Got Lucid's rear speakers and tried the install myself, but felt like I was going to break the radio trying to get it loose. Instructions say to lower the door half way and "gently" wiggle the radio out. Well I was doing a lot more then "gently" and it wouldn't budge. Called an automotive radio installer, made the appointment, waited two weeks, and just received a call from them that they aren't confident they can do it either after trying for an hour. So....is there some trick to getting the radio free from the dash? I got the top clips free all right, but nothing else. Please help us retards down here on the Cape. Thanks.

 

There are clips down along both sides of the cover that you have to pry out. I didn't have any problems using a taped flathead screwdriver.

 

Popping out the top first may make it difficult to pop the bottom. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Because of the curve of the trim piece, once the bottom is loose the whole piece must sorta come down as it comes back. Try doing the masking taped screw driver trick to pry the pins loose. If all else fails, yank with ever increasing force and be prepared to buy a new door. There is no other way I know of to get that sucker off.
Rather than yanking of the door itself, once the door is open, try grabbing the thing the door is hinged to or slip the screw driver down inside between the trim and what's behind it.

 

Park the car for about 5 minutes in Southeast Washington DC (with the top down)

 

Or just pull up to a light, any light, and ask the window washer to help you.

 

Is there no one out there that has removed the radio themselves? I plan to have another go at it this weekend and really would like someone's personal experience to guide me.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by woodyandy
[B]Is there no one out there that has removed the radio themselves?

 

I did Lucid's upgrade last year and here's what I remember:
1. Use a masking tape wrapped flat blade screwdriver.
2. Insert the screwdriver into the one of the slats in the vent opening above the radio cover door.
3. Gently pry outward at the slat with the screwdriver, until the clips holding the vent slats to the dash come loose. (Note step 1-3 are different than Lucid's first step, which was just to tug on the open radio door.)
4. Once the vent is loose, then with the radio door open, tug on the radio door until the rest of the clips holding the radio door, center section, and vent opening in place are loose. I think there are a total of 7 clips. 2 at the corners of the top, 2 at the center, and 3 along the bottom.
5. Set the radio cover aside.
6. There are 3 screws on either side of the radio, remove the two smaller ones that are above and below the larger one on each side. The radio is now loose except for the wires connections in the back.
8. To completely remove the radio you'll need to use your fingers to press on the clip that is on top the wire connection and pull on it at the same time to disconnect it from the radio. The antenna connection is on the lower left back of the radio and you just need to pull on it, rather forcefully to disconnect it, try and pull on it at the metal rather on then on the cord.
9. If your using your stock radio for the upgrade, you'll need to attach Lucid's connection to the radio and then re-attach the factory connection to Lucid's connection.

It sounds like you're just being a little too gentle and you need to be a little more forceful to pop the first coupla clips. Once the first coupla clips pop out of the dash, you'll feel more comfortable and should be able to remove the radio cover easily. Like xviper said, you should be prepared to purchase a new radio cover. I think they're only $20 or so, but I haven't checked on the price first hand.

 

Ok. I'll try again this weekend. Let you know how it goes. Thanks

 

I didn't have a problem with the removal after I popped the side clips with the screwdriver. Placing the screwdriver exactly where the diagram of the clips said may help also. Your door may just be tighter. Be careful it you try to pry along the inside of the radio door, the hard plastic will scratch or break easier than the padded dash.
The '02 has 4 screws instead of bolts, forget what year you have. Also try a broader screwdriver.