Install a new head unit in my 2006 tomorrow. Help please!

2006F150Black · #1 09-12-2006, 12:33 AM

Im familiar with how to do car audio, however, this is a brand new truck and i want to go about taking apart the dash the right way. ive seached some old threads and couldnt find anything that helped. so if anyone has a link or could explain the best way to replace the stock head unit, i would appreciate it verrry much. thanks.

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tardman91 · #2 09-12-2006, 12:40 AM

You just have to pry off the black/wood surround that covers the center of the dash. Some people go from the bottom, I went from the top. I used a flat head screwdriver covered in a towel to help get it moving. Then you just have to gently pry it off. It's held on with about 8 clips, and you also have to disconnect the airbag light. It's very simple. Just pull very carefully and rather hard. It won't break.
After you have that off it's just 4 bolts and out comes the radio.

2006F150Black · #3 09-12-2006, 12:54 AM

thanks tardman, but the center piece you are reffering to.. does that mean the small black part that just goes around the head unit, or the whole center piece that goes from them top of the dash to the bottom? thanks again

Smokie700 · #4 09-12-2006, 01:15 AM

the whole trim from the just below the dash tray all the way down to before the cup holders.

Also make sure you check your antenna cable, I had to buy a chrylser adapter to get my antenna cable to work with my HU.

tardman91 · #5 09-12-2006, 01:22 AM

Here's a couple of links that may help you.
Radio Removal Depending on the model of your truck it may be a little different.
Crutchfield Master Sheets in PDF format

ribbie78 · #6 09-14-2006, 02:53 PM

Crutchfield is very helpful.

Their prices are quite a bit higher than you can find it elsewhere on-line, but their install kits,wiring harnesses and radio and speaker install directions & fitment guides make everything SIMPLE. I usually lay the new HU wiring out on a table and solder/shrinkwrap all of the connections before putting it in the car/truck.

I find the HU i want and get it cheap as possible (usually ebay), then get all the kits/harnesses from crutchfield.