Replacing the stereo on an Astra

SlyReaper · 1 May 2009 at 23:33

Well, I bought the replacement unit, one that was actually made AFTER CD's were invented. Trouble is, there's a black enclosure for the old one which is still in place and I can't remove. It seems to be held in place by one screw at the back, but it's a strange screw. Instead of being one which you can fit a normal screwdriver into, it's convex. It needs some sort of hollow screwdriver. I've tried scissors and pliers with no joy. Even Halfords is devoid of any tools which could remove it.

Can anyone suggest what I could try next? I swear, the thought of ripping the damned thing out with my teeth is starting to seem tempting. :mad:

DB_SamX · 1 May 2009 at 23:34

Would it not be easier and more sensible to replace the Astra?

Sorry, I'll leave now.

SlyReaper · 1 May 2009 at 23:38

I bought it 3 weeks ago. So no.

MagicBoy · 1 May 2009 at 23:40

and how old is the Astra? They're up to a Mk5 now...

SlyReaper · 1 May 2009 at 23:42

16 years old and 54k on the clock

MagicBoy · 1 May 2009 at 23:45

That's nothing. I had a 10 year old Nova with 28k on the clock.

SlyReaper · 1 May 2009 at 23:47

This getting away from the point - what can I use to unscrew a screw with a convex head?

al123 · 1 May 2009 at 23:58

SlyReaper said:
This getting away from the point - what can I use to unscrew a screw with a convex head?

Like this? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx

ScottehBotteh · 2 May 2009 at 01:19

DB_SamX said:
Would it not be easier and more sensible to replace the Astra?

Sorry, I'll leave now.

Please do.

Sounds like it requires a torx bit, can pick up sets relatively cheap for occasional use.

SlyReaper · 2 May 2009 at 10:43

Nope, it's not a torx thing, I tried. I've actually managed to get the cage out now. Turns out that thing at the back was just holding wires in place, not holding the cage at all. I just had to mangle the cage sufficiently with pliers until it slid out.

*grumbles about counter-intuitive rubbish*