Removing sony stereo for noob !

Ol!ver · 27 Aug 2007 at 13:21

I'm wanting the Sony head unit out of my vRS cos it's never picked up radio waves right and I'm sick of carrying around the fascia. Thing is I've never removed a head unit, and I don't seem to have the 'keys' needed. For once Google's not my friend, so thought I'd ask here.

Help if you please

Cheers

SoliD · 27 Aug 2007 at 14:37

Usually can just go into local motorfactors/halfords and they will be able to sell you the keys for a couple of quid.

Ol!ver · 27 Aug 2007 at 15:08

SoliD said:
Usually can just go into local motorfactors/halfords and they will be able to sell you the keys for a couple of quid.

Is there a Blue Peter way to do it, using washing up bottles and sticky tape?

Jez · 27 Aug 2007 at 15:14

You could try sliding little bits of metal in the side and wiggling them about, but the only real options are either to rip it out along with its cage (the option i would take) or get some keys from somewhere.

Ol!ver · 27 Aug 2007 at 15:21

Jez said:
You could try sliding little bits of metal in the side and wiggling them about, but the only real options are either to rip it out along with its cage (the option i would take) or get some keys from somewhere.

And how do I get the cage out as well ? Like I say, NOOB

Jez · 27 Aug 2007 at 15:23

You force it out slowly either from behind if you can get access, or by ramming a screwdriver through the front of the unit and using that as a lever. Take care to bend any lugs back into the cage as it comes out or you risk damaging your console.

Ol!ver · 27 Aug 2007 at 15:27

Jez said:
You force it out slowly either from behind if you can get access, or by ramming a screwdriver through the front of the unit and using that as a lever. Take care to bend any lugs back into the cage as it comes out or you risk damaging your console.

Right, so litterally get a nice big flat head and stick it under the unit and pull? Sounds rather brutish

tsinc80697 · 27 Aug 2007 at 15:29

Metal coat hanger down the sides works

It might be screwed on aswell on the underside, I know mine is to stop anyone nicking it with ease, made sure the screw stays put on it

Jez · 27 Aug 2007 at 15:30

It is, the ony way you will get it out properly is with the keys, or by being lucky wiggling some bits of metal down the sides.

BigglesPiP · 27 Aug 2007 at 16:12

Borrow a scouser for a day.

tom_e · 27 Aug 2007 at 17:15

BigglesPiP said:
Borrow a scouser for a day.

Why be stuck with them for a day when itl only take them 2-3mins their well trained dontcha know

SoliD · 27 Aug 2007 at 18:05

Ol!ver said:
Is there a Blue Peter way to do it, using washing up bottles and sticky tape?

haha no doubt, on my vauxhall I cut a coat hanger up, but unfortunately I had to plump for some proper ones because the cage had bent.

Firestar_3x · 27 Aug 2007 at 18:08

Or following in the theme of brainless suggestions, hit it with a shoe.

Seriously, what make of sony unit is it, they changed the way they removed them in about 1998 / 00 ish.

BigglesPiP · 27 Aug 2007 at 18:24

Firestar_3x said:
Or following in the theme of brainless suggestions, hit it with a shoe.

Best thing for a SONY HU.

Tdh1987 · 27 Aug 2007 at 20:09

What head unit is it? Picture? Don't bother with the suggestions above, you'll end up damaging either the head unit or the dashboard.

RevBillyG · 27 Aug 2007 at 22:44

I've always used 2 largish cable-ties. Work perfectly and don't damage anything.

laissez-faire · 28 Aug 2007 at 00:11

Some manufacurers like VW will sell you a set of keys at the dealer for under a fiver. Others, like Ford, will say it is a workshop only part which means ebay is roughly the easiest option. Autoleads make keys for all headunits.

jpmonkey69 · 28 Aug 2007 at 14:42

Take it to somewhere that puts in stereos, they'll take it out if you ask them nicely.