Radio removal.

[dpetdog99]

Ok, I need to put a new radio in. I had directions to do this but lost them. It's on a '95 Lesabre with the supremely screwed up dashboard. How do I take the damn dashboard out? I took out the glovebox, that's as far as I got. Stupid engineers. If they had to work on these freakin' cars they'd redesign them. Idiots!!

Damn, I'm pissed off now. I think I'll go re-copy the directions at the library again.

Have a good one!!!

Dan

[tman]

http://carstereohelp.com/stereoremovalBuickLeSabre.htm

check that out.

[avatar307]

The screws are to the main panel are hidden in the A/c vents. You have to turn the vents to the side and push, they'll pop loose. After you get all those screws out... I think the main black plastic section running from one side of the car to the other will come off. Of course you have to pull, b/c it's snapped on as well. Be careful not to break it... watch out for more screws, I'm not positive that's all of them. It's been... 6 years since I took the dash apart on my 95.

[dpetdog99]

Sweet!!! Thank you guys. I'll sure give that a try soon. Well not tomorrow, have work then school. Maybe Tuesday. Eh, I'll let you all know how it went when I got it done.

On another topic, has anyone priced a new radio from GM lately. I think I was quoted $1,478 and change for a new Delco AM/FM/CD/Cass. Holy crap!!

Thanks again and have a good one!!

Dan

[tman]

Buy one from Ebay, around 300 dollars.

[avatar307]

Which is still insane for a factory radio for a 1995 vehicle.

[tman]

avatar, the radio is still used today in most Buicks, pontiacs, and chevrolets. It's a good radio, which is why they still use it.

[avatar307]

The CD/tape/stereo radio the goes in the 1995 LeSabre is actually only listed compatible with 1995 Buicks. The next model will fit most 1996-1999 Buicks. Same radio as far as I can tell, same plug same mounts. But I think changes were made involving optional steering wheel controls and such.

The 2000-2003 radio has two poles in the back and a completely different connector (it's also a white plug instead of a blue one). The latest model radio I've seen, of the same style as the one in the 1995 LeSabre, is actually a Monsoon radio.

All the new 2003-2004 radios I've seen are RDS radios which look completely different (and are ugly in my opinion). Plus, my understanding of RDS is that it encodes to the VIN of the vehicle via the PCM, thus redendering it useless as a 2nd hand replacement.

So... yeah, it's a great radio. I love it, and I want another one... I have no interest in an aftermarket radio as I just can't find one that isn't ugly.

The radio fits a lot of Buicks, Oldsmobiles, and the Pontiac Bonniville. But it not the same radio they are installing in current late model vehicles. Radios with and identical design coming out of the 2000-2003 Buicks are going for a lot cheaper than the radios coming out of 1995-1999 Buicks.

Basically just supply and demand I guess. The cars are quite reliable, and most are still being driven far past the 150k mile mark. So lots of people are wanting to upgrade their radios. The specific radio isn't used anymore, and hasn't been for a while, so they are a hard to find item.

Still, they are 5-10 year old aftermarket used factory radios selling for $100-300 depending on what salvage yard you call. It's insane for a factory radio to cost that much. I think the biggest cause is the opening being a completely non-standard DIN size.

Most of the people are likely not buying it for it's look or functionality, but because they don't believe there is anyway to get a aftermarket radio to fit. If they did a little research, Metra makes an install bracket for an aftermarket single DIN radio. Should fit in the 1992-2003 Buick/Olds/Bonnivile opening. The bracket even uses the left over space to provide a CD storage compartment under the single DIN radio. I believe AutoZone carries the bracket for about $25.

Anyway. Just my 2 cents. From what I know and what I've observed of the radio designs, mounting posts, and connectors. The only radio part number I've cross referenced is the one for the 1995 Buick. AC Delco lists that part number only being compatible with 1995s. I bet 1996-1999 would fit fine. Too bad no one makes an adapter plug to connect the 2000-2003 radio, cause I'd just modify the mounts to fit. LOL

[tman]

Good Info Avatar, you get today's award for most helpful post.

[NC-Lesabre]

There are 2 different antenna configurations for the 2000 radio. The early model's antenna looks like a RCA jack while the later one doesn't. Obviously not compatible.
We are at GM's mercy for these "dock and lock" radios.
Jim

[dpetdog99]

Yeah, I think $300 is a lot for a "new" radio too. Well thanks to all who showed and told how to remove the dash trim. It went quickly. Unfortunately, I tripped while walking out to the car and messed up the new radio. Hahaha. Dammit. I should've put my contacts in, not wore my glasses, they seem to mess up my depth perception. I was hoping it would work, but didn't. Oh well.

What causes the radio to not release a CD? When I have it in the dash, it will not release a CD. It'll play a CD, but not release it. I had to pull out the radio and face it down to get the CD out. Then it still thinks there is a CD in the unit. Go figure.

Have a good one!!
Thanks to all who gave me the secret for getting the dash out.

Dan

[avatar307]

Broke it before you got it in? Now that sucks.

You should sell it to me, I love taking apart broken things and trying to fix them / breaking them worse.

It would probably be a good idea to fiddle with a broken radio.... it would keep be away from the Supplimental Inflatable Restrant components of my car. :-D