Updated: Hello, and a ? about removing stock stereo from an 85 GW

[Hartman]

Hi all,
this is my first post, so thanks for having me, and please go easy. . .

I just picked up the vehicle of my dreams this weekend, a 1985 Grand Wagoneer with only 80k miles. It has a few smaller needs, but for the most part it is in mint condition.
I've seriously considered a GW for a dozen years now, and I remember even back to when I was a teenager seeing them and thinking "THAT is a classy vehicle!" I also remember fantasizing about the insane stereo system that could fit in there. . . but now that I'm in my mid-30's and have more balance in my life, a modest stereo would do me well.
I've used the search feature to find out a lot about replacing the stereo. I know that I will need to Dremel the dash to fit a DIN if I choose to go that route, or I could replace it with a shaft-style that has an mp3 input (which is maybe my main goal), or an amp/iPod combo leaving the stock receiver for deception. But anywhichway I decide to go, I will have to get the head unit out to get to the wiring.
My question is this, (and I couldn't seem to find an answer in searching): How do you remove the existing stereo? Do I need to take apart the cardboard glovebox and go up from under the stereo? Please tell me I don't have to take apart the dash/windshield. . .

This is a fantastic community, I'm honored to be a part, and I hope to have some pics soon.
Thanks, Dave.

[dan1488]

you have to take the glovebox out the you can get to the radio. There is a bolt in the back that you have to take off. I would go the post radio and not cut the dash.

[FSJ Guy]

I agree. If it's as nice as it sounds, don't cut the dash. Crutchfield and others have some nice "post" style radios that will fit the OEM mount.

Stick the iPod in the glovebox and you're set.

BJ's Offroad has replacement gloveboxes.

[Hartman]

Thanks Dan1488 re: the glovebox advice. That's exactly what i wanted to hear. Do I have to take apart the cardboard or is there a way to remove the glovebox without damaging it?

As for a receiver, as mentioned in previous threads, I personally have no qualms with hacking the dash. It's a GrandWag, not a vintage Cobra, and adapting a stereo is, to me, a modification on par with adding CB antennas or larger tires. BUT, I do like the idea of staying stealth with my stereo; I have tons of teenagers in my neighborhood and they often like to see what's in someone else's car. I found a dual shaft head unit with USB and AUX mp3 input here. It should be simple to install, looks relatively stock, and meets my needs. Hooked up to a hidden amp, and replacing the stock speakers behind OM grilles and I'll be good to go.

[derf]

There should be a couple of screws attaching the cardboard to the metal frame at the door. The cardboard has some metal pieces crimped on that the screws attached to.

Look here: http://www.bjsoffroad.com/CartGenie/prod-950.htm

You can clearly see in the picture where the metal pieces are crimped in the cardboard. That should give you an idea where the screws are. (4 in the bottom, 2 in the top, 1 on each side).

Take those out and try as carefully as you can to remove the cardboard insert.

Once it's out, you just pull the knobs off the stereo, unscrew the nuts on the shafts holding it in and slide it back and then out through the glove box door.


As far as replacement shaft style radios, make sure you get one that fits the opening. Not all shaft radios are shaped the same. While some have adjustable shafts, the opening may not be the right size.

[Hartman]

Thanks guys.

[Hartman]

I thought I would post a pic of what I did with the stereo.
I chose to go with the Pyle dual shaft radio. I paid $30 for it (and another $10 in shipping) from J&R. Mainly I was looking for an AUX-in jack so that I could play mp3s and Pandora radio from my phone. But it also has a USB and a SD card reader! Too funny. I did not have to modify my dash in any way, and the shafts are actually adjustable in width to fit the two holes in the dash.
What I really like about it is that, if you were peering into my car with the intent of jacking my stereo, it looks like something stock. And the knobs from the existing stereo fit onto the Pyle perfectly making it look even more stock.

It has a decent amount of power, although I will probably be adding a small amp later. It's drawback is that it does not have separate bass and treble controls, just a fader between the two. Again, it's 30 bucks. . .

I also replaced all the speakers. In the doors I went with Kicker 5.25" coaxials, and in the rear I hacked the brackets a bit and put in Kicker 6x8 coaxials. The sound is a million times better.

Have a great holiday weekend everyone!

[FSJ Guy]

Looks pretty darned good, esp. for $30!

[jeeper54]

Looks good and you got a good price. Congrats!

[jaber]

I'm impressed that for $30, it has aux inputs....

Nicely done.