowly work your way around popping out the retaining clips.

Now you should see the radio and on either side of the radio are two plastic clips. Just pinch them together and pull towards you at the same time and the radio should come. No screws or bolts have to be removed to get the radio out.

Any other questions feel free to ask!

:thumb:

dsmazz · February 4, 2003

Here's a link that should help: http://www.installdr.com/home.html

Dave

kaspar139 · February 4, 2003

Great guys, thanks! I'll give this a try this weekend, and will let you know how it goes. As always, this board proves to be the definitive resource on our trucks. Such a LARGE knowledge base to draw from.

Thanks fellas

City_Slicker · February 5, 2003

Its easy, just follow those directions. I concur.

kaspar139 · February 10, 2003

Ok, fellas. Update: The removal of the dash panel, and sliding out the head unit, easy. The instructions ya'll provided were excellent! Thanks!

However, I still ran into a problem. I am trying to replace my factory antenna with a rubber one. First of all, the antenna cable goes from the back of the radio, then up behind the dash where I cannot reach it to follow it. Likewise, when I open the glovebox, and drop it all the way down, I can't see it, or feel it sticking my hand way up there. I removed the OEM antenna from the outside, and have where it enters the truck's firewall, but I can't get to that from inside the glove box! Anyone have any suggestions here? I need to thread the NEW antenna through the same hole, and (ideally) follow the same cable path as the existing OEM antenna cable. I didn't finish the install obviously, but I need the antenna connection adapter for GM vehicles to go on my new antenna (which I didn't have).

Thanks in advance!