I have read the FAQ and several threads on radio removal, but I still don't see the answer to my question. So I apologize if I missed something.

For AP2 cars, do you have to remove the center console to remove the radio? I saw some pics and based on that I saw no reason why you couldn't just pry out the plastic surrounding the radio.

 

You only need to take off the plastic piece that holds the radio door.

 

if you dont think you hvae to try it
and if it ends up that you do then take it out

its of no huge consequence either way

 

He said AP2, not AP1. For an AP2 you remove the center console as well.

There's a thread about DIY install guide for an AP2, search for it, it's recent, and I posted step by step pics.

 

I just removed mine for the first time on my '06. Either way, it's a pain in the rear so just do which makes it easier. In the end, I had to take off my shift knob and the center console because I couldn't get the radio door out without doing that. I've heard of other people being able to convince it to come out, though.

 

It does not need to come out. It only needs to be popped loose and pulled back a bit.

 

Correct. On an AP2, you need to lift the front part of it (part nearest to the engine) to get the radio door panel out. You do not need to remove the whole thing.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I did see the DIY with the pics and that's why I posted this question. I couldn't see exactly why you had to take out the whole console just to pop the plastic off. But it makes sense if doing so makes removing the plastic piece easier to take out. After seeing your DIY I'm thinking I will get someone else to do it if only to minimize my personal liability

 

on my ap1 i did not remove center console... so for my ap2 i did not either. i ended up scratching the bottom of the radio door (and ordering a new one based on little aestethics) because i didn't remove center console. long story short... i'd remove it to make things much much easier

 

Well true you don't have to fully remove it, I did so because I was running wires in the center console (ipod). I still think it's easier to remove it just to get it out of the way though.