Radio replacement
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 94
Likes: 3
Radio replacement
I'm attempting to replace the radio on my 83 XL F250. I've removed the two screws at the top of the radio/AC dash panel and I can see that there are tabs that hold it in the bottom. I want to remove this panel without breaking anything. Any tips?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 1,260
It's been a while but I remember the two screws at the top and two tabs on the bottom. After removing the screws tip the top out a bit and then lift it out. There might be a wedge shape, maybe even a locking lip. Be gentle don't force it. I remember it coming out easy.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 94
Likes: 3
I might have messed up a bit. I bought a radio from an 87-91 truck thinking it would plug right in but the connection isn't the same. What radios would you guys recommend that aren't super pricey?
Cross-Country
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 53
Likes: 5
You can put the original radio back in? Unless your going for aftermarket.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/314496187680?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=4zogyiqutao&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=KeovoVaSQm y&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=EMAIL]http://Check out 1980-1986 Ford F150 F250 F350 BRONCO 81 82 83 84 Radio AM FM oem UNTESTED 2319 on eBay! https://www.ebay.com/itm/314496187680?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=4zogyiqutao&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=KeovoVaSQm y&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=EMAIL[/url]
99 dollars
https://www.ebay.com/itm/314496187680?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=4zogyiqutao&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=KeovoVaSQm y&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=EMAIL]http://Check out 1980-1986 Ford F150 F250 F350 BRONCO 81 82 83 84 Radio AM FM oem UNTESTED 2319 on eBay! https://www.ebay.com/itm/314496187680?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=4zogyiqutao&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=KeovoVaSQm y&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=EMAIL[/url]
99 dollars
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 57,017
Likes: 2,751
From: Virginia
Do you want to adapt that later radio? Does it physically fit? If it does, you need the plugs and some of the harness from a 1987-up truck. You can then splice it in.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2023
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I've decided to put a modern radio in but I'd like one that still looks classic. Do you guys have any recommendations that will plug straight into what I believe is a 12 pin connector if I remember correctly.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 129
From: Atlantic Canada
Retro Manufacturing recently released the "Dallas" radio. It's a modern radio made to look like the original...but it's only for the 1985-1986 trucks unfortunately. If I was wanting to do something nice and clean looking, I'd get a set of 85-86 bezels and install one of those
.
https://www.retromanufacturing.com/e...BoC-LoQAvD_BwE
Then again I'm probably too cheap...lol.
I installed a Kenwood head unit in my 1984 F150 (using 1985 grey weave bezels).
.https://www.retromanufacturing.com/e...BoC-LoQAvD_BwE
Then again I'm probably too cheap...lol.
I installed a Kenwood head unit in my 1984 F150 (using 1985 grey weave bezels).
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 529
Likes: 54
From: Houston
Retro Manufacturing recently released the "Dallas" radio. It's a modern radio made to look like the original...but it's only for the 1985-1986 trucks unfortunately. If I was wanting to do something nice and clean looking, I'd get a set of 85-86 bezels and install one of those.
https://www.retromanufacturing.com/e...BoC-LoQAvD_BwE
Then again I'm probably too cheap...lol.
I installed a Kenwood head unit in my 1984 F150 (using 1985 grey weave bezels).
.https://www.retromanufacturing.com/e...BoC-LoQAvD_BwE
Then again I'm probably too cheap...lol.
I installed a Kenwood head unit in my 1984 F150 (using 1985 grey weave bezels).
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 1,260
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,966
Likes: 4,130
From: Angier, NC
I see that some bezels do have holes for the **** stems. My 86 XL came with an AM radio. The radio has a rectangular front which fits the rectangular hole in the bezel. No **** holes so no need to remove the ***** on mine. Aftermarket radios/stereos fit that same hole in the bezel.
My 81 I think would of had ***** but I went with the later rectangular front radio that has ***** but fits the bezel I had.
Dave ----