removing the Kenwood Z919?

[zbillster]

Got my new Kenwood stereo in with detach face to replace the theft-encouraging Z919, but the removal tools that came with the new unit are different.

If you look on page 44 of the Z919 manual, it describes hook-shaped removal tools that you screw into the two holes on either side of the unit. However, a call to the local Kenwood factory outlet revealed that they don't have those tools handy for sale (go figure). They suggested butter knives (eeeeee!).

Any ideas how to get this mofo out without tearing it up? Should I try a couple of long screws from the hardware store to see if they fit and work as well?

 

[BondoBob]

Check on eBay. They seem to sell these all the time. A local stereo installer shop may also have them (see if you can borrow for a couple minutes in the parking lot) since I'm sure you are hoping for a weekend project.

 

[LinuxRacr]

I gotcha covered. It should only cost you 89 cents! Reference my previous thread:
Removing the Z919

 

[zbillster]

Actually I bought those 4-40 x 1" screws last night and tried those first. Jiggled but didn't seem to come loose. Think I may have stripped the plastic threads in the unit on the second try. Then I did the Indiana Jones "open the face, stick the screwdriver into the tabs before it closes" routine last night, which I'm going to try again this afternoon with more light and patience (and a hammer!).

Damn this unit!!!!

 

[1sty]

You have to pull like crazy even when you get the right screws. The radio is in there realy tight. I bent the tools I had to buy from Kenwood trying to get mine out.

 

[zbillster]

OK, I got the sucker out! I used the "open the door and quickly bang on the side tabs with a screwdriver and hammer" method. Then I had to contend with all the wiring holding it in and not much room to disconnect. Had to disconnect the antenna first on the left, then twist the unit around to disconnect the main connector from the right side of the unit, then pull hard (but carefully) on the remaining wires to get them loose from back of the dashboard. The evil thing is out!

I bought a Kenwood KDC-2019 to replace it, and was able to just plug in the main connector from the old unit and it works just fine (instead of using the new connector). I took out the subwoofer for now (need the luggage space) and will THINK about hooking up some extended jacks to reach the unit (not much play back there, gee, thanks factory guys for saving a few cents in wiring).

Use lots of tape, multiple thicknesses, around the hole when doing this ... I used a single layer of tape and still made some scratches