Search function fail, possible due to operator error but the result is the same.

I am trying to remove the stereo from my 1986 f250 4x4 regular cab 6.9l diesel, auto transmission. I searched as best I can, here and Google.

I removed the dash bezel and four screws from a galvanized bracket and the stereo won;t budge. I haven't been very aggressive with it, I don't want to break anything. It looks like there are four sheet metal screws on the sides holding the stereo in abd no way to reach them with a screwdriver.

Everything I read said they were four holes to insert a tool or nails but I don't see four holes. Here is a photo of what I have.

Thanks in advance;

Andy

 

You might do best to just remove the padded dash pad, that will give you a clear view + access to everything. Those four screws on the front are generally the only things holding it in place, although sometimes there's a spring-clippy thing in back to hold the rear up - but those are just held in place by spring pressure and are just clippy things.

A lot of these radios also have a threaded stud in the rear, perhaps somebody attached the radio to something substantial using that stud... I'd just remove the top dash pad, it's a lot of screws but is no big deal to do.

 

Step by step instructions:
1. Grab radio
2. Pull hard while rocking from side to side

There's a metal strap that hooks on the dash frame and sometimes they are really tight. The one in my truck is really tight too and you almost need a bfh to get it back in.

 

Dear Andy,

You are on the right path. The four holes you mentioned trying to find are only on later models.

The radio comes out with that big surround bracket still attached to it. Undo the four screws from the face, as you have already done. You don't have to touch the inaccessible screws on the sides.

On the back of the radio is a stout bracket. It clips straight onto a slot in the back of the dash. Pull straight out on the radio and it will release. It's been a long time since I removed the stock radio on my truck, but I vaguely remember having to use a lot of force. Since you can't really pry against the dash, I wonder if you could wrap some heavy wire behind the top and bottom of the big mounting plate and use it as a handle.

Here's a picture from the factory manual. The bracket, circled in red, is shown loose but it's actually bolted to the back of the radio:




Here's a picture from eBay, showing the bracket in a bottom view. It's a little tough to make out, but the bracket wraps around at the front to form a slot open to the rear:




More pics at the auction:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/371549655352?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D371549655352%26_rdc%3D1

 

Thanks, everyone, it was just stuck in there pretty solid. I used a little more force and it came right out. The wiring harness I bought on Amazon isn't correct so I am searching for a local source, I don't want to wait on shipping or pay for rush delivery.

 

Would you be willing to post a photo of the connector(s) for your old radio? The wiring harness end.
The radio looks the same as the one in my '85 and I have a radio from a few years older Ford and want to see if it will hook up before removing mine.

 

I haven't disconnected it but here are some photos of the harness connected,