DIY: Installing Aftermarket Radio

Originally Posted by TennesseeZ

To get your dash apart so you can install your radio turns out to be easier than it looks. You will need the following:

-Phillips head screw driver
-small flathead
-UPK700 Universal pocket w/ toyota trim (you don't need this is you are putting a double din radio or nav in.)
-small rag or cloth

To start off you will need to take the silver trim ring off that goes around teh shifter. It just pops off, it has about four clips. Use the flat head and wrap the cloth around the tip if you can't get yours off by pulling it up. Be sure to unplug the hazards and your S-Drive if you have it.
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Next you will need to pull the leather trip peice up so at the bottom pull up and it will come loose. There are two tabs that fit under the A/C panel so be careful not to break them.
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Looking at the next picture you will see two screws that hold the knee panels in. Take those off on both side and then pull the panels straight out. The only thing that is holding them in is some clips.
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Now you are ready to take the main console peice off. To do this there are two screws at the base of each side. Unscrew these and then pull on the console at the pushbutton start and airbag light. There is a little room for you to get your fingers in there. The last clips are at the top so pull a little at the top also. Once you have it off there are two plugs that need to be unpluged, one is the start engine and the other is the airbag light. Use your small flathead to realease these. The release is on the bottom of both plugs.

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Now you have accessed the screws that hold on the A/C panel. Unscrew all four screws and remove panel. It has one plug-in so be sure to disconnect.

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Now you have access to the radio screws. Take all four out and pull the radio off. Be sure to unplug all the plugs. The radio can be mounted directly onto the factory bracket and the universal pocket can be mounted right underneath the radio. The toyota trim peice needs a little shaving on both sides so it will fit. Once you hook up all the nissan harnesses to the wiring kit. (the new nissan wiring harness works with the Z. You can also get the harness for steering controls. Call Radioactive at 931-455-6491 to purchase the harnesses and kits.) Talk to Chad and tell him Michael sent you.

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And this is the finished product.
I still want to add a double din nav to this space and it will just slide in no problem so that is the best way to go.

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CAUTION!!!! Please be sure your air bag light is hooked up when you are testing your radio because it will give you a service light.

Hope this helps you out a little. If you have any questions just shoot me a message.

Thanks all.