Replace stereo head unit

[Andrew]

2004 34PC - looking to replace the stereo head unit. It looks like the wood panel should remove with both the speaker and headunit - but I don't want to go prying at it and break something...

I don't see any hidden screws in the storage compartment below or at the sides - is there a trick I'm missing?

Thanks, Andrew



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[gustaf]

Andrew - I actually did this a couple years back on my 34PC to fix wiring the previous owner had screwed up. The speaker grill can be pulled out - there are peg type inserts that are just a friction fit. Just work each side a little at a time. Once you get that off, you can remove the speaker and then have good access to all the wiring for the radio.

 

[Andrew]

Andrew - I actually did this a couple years back on my 34PC to fix wiring the previous owner had screwed up. The speaker grill can be pulled out - there are peg type inserts that are just a friction fit. Just work each side a little at a time. Once you get that off, you can remove the speaker and then have good access to all the wiring for the radio.

Thanks @gustaf ...
I'll give that a try this weekend. Do you recall if there's a way to get the wood piece off as well, or did you have to do all your work thru the hole for the speaker?
Thanks, Andrew

 

[sgilfus]

Gustaf is right - Just use a flat head screw driver and the mesh - put it between the wood and the mesh screen and it will easily pop out. Pull the four screws from the speaker and there is plenty of room to work away. Just put in an RA770 in the same area in my 34pc

 

[Andrew]

@gustaf, @sgilfus,
That works perfect - adding some pics for anyone that might find this thread in the future. I was surprised to see that 1) the headunit is mounted to the plywood face, but also has a little shelf to support it... and 2) that the black surface around the radio is just a thin piece on top of the cabinet which is the actual structure. Love the Formula quality...
Cheers, Andrew

 

[V1rowT8]

Thanks @gustaf ...
I'll give that a try this weekend. Do you recall if there's a way to get the wood piece off as well, or did you have to do all your work thru the hole for the speaker?
Thanks, Andrew

Andrew,

Not sure if you've proceeded with any of the stereo work yet. If so, you may have discovered this already...

Once you pull the speaker grill off, there are four straight "brackets" that hold the cherry panel on. Just remove the bracket screws, and the panel will come right off. I installed a Fusion RA-770 on my boat, but had the factory cabinet door supplier build me a new panel to spec for the 770. That radio is the most utilized for this type retrofit, but it is smaller than the OEM head unit. Being I hate adapter plates and wanted the "factory" look, just having a new panel made was the answer...and it's reasonably priced. The color match is perfect. Wish I had a picture. One thing if you go down this road. Make sure the hole for the new radio in the new panel is on center vertically the same as the OEM panel. That way, the retrofit radio will slip right through the hole behind the cherry panel with no cutting required.

And as others have said, all wiring can be accomplished with the left speaker removed.

Best regards...