[barkingspud]

So, how do I get the compartment out of the console so I can install the switch plate? Do I need to remove the radio? I have numerous links to threads describing the radio removal process, I'm just trying to see if there is another way.

TIA,

BS

 

[scot254]

Yes you need to take the radio out, I don't think there was any other way.
If you don't have the puller tool for the radio take 4 regular bic pens apart and shove the ink cartriges backwards into the holes, this will release the clips.

 

[barkingspud]

Thanks Scott. What kinda Bic pen? The clear type? There are sooo many styles out there these days.

TIA,

BS

 

[scot254]

Old style, cheapo pens. The kind you would buy a box of 10 for like $2. Just an idea since most people have them laying around.

 

[slowgoat]

what are you talking about ?? you dont have to take out the radio nor do you have to remove any part of the console.. Come on guys

Done in 10 minutes w/o pulling a damn thing

take the side panel off, 2 screws, drill a small hole in the back side of the
console to run your wires. BTW the wires have been cleaned up since
this photo was taken,

I have been told to watch who you listen to on this board
and this thread Is a prime example

 

[scot254]

It made things much easier for the harness in mine we took the radio and console out each time we messed with the wiring. Maybe I shouldn't have implied it was the only way. Removing the radio only takes about 10 minutes also if you've done it enough.
My whole harness is loomed and we needed all the free space we could get.

 

[Nitro Dave]

When we put the unit in Scotts car we pulled the radio to pull the trim piece so we could get to the screws to remove the console area. Ofcourse we were running wireing so it was easier that way anyways.

I never looked at drilling the unit with it still in the car..

How hard was it to do it that way.
Dave

 

[barkingspud]

Well, I wound up removing the ENTIRE console as I loomed every wire. Tons of work but well worth it. Looks like a factory setup. I only ran into two snags. First, the LED's in the switch plate don't seem to be working. The heater works and the system arms just fine so, I'm not sure what's going on there.

And, as usual, I didn't read the instructions for the FJO controller. I copied someones install (NMBR1GM Fan I think) built a bracket and installed it underhood. Well, I didn't realize that it needs to "learn" WOT and part of the process requires you to keep an eye on the units LED's while at WOT so, unless someone wants to sit in the open engine compartment while I do a WOT blast on some deserted road, I'll need to strap it down on a dyno.

Anyway, my install is just about done, only need to build the purge lines and get some gas for the bottle.....