msiqbal

In attempting to removed the stock HU, I scratched the center trim. For some reason the thing won't come out. I tried using the Ford removal keys and wire coat hangers but nothing worked. The only thing that happened was a couple of real deep and nasty scratches to my center trim.
I am sure this has happened before. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement trim just for the center. And aprox. how much would it cost? Thanks.

eltonr

you might want to try this.......it might save you some money........try using a little hair spray and buffing the scratch out.......i know the company that we work for we use hair spray to remove light scratches from ABS.....it might work on your trim piece.

irish6714

some advice for next time. Put some tape on the trim before you try to remove it. We this tool that has hooks on the end, its made of steel so it does not bend. Works great.

camss69

Ok I literally just finished installing my new deck. I ran into the problem of not being able to get the stock one out also. I tried like hell and could only get the left (drivers side) out. Then I figured out that the little metal piece inside that the removal tool is supposed to press against, had broken on the right side. So I started looking for ways to get it out. Finally I tried removing the Glove box, super simple just bend it in a little on the top to and the bottom just slips out. Then I reached in and was able to get to the head unit and pushed the clip with my fingers and it came right out. I thought I had scratched my center console too but it ended up being some left over tape sticky stuff. (Lucky) I'm not sure if your drivers side is stuck I got that side to come out no problem try reaching up there and see if you can make it.
Hope this helps, Nick

douggie

Can't believe it's that difficult to remove the stock HU with the Ford removal tools... I used those and i got it out in about 5 min. How many did removal tools did you use? The correct way is to use 4 (2 on each side). I managed with 2... I just pulled on one side and worked on the other side while preventing the HU (the metal clips/tabs) from falling back in place.

After inserting the tools in, you have to push the tools outwards (if you're working on the left side, then push the tool to the left etc) while pulling the HU out. This is to push the metal clips/tabs on the HU in.

If your stock HU doesn't come with a tape player or MD player, then remove the center piece of plastic on the HU. You'll find a hole that goes all the way back and you can stick your hand in and grab the back of the HU for more leverage.

msiqbal

Thanks for the help. I did use 4 Removel Keys, put them in, pulled outwards..the left side came out but not the right side. I did also remove the glove box and try it like that but I needed a small screw driver to take the mount out which I didn't have.
I had a couple guys from the local shop look at it and they said that the right HU mount was apparently damaged at the factory and shoved into place. To remove it, I either have to smash the HU (which I feel like doing now b/c I am so frustrated) or removed the dash to get to the mounting screw and take it out like that.
I don't know why Mazda is using some stupid Ford ideas. I used to own a Honda Del Sol, I def. like the Mazda a lot better for a lot of reasons including how easy it was to run the wiring for the entire car, great handling, etc.. however I have to admit that removing the Honda HU was much much easier that the Mazda. I also found the 5x7 size annoying to work with but with some mods it wasn't that bad.
Now I am trying to figure out how much this center trim is going to cost me and where I can get it. I should receive my new HU - Clarion DXZ825 today or tomorrow. Along with my Best Kit stuff, installation kit and wiring harness.
If I smash the stock HU to get it out, I will be sure to include some pics.

camss69

This is exactly what I'm describing, you can get to it from the glove box hole. I had this exact problem, maybe your just not pushing on the tab hard enough? You should not need a screwdriver, just push in on the tabs really hard.

1st MP3 in NH

This actualy happens alot with ford style key radios. Basicly just get the side out that will come then focus on the other side. push it out ward and pull like hell. ALso make sure the key isnt in to far which is a very common mistake. the trim piece actual snapps right off. it will stay in place becuse of the heat a/c line but you'll have about 2 inches of play to work with. ALso get a LARGE box of crayons. like the 100 color ones. They will have a clor close to the interiors color you scratched and you can ususaly hide scratches in plastic and vinal.

douggie

Wow, that's a great tip from an installer!

Hehe, but i guess this what the installers at Pest Buy and Circuit Shity do when they screw up an install...

1st MP3 in NH

BB or CC won't even bother trying to fix it they just hope you don't notice. We try to fix it as best we can but if its noticable at all we let the customer know about it and they decide if its OK. Depending on how bad it is we offer a refund for the install or a replace of the peice.

msiqbal

I tired the crayon deal... awesome idea. It worked the small scratches but a couple were a bit too deep :-( Look like I am going to have to replace the trim. Other than that, they system is sound great. Pic to be posted soon (as soon as I can find the USB cable to my digi cam). Thanks for the help.

camss69

Well, how did you end up getting the stock HU out?

msiqbal

Getting the HU out took a while..after trying everything.. I decided to take out the screws that hold the mount on the right side. Once this was done, I still had to pry the mount out. It doesn't sound too hard but there wasn't too much to work with. I had to take the glove box out to do this.
The left side came out with some force when using the removal keys but it wasn't too bad.

ProtegePete

why bother getting a whole new trim piece when you can work with the one that you got. Take the peice out, spray prime it(you might not have to), and then just spray paint it. search one of hihoslva posts, he did a really nice job with his interior with sem spray paint.

im also thinking about doing some custom interior work myself.

good luck

jftizw

what color crayon did you use. i scratched mine up the day that i got the car trying to remove the stock head unit. been bugging me ever since. nobody else notices them but me, and none of them are deep, just enough to remove the color from it, but it drives me nuts.