Car radio face plate help

[The Buddha]

I have a car radio that is missing the face plate.
I am wondering if all face plates are the same and can I just guy one and swap it ? Or I gotta buy the whole radio ?
Thanks guys.
Cool.
buddha.

[JAS6377]

I think they're model specific. Or at least line specific (like the Kenwood kdc series). They're not individualized, if that's what you're asking.

So if you can find a replacement face plate from the same model, it'll fit with no issues.

[yamahonkawazuki]

Tell me the  the radios model, should find them on ebay

[The Buddha]

I cant find the model of that radio, its probably in the back.
But I also am not able to get it out of the dash. How do I get it out ?
Cool.
Buddha.

[The Buddha]

Its a kenwood - model # - I dont see one.
maybe I'll ebay it and see what is close.
Cool.
Buddha.

[yamahonkawazuki]

If installed properly it sits in a sleeve. In the area where the face would sit, on the sides at edge, there will b w a couple slots one on each side. Each being a hair over a quarter inch. A couple nail files inserted one into each slot gently should unlock it

[JAS6377]

Oh. I always just pull my dash and unscrew the whole assembly. That's handy to know, yama.

[The Buddha]

I am trying to get the whole dash out. The lighter/ashtray part I cant get out.
The 2 slots on the sides of the sleeve - I will try that in a bit.
But I do need the whole panel out, the fake plastic wood is broken in several places. Gotta be swapped out.
Cool.
Buddha.

[The Buddha]

The thing wasn't in with clips, it had screws. And the ashtray came out just via brute force.
Anyway its a kenwood kdc252u, I'll probably find it, or something similar, or just get a full on cd/radio.
cool.
Buddha.

[yamahonkawazuki]

Meant the metal sleeve the radio sits in

[yamahonkawazuki]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kenwood-Kdc-252u-Faceplate-Only-/171569198261?pt=US_Replacement_Faceplates&hash=item27f25234b5

[The Buddha]

Meant the metal sleeve the radio sits in

All screwed in. I am looking at a few of em on the bay.
There is a whole center panel + stock stereo, but I am trying to find if my wires have been cut.
Cool.
Buddha.

[yamahonkawazuki]

Plastic mounting kit? Usually screwed in yes. The metal ring i refer to comes with all stereos. Look in the dash cavity youll see the stock harness. People usually use a harness adaptor. I handled installs at the pawnshop. Still have most v of my tools. Buddha i do have a working sony cd player, complete, youd do well to replace its face but 10bux for the face and youre golden. Im willing to pull a patrick and just give it to you. No cost whatsoever

[The Buddha]

Plastic mounting kit? Usually screwed in yes. The metal ring i refer to comes with all stereos. Look in the dash cavity youll see the stock harness. People usually use a harness adaptor. I handled installs at the pawnshop. Still have most v of my tools. Buddha i do have a working sony cd player, complete, youd do well to replace its face but 10bux for the face and youre golden. Im willing to pull a patrick and just give it to you. No cost whatsoever

Naa yama, dont worry about it, I managed to locate the face plate for the kenny cheap. If that deal give out, I'll get this off ya.

I cant find nothing that will come out with releasing clips, but hey, I dont care, the thing is sitting in my house now.

Cool.
Buddha.

[Kijona]

Sounds like it's an aftermarket unit.

Removing the unit will depend on the vehicle it's being removed from. In every instance of the many car radios I've installed or replaced, there's a facia that needs to be removed to gain access to the 2-4 bolts that hold the DIN cage/assembly in place. They're usually hex bolts but I have seen Phillips.

To remove the aforementioned facia, I would suggest checking YouTube for a video that can provide a visual reference. Some are really easy (Ford Ranger comes to mind), others require you to disassemble most/all of the center console to gain access. I installed one on a Mustang and it took 30 minutes to locate/remove the 12 bolts/screws/tabs that held everything together. Huge P.I.T.A.

To remove the head unit from the DIN cage, which may be required to view the model number, you'll need to bend the triangular tabs back into place. These tabs hold the unit in the cage. Refer to this picture:



As far as the control/face plate being unique to the unit, it would depend on the age and brand. I have seen some newer Sony units that have serialized control plates which may indicate that it is unique to the unit. There may be a way to override this but you'd need to contact the manufacturer for more information.

It may or may not be easier to simply replace the entire unit with a similar model. I know there are some very inexpensive head units out there that are of "OK" quality. The wiring harnesses are usually interchangeable but it would depend on the specific unit/manufacturer.

[yamahonkawazuki]

That is the cage i was referring to  you can see the clip on each side that holds the stereo in place

[The Buddha]

This car doesn't have that cage. It was screwed in, I took the inner face plate off, and I could see the screws. It even says on the outer radio wall, Something like 8mm tall screw (I can see why, it will hit the CD carriage if it is longer.
Cool.
Buddha.

[yamahonkawazuki]

Ahh kk. Was hard mounted into the vehicle. Tbh a bit more secure this way. My rx7 i had had this setup