pointer for factory radio removal

99rangerbob · #1 08-06-2010, 03:21 PM

I had done some searching on this site and others regarding this and i figured id post this just in case someone in the future is searching for this info
first off i bought the install kit from ebay and they sent me the kit from American International. there is no part number but it appears to be a universal Ford kit.
I had asked someone if it mattered if the shelf was on bottom or top and recieved a reply that if possible put the shelf on top. I was concerned because i remembered an old Ranger i had had a stock radio in which the top was tapered and i couldnt remember whether the air conditioning vents would interfere with the back of the radio. For whomever reads this post they do not you have plenty of room back there .
Also the kit fits in there with the shelf on the bottom. If you put the shelf on top the left ( drivers) side didnt snap into place for me.
One more tip that i didnt see covered here in my search ( albeit a quick search) if you get the hoop tool to remove the radio and the clips are bad or do not collapse so the radio slides out ( as mine did) it would move about a eighth inch and get stuck... all you have to do is unscrew the two bolts that are above the heater controls and underneath the radio ( two bolts small 1/4 inch drive sockets do it) and pull the bezel off. The radio will pop out too and you may need to unplug the cigar lighter and the accessory jack thing on the passenger side of the bezel and using your fingers push in the clips and pop the radio out,the worst part was the lower part of the left side of the radio which was a little tight to get my fat fingers in there but i got it with a little work.
the rest of the install was cake... and the kit /wiring harness i got through ebay was good.

05RangerEdge · #2 08-06-2010, 05:03 PM

I always take the bezel off when I mess with the head unit. I am pretty sure this has to be done. Good job on working through it and figuring it out though. Always feels good when you get it on your own

ObsoleteE · #3 08-06-2010, 05:40 PM

I had a hell of a time with the Ford clips too. It eventually came out. When I bought my dash kit, the guy at the store said the shelf had to go on top so that's how I did it. I have seen the shelf on the bottom on other Rangers though.

Gabriel · #4 08-20-2010, 02:09 AM

I believe you can bend a wire coat hanger into the same shape as the "hoop tool" and use that instead of buying one...just a suggestion

STL · #5 08-20-2010, 02:18 AM

It doesnt matter if you put the shelf on top or bottom. It is just a matter of which you prefer.

joldtown · #6 08-20-2010, 07:33 AM

The only real adverse effect of putting the shelf on the bottom is that SOMETIMES over time the weight of the radio will along with heat will cause the center of the shelf to sag. Most kits come with a support clip that attaches to the back of the radio and the shelf, if you don't add this piece then you may get the sag.

rangerdanger745 · #7 08-20-2010, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joldtown

The only real adverse effect of putting the shelf on the bottom is that SOMETIMES over time the weight of the radio will along with heat will cause the center of the shelf to sag. Most kits come with a support clip that attaches to the back of the radio and the shelf, if you don't add this piece then you may get the sag.

john is right.. i put mine on the bottom because i liked it there, but i am now getting the sag.. it really doesnt affect the space too much since all i put in there is my remote, but its just the fact that its there.. but im still happy with it.