Replacing Stock Radio

[jebabhas]

I have recently bought a 2004 vibe with the moon and tune package. I would like to replace the stock radio w/o bypassing the factory installed amp. The last time I replaced a car radio was in the early 90s on a 84 chevy cavaliar. I would like to how hard/easy it is to replace the radio? What tools do I need? and most importantly how to remove the trim around the radio without damaging the trim? Thanks for advice and help.

[Jahntassa]

Easy, but many people have sound quality issues when not bypassing the M&T amp with an aftermarket radio. Though, if you bypassed the amp, you'd also need to get new speakers, beyond that...You need a 10mm driver, a long one, preferably.The trim around the radio comes off easily, grab it underneath (above the A/C controls), and pull out. The dash is hooked on the top, so you need to get it at an angle to release the top. The AC controls on the left side, with some work, do 'pop out'. I think they're held in by clips, one on top, one on bottom. Carefully pry it loose.There're three harnesses on the top for the defrost/hazard/pass seatbelt light. Those simply disconnect. Don't worry, it won't set off the airbags.The radio is held in by four 10 mm screws. As for an aftermarket radio, you'll need to find a harness called a 70-2003 by metra (or 80-2003 from Circuit City), a 40-GM10 antenna adapter, a Metra 99-8205 dash fit-kit. Stick with metra parts. They last.Some shops may tell you you need something different. You don't. You need -exactly- those parts. The 70-2003 may come with a red wire that's designed to connect to a switched power source somewhere else in the car. The Vibe does not need it, so you can disregard it.

[jebabhas]

Thanks for the help. I tried to remove the trim and was able to do so. When I finish the project I will let you know how it turned out.

[johnsoax]

Check out the link in my signature to see my experiance with replacing mine.

[Raivis]

can someone with the stock radio out of their vibe post a pic of the back side jsut want to check somthing