Has anyone figured out how to remove the panel to get to the radio and hvac controls.

 

Yes, I too need to find out so that I cant install my XM. Not sure if im keeping xm or going with sirius though.

 

Sorry pepatrick, no answer for you. I am interested to know as well.

But I do have some related questions. Maybe someone can answer them all.

What size are the door speakers? I'm guessing that front and rear are the same size as in previous years. Are they driven by a separate amp or by the head unit with the Audiophile upgrade? I have JL Audio XR570's (5x7's, duh) in my 2001 and would like to make use of them at some point in my future 2004.

There's got to be someone out there who has pulled apart his truck!

 

My dad own's a car stereo business here in ny and he pulled mine apart already. Had to put back in though because there are no mounts out for it yet, so I couldn't install my alpine with XM. I beleive most of the speakers in the truck are 6x8's. But if anyone wants to call my fathers store and find out let me know and I will be happy to give you his number. If he knows the answer he will tell you.

 

It's pretty simple. I have the flow through console so it may be slightly different on your truck if you don't. But open the ash tray. Then just pull the face off. It's just held on with clips and it will come out. There are 3 clips on each side. Everything except the stereo is attached to the face. Including the airbag light (if you have it) at the top.

Also if you forget to plug in the airbag light the airbag warning on your dash will flash/light up. Just plug it back in and everything will be fine.

 

Check out all the goodies on this site....

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/xmfanstore/


Here is an option for the XM Radio with Ford Proprietary Connectors. Unfortunately they do not have one for the 2004
model year, YET. This unit has to be better than the FM Modulator option.

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/xmfanstore/blauxad.html


Here's another potential solution: (again, this is not available for the 04's, yet.

http://www.pie.net/aux_appl_ford.htm

 

So I have a Lariat F150 2004.

Is it right that you just pull out the ash tray and then pull on the face and the whole face comes out?

Face being the wood grained insert in the middle of the dash?

 

You will be pulling about 3-4 clips on each side of the panel. Once you pop one it is pretty self explanatory. Pull on the sides and start at the bottom from where you can only get to from the open ashtray.

Yes it is the woodgrain/ carbon fiber looking piece that surrounds your HU.

 

Yeah like already said, start at the bottom and pull on the faceplate. There will be A LOT of tension and it will scare the crap out of you that it is going to break...but it wont. Its because Ford did such a damn good job mounting it to make sure there wasnt any rattle. If you really are in a jam call up crutchfield and order something tiny from them or see if the rep will send you the complete install sheet on the new truck. I got them to do it without ordering anything, it explains the radio and all the speakers. Its not hard. You can do it!

 

Here is a great thread that I used a while back to install my stereo.



https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...hreadid=133164

 

Here's one with a picture of a XM Commander installed.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...xm%2A%2A+radio

 

[QUOTE=FirstFord13]My dad own's a car stereo business here in ny and he pulled mine apart already. Had to put back in though because there are no mounts out for it yet, so I couldn't install my alpine with XM. QUOTE]

Schoshe has the dash kit and harness adapter for the 04-05's.

 

yes, but did they almost two years ago when that post was made?