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stereo removal tools

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=105793
Printed Date: April 28, 2024 at 7:31 PM


Topic: stereo removal tools

Posted By: start25
Subject: stereo removal tools
Date Posted: June 30, 2008 at 2:30 AM

Any shop owners here?  What tools are needed to remove stereos from all cars?  I found this tool removal kit on ebay I wonder if I even need all those tools in that kit.  What are the main tools I need to keep in my shop for stereo removal?




Replies:

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: June 30, 2008 at 8:11 AM
This is nowhere near the entire list of tools you will need, but it is a start.   Metric nutdrivers or ratchet/socket setup  in 7,8 and 10 MM sizes.  A 2 MM allen wrench.  A set of Ford removal keys, available at AutoZone for a few dollars.  Also good to have a boatload of patience and puzzle solving abilities.  I am sure the set you saw on Ebay contains removal keys to remove aftermarket decks from their sleeves.  A new radio comes with the keys necessary to remove that radio.  A set of panel removal tools off of the Snap-On truck is also a blessing to have.  Oh yeah I almost forgot, a 5/16 inch GM battery post wrench and also a 12 MM for some Imports.  You know you have to disconnect the battery.  I don't know why those almost slipped my mind, Oh now I remember why.  If you are going to be removing some older Nissan radios you will need a Snap On #2 phillips screwdriver with a flawless tip and a 3/8 inch nut at the handle, this is to put a wrench on it for added torque.  Use this screwdriver only on these radios.   Any slight wear on the tip and it is not going to get the screws out.    Hopefully someone can add to the list for you.




Posted By: fiberglasslvr
Date Posted: June 30, 2008 at 10:33 AM
you will also need a multimeter (i.e. fluke or snap-on etc.) some good quality cuters i use snap-on flush cuts, crimpers, a set of pick tools, also how could i forget a soldering iron i use a butane powered one from you guessed it snap-on, a quality drill, with an array of bits, a set of step drill bits will come in handy as well. this is just another list of some basic tools that i keep in my shop to go along with the list that i am an idiot posted earlier.




Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: June 30, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Crowbar and cutting torch.  Don't forget those if you plan to work on Mazda RX8's.  posted_image

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Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: June 30, 2008 at 12:14 PM

DYohn] wrote:

rowbar and cutting torch.  Don't forget those if you plan to work on Mazda RX8's.  posted_image

Man I had a crowbar and a torch, I guess I bought this recip saw for nothing.  I am such an Idiot sometime.





Posted By: boogeyman
Date Posted: June 30, 2008 at 4:42 PM
  One important tool that is often overlooked is a small hard plastic pry bar type tool, they dont damage the factory dash piec around the radio, never use a flathead it will mar the piece. 




Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: June 30, 2008 at 4:57 PM

Or a Snap On panel removal set.





Posted By: joch1314
Date Posted: June 30, 2008 at 5:08 PM

don't forget the 90 degree skew adapter.....life saver when working on dash speakers, or even replacing rear deck speakers!  as far as drills....I personally like makita...been using the same one for 6 yrs...no problems!!

One thing is for sure.....you can't be cheap about it....you'll make a living with these tools so investing more in the beginning, will save you more in the long run!  Snap-on trucks are the #$#$@! 



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...half of the truth can be worse than a lie. <----Roger Russell said that..




Posted By: chriswallace187
Date Posted: June 30, 2008 at 7:04 PM
And also be advised that if you're doing a Land Rover there's probably no option other than having the dealer remove the radio - to my knowledge no aftermarket supplier makes a tool for those and the dealers I've talked to aren't inclined to share.

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C Renner's Auto Electronix
My service is cheap, quick, and good - pick any two




Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: June 30, 2008 at 7:48 PM
i am an idiot wrote:

Or a Snap On panel removal set.


+1.  Besides the standard tools and multimeter already mentioned, consider an RTA for system setup and an SPL meter (a real one like a Term Lab.)  They can be had relatively inexpensively and proper system setup is really what separates the pros from the backyard hacks.  And if you have the space for doing it correctly, fiberglass fabrication tools - or at least make an arrangement with another shop in your area who offers custom glass work.



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Posted By: hmfox524
Date Posted: July 01, 2008 at 12:04 PM
VW and other import car removal keys, specialty keys for radio removal that almost look like spurs

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heather marie




Posted By: KarTuneMan
Date Posted: July 01, 2008 at 10:37 PM

My Old Man is a Television Repairman, He's Got this Ultimate Set of Tools

I have a gold plated hammer pounder.



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Posted By: haemphyst
Date Posted: July 02, 2008 at 7:38 AM
Did you have anybody suggest the left-handed sky hook yet? ...you'll occasionally need the board stretcher, as well.

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It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."




Posted By: chriswallace187
Date Posted: July 02, 2008 at 10:08 AM
How about a tamper with an ax on one end...a "tampax". I've sent people looking for that on occasion.

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C Renner's Auto Electronix
My service is cheap, quick, and good - pick any two




Posted By: Steven Kephart
Date Posted: July 02, 2008 at 10:14 AM

I keep on my person at all times a Lenser LED flashlight and a good knife.  They come in handy all the time. 

I also recommend the Snap-On flush cutting diagonal cutters mentioned earlier.  The latest design is by far the best they've ever had.  Snap-on also makes some pretty good drills.  The 18 volt drill is the best drill I've ever used, but it isn't cheap.  I also like their 7.2 volt cordless drill.  It has enough torque for taking apart most everything in a dash, and they are small enough to fit in tight areas. 

My favorite tool was also the cheapest at $.25.  It is a flat piece of thin metal that can only be purchased from the Boeing Surplus Store in Seattle Washington.  It is very thin, but strong so it works great for taking apart dashes.  Plus it is wide enough it doesn't do any damage.  Here's a picture of it: https://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa134/StevenKephart/IMG00128.jpg





Posted By: boogeyman
Date Posted: July 02, 2008 at 6:15 PM
  stephen kephart , that tool is great ,mine is homemade , I have several different widths, I mostly use mine when i vinyl a raised letter box, to get the vinyl tight against the letters without tearinf or ripping the vinyl.





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