2004 Excursion - Aftermarket radio adapters?
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, WA
2004 Excursion - Aftermarket radio adapters?
I can't seem to find an unambiguous answer to this in all the searches I've tried, so I decided to just ask straight out. I'm planning to replace my current stock radio with something that has Nav & backup camera(s) at a minimum.
My question: For the radios I've looked at, when installation is actually discussed it always seems to be that once the new radio is installed it can't be removed without pulling the dash. Is that just the way it is? Given my experience with radios over the years, I'm really reluctant to go that route.
... or is it really easy to pull the dash on an EX?
My question: For the radios I've looked at, when installation is actually discussed it always seems to be that once the new radio is installed it can't be removed without pulling the dash. Is that just the way it is? Given my experience with radios over the years, I'm really reluctant to go that route.
... or is it really easy to pull the dash on an EX?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: SE PA
I've had the bezel out of mine a few times, and I'd rather not do it again. My concern is that as these trucks get older...and parts harder to get...the bezel willl crack. I refinished mine a couple years ago after installing an iPod adapter and "protecting" with some masking tape...only to have the tape pull some paint off. (Yep..I assumed the bezel was molded in color...but it is painted)
Anyhow...I found a GPS unit on eBay that installs and removes like a Ford factory unit. The seller was very responsive and helpful. I haven't put on in my truck so I can't comment on the actual unit itself. There's no rush for me as I already have a back up camera installed that displays in the rear view mirror.
Here's the unit...Ford Excursion / F250 /F350 In-Dash GPS Radio, Direct Fit, No mods required. | eBay
Anyhow...I found a GPS unit on eBay that installs and removes like a Ford factory unit. The seller was very responsive and helpful. I haven't put on in my truck so I can't comment on the actual unit itself. There's no rush for me as I already have a back up camera installed that displays in the rear view mirror.
Here's the unit...Ford Excursion / F250 /F350 In-Dash GPS Radio, Direct Fit, No mods required. | eBay
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 41
From: Wyoming
^^^^^^ yes, and you don't even need to completely remove the bezel. Once it's popped off on right side the head unit will pull out slightly with the bezel.
At that time you have access to the tabs that will allow you to pull head unit out, seperate from bezel.
At that time you have access to the tabs that will allow you to pull head unit out, seperate from bezel.
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, CA
I stressed out about this before my double-din upgrade and even bought two separate dash install kits.
Then, someone on the forum said they simply shoved the new head unit into the space and used friction/pressure to hold it in place.
I thought there was no way that would be a good long-term solution. Lo and behold, I gave it a shot after trimming the OEM dash and it has held in totally fine using just the natural friction of the gap. It's never bounced out or seemed unsteady. I had to pull it out a couple of times to re-solder some wires and it was great to be able to remove and re-install easily.
still have the dash kits (metra and american international) if anyone needs them.
Then, someone on the forum said they simply shoved the new head unit into the space and used friction/pressure to hold it in place.
I thought there was no way that would be a good long-term solution. Lo and behold, I gave it a shot after trimming the OEM dash and it has held in totally fine using just the natural friction of the gap. It's never bounced out or seemed unsteady. I had to pull it out a couple of times to re-solder some wires and it was great to be able to remove and re-install easily.
still have the dash kits (metra and american international) if anyone needs them.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Texascowboy77
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jul 8, 2018 10:33 PM
gruberoliver
Audio & Video Systems, Navigation, Satellite Radio & Mobile Electronics
8
Oct 14, 2008 05:10 AM