Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Replacing the head unit

I've read the how to's on getting out the original head unit, but still haven't because I can't find a place that sells the tool. What I am wondering is what exactly I'll have removed. Is it a chassis like a box of some sort that the head unit mounts inside of? Will the new unit mount into the space easily or Do I have to make up some sort of mounting brackets? I'd just like to know what I'm getting into beforehand.

what will come out is the whole setup: the actual head unit, the harness will get unplugged, and the metal cage (sort of like a metal sleeve with a bunch of holes and slots in it). Once you get a hold of the DIN tools to pull the stock HU the rest should be easy (though both my old Ford Probe and my Typhoon had DIN holes in the stock head, and I was able to get it out without the tool...you might want to check and see if there is a plastic border around the HU that just pulls off and reveals either philips or flathead screws attaching the cage to the dash)

When you put the new one in you have to splice the harness onto the new HU, then connect it to the other part...slide the HU into the new cage (should definitely be in with the HU in the box), and use a screwdriver to push some of the slots up into gaps in the head unit (holds the HU in place). Then slide the cage into the hole, screw down, and you should be good to go.

Anyone who finds a discrepancy in here is more than welcome topoint it out...this was the exact process I used to get the Pioneer HU into my truck, and I have not yet had to install a HU into a Tour.

You can get the DIN tool at Walmart....

but don't count on the DIN tool working...I was able to free one side of my head unit with the tool, but the other side wouldn't budge...so it was destroyed with a screwdriver until it came out. Your new HU will most likely come with a metal cage that will fit into the opening in the dash, you bend out a few pins to hold it in there, and slide the new HU in there. Most likely, you will have to trim some plastic off the opening in the dash. THere are actually little tabs in the corners. I used an exacto knive, because the dremel broke!!

No trimming of the dash should be necessary.

The DIN tools will work, but it'll take some time, patience, and possibly another set of hands.

I got my radio out via some coathanger pieces cut into "U" shapes (generic DIN tool). It took me about an hour by myself. It was definately a pain in the a$$.

For an audio newbie, I'd suggest getting the car stereo installation kit from www.crutchfield.com. You'll probably have to call to get it. They're also the only ones who reliably supply all of the necessary hardward for bypassing the factory amp. Plus, their directions are vehicle specific and very helpful. They've also got tech support to walk you thru it.

-C