How do you remove center console on '87?

movin · 08-18-2006, 06:00 PM

Apparently the PO installed a OEM Porsche center console and put the radio, AC controls, and emergency flasher in it, then put a OEM plate over the original radio cavity.
The problem I have is I can't figure out how to remove the exist radio, now installed in the console. Access from the back to remove any radio mounting screws is next to impossible because the console is too deep. I'm baffled about how to remove the radio or console to access the radio. Any ideas?

wcc · 08-18-2006, 06:10 PM

Pics would be helpful. But usually you can take off the face place and use the little special tools to remove the stereo. Then you should be able to get in there to remove the frame the stereo sits in. Usually the screws are in the side so look there. There should be much in the back except wires.

As far as your question is concerned. You have to remove the two screws on either side of the console and then towards the rear of the car you have to pull the carpet back to find the third screw. That would make it free, but you may have to remove other stuff to actually remove it.

87coupe · 87coupe's Garage

You don't need access to the back to remove a stereo, they are removed from the front.

movin · 08-18-2006, 07:08 PM

Sorry, but I think nobody got it that my console is not the standard stuby OEM type. My console is a Porsche unit but much taller and contacts the bottom dash board. Some turbo's have this type I believe. There are no screws to access from the front of the Alpine head unit, even with the face plate removed. And there are no bolts along the side of the console, only one screw at the rear behind the shifter. Now what? Any ideas?

87coupe · 87coupe's Garage

Yeah, open google and start searching on how to install / remove a head-unit. You remove stereos from the front, otherwise you'd have a near impossible time install / remove one in just about every car.

wcc · 08-18-2006, 08:02 PM

There are no screws for MOST types of head units that are accessible from the front. They all have some sort of specialty tools to remove them. So remove your face plate and see what type of tool you need. Maybe even visit a local stereo shop and I'm sure they can remove your head unit in the parking lot in a couple of minutes. The bottom line is you need those little tools/"keys" to remove the head unit. Then it's easy after that.

rlh930 · 08-19-2006, 09:38 AM

Most DIN stereo head units come with a metal sleeve which attaches to the dashboard or console. The units slide in from the front (after attaching the harness and antenna) and snap into the sleeve.

The engagement from the sleeve to the unit is on either side. The units come with disengagement tools (usually a thin strip of metal). To remove the unit, you insert one of the tools on either side, which releases the snaps and allows you to pull the unit straight out.

If you are determined to remove the console, and if it is indeed one like on the 87 Turbo, it is mounted by two screws at the front and one or two (I forget) at the rear by the emergency brake handle. You will have to pull back the carpet to find the rear screw.