How to install head unit without removing center trim, For those with the factory amp Options

[skull_kid]

This is not a full guide for installing an aftermarket head unit.
You can find that here: http://www.6gc.net/howto/install_head_unit

If you have the factory amp and the wires you need to connect to your new radio are clipped underneath, then this simple guide might help.

I noticed that many people solve the problem of getting under the factory amp by going to great lengths to remove the entire center trim, which is a lot more trouble than it's worth.

This tip took me hours to come across, and many scratches on my arm and curse words later, I can now pass this on to you.

What I did was remove the left and right nuts on the front of the amp bracket, then pivot the amp up to get enough room to stick my hand in there and unclip the wires from the blue harness.

Here's a picture guide:



I used a 5/16" socket.
The lip of the bracket makes it very hard to approach the nuts from the front, so you have to get in on the side. You may have to bend the plastic out a bit to get in from the left. Once you loosen the nut, you'll be able to take it off with your hands. It's much easier to get your fingers in there than a wrench.






The right is much trickier because there is almost no space to work with.
I finally figured out that I could slip my wrench up from under the trim and get in on the side of the amp bracket. The circled part in the picture is the handle of the wrench sticking out from the bottom of the trim. It will take a lot of patience to finally get lined up on the nut. You may find it helpful to first use your hands to place the socket, then attach the wrench to it.
Once you feel it loosen, turn it a few more times and then take it off with your hands.




You'll be able to then pivot the amp up an extra inch, which will give you enough room to get your hands in to unhitch the wires from the harness under the amp. On mine, the blue harness is attached by a plastic hanger, so it was a bit like surgery getting the wires out, but I managed to do it.

I hope this guide saved some you some trouble!

You'll be able to see my new interior lighting and head unit when I update my Celica's thread here.

This post has been edited by skull_kid: Jul 2, 2011 - 1:09 AM