fubie

Trying to get the A/C unit out to gain access to the upper radio screws. I pulled and tugged and rocked and everything. Dang thing wouldn't budge. I finally used enough force to rip off the face plate. Luckily the ribbon cables ripped out of the sockets and were not terribly bent - I was able to reattach everything and get it working. But what gives on the A/C? While the face plate was off I slid a knife between the plastic and upper leather piece thinking it may have been stuck to the leather. Where are the *%^&$ clips that hold the unit in??? I kept expecting to hear "You're making a big mistake Dave" in the HAL9000 voice. FYI the A/C face plate is held on with 4 small screws, 2 up 2 down. It's not hard to grab the face and break off the plastic around all 4 screws. With the face plate off I could see the radio screws way in there but I didn't attempt to remove them. Any ideas?

mrblister

It requires a firm grip but reach with your hand and try and grip inward and with a steady force rock right and left gently and with steady pressure pull forward and it should release. The first time I did it I was nervous but i bore down and it released. Before I re-installed i used a drop of silicone grease on the clips. Just be carfull when you rock and pull unit out the leather is thin in the area around the console

Habious

The first time you go to remove that A/C unit...it's TIGHT! It gets easier subsequent times.

I found instructions online that told me to slip two plastic "interior trim removal tools" on the left and right side, across the top, between the leather trim piece and the wood trim...and twist.

It worked for me (on multiple occasions). However, it's tricky to find tools that will work properly.

You need something stiff enough that you can actually torque on them a bit without them just bending. But, you don't want a piece of metal that will tear/mar the VERY-thin leather trim.

EDIT: Found the link to the instructions I've always used. Step 3 is the big one.

http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/Adobe/MV-50-03-L-p14.pdf

fubie

Wish I'd seen this before breaking the A/C unit. But much thanks! I'll see what I can find. Trying to fix the radio has now led to trying to fix the AC. But that's how things go...

talwang

iTrader: (4)

a small investment on one set of these will make your life easier.

mrblister

Hi Talwang

Where do you buy that set of trim tools

Buddy

talwang

iTrader: (4)

AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/No-Scratch-Too.../dp/B000LNBLTK

mrblister

Thanks I just ordered them