Removing Radio Door & Trim Panel (pics), Much easier than I thought!

I needed to remove the radio door and trim plate so they can go to the CF shop.

Just thought some of you might like to see how easy it is:

First, put the shift lever in reverse, and cover the lever and the console with a folded t-shirt or other padding. Pull firmly one one side of the radio door, until the lower clip releases. Do the same to the other side. Then pull a little harder on each side, until the middle clip releases.



When the middle clip on the right side releases, a small space will open up near the top- insert the tape-covered screwdriver here:



Cover the surrounding parts with tape, and don't pry on anything. Use the tip of the screwdriver to push the backside of the plastic forward (it comes out very easily):



Padded screwdriver:



To remove the radio door from the trim plate, use something like this to push out the retaining pins (a coathanger will do). Remember to protect the surface with tape:



Parts ready to go:


-Pete

With a MY'04+ console the console needs to be removed (or at least pulled up) first before the radio door assembly can be removed. FYI

What kind of tool is that you're using in that picture? I'm having trouble getting the pins out. They don't seem to be budging. I tried a coathanger and nail so far, so any help would be appreciated.

This post has been edited by toosoonjunior on Nov 27 2004, 12:27 PM

Sounds like you've got a CF addiction! I'm sure it wil look nice.

The pins in my radio door slid out like butter, I didn't have to push hard at all. Make sure you are pushing them straight out, not at an angle. The bend in the tool helps to accomplish this.

The tool I used will probably be hard to come by. It's a 17g needle normally used for placing an epidural catheter in someone's back. I cut the tip off, so it isn't sharp. I'm in anesthesia school, so I just happened to have an unused one laying around. I couldn't find a wire coathanger anywhere- go figure.

-Pete

I think you can also use pliers to get those pins out if your having trouble using a poking stick.

pete, good to see a post from you, hope all is well, can not wait to see the finished door.
MAtt

That's exactly what I needed. I knew I was missing a piece of information from somewhere.
Thanks.

does the trim have to come off to to just replace the radio door?..i just want to replace my 01 radio door with the newer one...how would i do that?..

Yeah, the trim has to come off to change the radio door.

-Pete

If I may step in...

Anthony,
You need to remove the trim and door as one unit. While the trim is out, remove the door from that big trim piece. Put the new door in the old trim piece and reinsert it into the dash of the car.

Does that sound accurate to ya'll?
That's the way I see it happening.

ok..thats sounds right..just summed up...thought there might be an easier way without taking the trim out, oh well..how long do you think it would take?..about an hour?

No way it would take that long. I got the trim out in about five minutes, and that's because I had to run inside to get some electrician's tape to protect the dash. If your car is MY2000-2003, then you don't have to remove the center console. Just follow the steps above and you'll be alright.
I think the first step to any project is to find the right tools/materials.

Great write up. I just did mine today. I didnt have to pry out the backside though. Pins were kind of hard to get out.

Thanks.

The parts just went back in a couple of weeks ago.

Here's the finished product. The inside of the radio door and trim piece were done, as well.


-Pete

Explain!!! I think it looks great! Did they use your old piece as a mold, or is it some kind of cover? Looks awesome!

that looks great

I changed my radio door out yesterday. But the problem is that the door opens slow now. did i put the spring in wrong or something? how many springs are there?

push the spring Inwards, so that the round piece is over it..it should solve the prob...

AHH...my pins wont come off. and it's hard to get nething into the hole to push out the pins. Mine looks kinda rusted @ the end where shows and i've been trying to push out the pins, and no luck. What to do.....

subscribed... thx for the info...

http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=408253&hl=

if you need info on why your door doesn't open all the way it's because of how you put in the spring, i just added a few more pics on what to do when you get the radio door out of the car

Dang, someone should be selling those CF pieces its damn nice.

Where do you get something like that done and how much does it cost?

Looks good carbon whore I've removed the door so many times I dont even bother with the screw drivers in the corner. I hold at a certain angle and pull.