Radio removal, stupid question

[prs1989]

Hi, the original 8 track went out on my 1978 Fleetwood, and I have a spare that works from a '79, now I know you have to take off the bezel to get at the screws that hold the radio in. My question is: I removed TWO screws only so far, both are near the bottom of the bezel piece, near the AC/Heat control. One on the left, next to the mirror control switch, and one screw on the right, next to the rear defogger and antenna switch. Are these the only screws that hold in the bezel? When I pull on it, it is loose at the bottom but not at the top and it feels like it will break. Also, do I have to remove the A/C vents or the little lights it has above the mirror/defog/antenna switch (since its a '78)

Thanks!

[jayoldschool]

Going from memory... try to tilt UP the AC vents. Look in and up. I think you will find screws in there...

[lochenjons]

on my '85 you have to pry off the ac vents. could you possibly take a couple pictures?

[77CDV]

There are four more attachments: two screws up top (one above each air vent, tilt them back and you'll see them) and then when you remove the radio knobs and the fade and tone dials behind them, there are two hex nuts that hold the center dash bezel in place. You don't need to remove the map lights above the HVAC controls, but you probably will want to turn them off by moving the switch on the left side one to dead center. You'll also need to remove the right hand side mirror control to access the radio's grounding screw. Then just remove the two screws on the front of the radio and the radio will pull out.

Good luck with your repairs.

[prs1989]

Thanks guys, is there a special way I have to remove the vents, I realize they are not real metal and I don't want to break them.

[77CDV]

There are two tabs, one on each side of each vent, with a front-facing slot. These are part of the dowls on which the vents pivot. The FSM recommends using a special tool that looks somewhat like short salad tongs to insert into these slots. Compress the tongs, and the tabs draw the dowls out of their holes. Then you just pull the vent forward.

Lacking the tongs, you can try to use a flathead screwdriver to loosen one side of a vent at a time then "walk" it out of the dash. Or, if the vents are really loose, you can try tilting them far enough back to access the hex screws above them. The screws will be easily visible when the vents are tilted back. Don't feel bad if the tabs break. They nearly always do. Not surprisingly, people who've done this once rarely replace those two screws. They're a PITA to get to, and the other four mounting attachments hold the center bezel on quite well without them.

Good luck!

Craig

[deVille33]

If you haven't found it already, there is one more screw in the back, down the left side. I don't remember if it is a hex head or a phillips, but you need a long reach to get it. Use a small maglite to spot it. It supports the back of the radio. This is a special fastener with a step before the head. If you don't have it you will crack your front radio support.