1997 Camry headunit?

I need help with this vehicle.  It has the premium factory sound system.  I tried to take out the dash my self, but was unsuccessful.  I pull out the ashtray first, the started take the dash out.  The top half came out pretty easily, but the bottom portion(climate control) were still fixed to the dash.  I tried working from the bottom up and it was still hard to get the bottom part out.  I have the cherry wood dash finish, and so i didnt want to apply to much pressure to break it.  Should I just pull it out, even thought it feels like it is about to snap?  Also do I unplug the negative battery connector before I do any of this?

Also, is bypassing the amp easy...I did a search and it said that you just reach to the right and disconnect two plugs.  I bought an aftermarket wiring harness which has two plugs. One bigger and the other one is smaller.  Here is a picutre from autotoys:

So what do I do with these plugs...do I just connect them like normal after disconnecting the factory amp.  Also, does anyone have any diagram or directions on how to gain access to the doors speakers and tweeter pillars?  I need to install a headunit, a 2 way component set with an external amp, subs and amp.  I want to do this all myself, but how mush does it usally cost to do all this?

The dash panel is tight, but it really does just pop off.  I like to use a hook-shaped tool to get behind it, that way it's more like the tool is pushing the dash out rather than pulling.  If you're near a Home Depot...go to their section with all the red-handled RIDGID screwdrivers.  For around $7, they have a pointy, L-shaped tool called a "cotter pin extractor;" this is what I use.

After that, it's four 8mm bolts to slide out the radio/pocket/brackets as one assembly.  Four more 8mm bolts and the radio comes out of the brackets.  (The bolts also have Philips slots on them, but they strip easily; use an 8mm or 5/16" socket instead.)

The factory pocket has two little alignment tabs on top; break or cut these off.  Your new radio will slide in where the old one was.  You may use the four leftover Toyota bolts, or the new ones that come with the radio; whichever you think are better.  (The radio's mounting sleeve and plastic trim ring are not used.  Save them in case you transfer the radio to another car later.)

That wiring harness you bought is the correct one.  Connect the wires color-for-color to the ones coming out of the radio.  You'll notice that the orange and ORANGE / white wires don't get used; insulate the ends with tape or butt connectors so they can't short out.  If you're not good at connecting wires, or you don't have the right tools, Circuit City sells direct plug-in adapters in their install bay.

Reach deep into the right rear of the radio cavity, and you'll feel two plugs, the same size as that adapter you bought.  Unplug both of them, bring out the male ends, and plug them into your aftermarket harness.  Remember to plug the antenna cable in too.

Test and make sure everything works, then put the car back together and you should be done.

Thanks for the info.  By the way do I need to disconnect anything on the battery, just in case something shorts.

Also, do you happen to know whats the best way to run power wires from the trunk to the batt?

Damn, pretty detailed chris.. lol

for the battery question,  drill a hole where the clutch would be and there you go.. be sure to use a grommet and seal it up.. I like to use window strip caulk.. so you can remove it if you need to.. be sure to use a fuse at the battery also..