ipodcarpros.com PA11-GM45 install & radio removal

[hooah]

Hey, DIY question here. How difficult is it to pull a stock radio out of the dash, in order to install a pretty basic plug-and-play ipod adapter from ipodcarpros.com (PA11-GM45)? I have a 2001 Yukon with the stock am/fm/cd and the separate cassette mounted below. I understand that the cassette will have to be disconnected permanently, in order to plug the new system into that connector, and it all looks pretty basic, but if pulling the radio out, far enough to do this, is going to damage the dash, I'll let a shop do it. Is this just a matter of taking screws out, or are there hidden clips and tabs that I need to be aware of? Might it be possible to just reach up under the dash and do this using the "feel" technique, without removing the radio? Thanks

 

[hoezaycuervo]

I installed something similar (iSimple) on my 03 so I could have better quality and control the iPod using the factory/steering wheel buttons. My radio is different from yours in that it has the 6 disc changer and not cassette, but it was simple to pull out. You have to pull out the trim which goes around the radio/dash, then undo 3 or 4 bolts and it will slide right out. For me, the tricky part was getting the radio to slide back in....cables kept getting in the way.

 

[hooah]

Hey hoezacuervo, that helps. I understand it's the trim that goes all the way around the dash, not just the radio. The screws sound easy enough, but that trim, how is it secured onto the dash? It doesn't really bother me to not have the tape player. I drove a semi for a short stent, with a tape player, and even at the truck stops, you can't find tapes any more. They have just about gone the way of the 8-track. Let me know about the trim removal technique and I'll try that after payday. Thanks

 

[jordankreutzer]

the dash trim is simply held on by clips. to remove to trim, just work your fingers around one of the edges and pull the whole thing straight toward you.

 

[JKmotorsports]

00-02 models have the stereo held in place with a clip on each side. 03-up are secured with four screws. The trim just removes by pulling it straight out.

 

[hooah]

Hey jordankreutzer, thanks for that. I guess the clips are of a design that allows them to be pulled out, then pushed back in, without damage. I'll go easy on it until I see how it works. If that works out well, and the screws and radio come out as easily as explained, then this plug-and-play install will be uneventful and that's what I'm looking for. This probably won't take place until next month. Thanks.

 

[hooah]

kjmotorsports, I might just be over compensating for my recent realization that I'm not as mechanically inclined as I thought I was, but the thought of disassembling the dash scares me to some degree. The truck is so tight that any malfunction would be a disappointment. When I get into it, I'll let ya know how it went. Thanks

 

[hoezaycuervo]

Like everyone has said, the dash just pops out and in with plastic clips. Don't be afraid to pull a little hard. The install of my iPod system (which is nearly identical) was super easy and took less than 45 minutes. I highly recommend zip ties for your wires and some foam or bubble wrap for the box that goes in behind the radio to prevent rattles and squeaks!

 

[hooah]

OK hoezaycuervo, so there will be a component that needs to find a home back behind the radio, thanks. The bubble wrap is a great added touch and I have some ties laying around somewhere. Any concerns about the bubble wrap getting hot or keeping the component hot? I don't know if this is the type of component that will get warm, but just a thought. How is the sound and functionality of your ipod, with your new system?

 

[JKmotorsports]

There's plenty room behind the radio to stuff an ipod adapter. Heat won't be a concern. Most ipod adapters can be mounted to the backside of the metal bracket that runs vertically behind the radio. It normally takes me about 15 mins to install a direct ipod adaptor in these trucks, so even w/o experience, it shouldn't take you very long.

 

[hooah]

OK, thanks for that. What are you using to attach the adapter to the vertical bracket? Do I need some kind of metal strapping or will the tie-downs work, or what? Also, where do you normally run your ipod cable, the one that actually plugs into the ipod? It would be real nice to have a cradle on the dash, up high so I wouldn't have to look down to use the ipod while I'm driving, but I have yet to find one that looks right. Do you use those, or do you let the ipod lay somewhere? Thanks

 

[JKmotorsports]

You can just use a couple wire ties to secure it to the backside of the bracket. Most customers prefer the cable to be routed to the glovebox. Once it's plugged in, the interface will charge the Ipod and you'll be able to control the Ipod from the stereo, w/o the hassle of holding the Ipod in your hand.

 

[hooah]

Thanks JKmotorsports, if I get out there with everything I need, and don't have to run back into the apartment, then it looks as if I can knock this out in short time. That's a good thing because it was snowing and colder than ice yesterday. So far the list includes plastic ties, basic small tools and bubble wrap. The glove box sounds good and there's no drilling holes. Thanks