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Location: Solomons, Maryland / Now just visiting Marathon
Posts: 4,683
Wellcraft 270 stereo removal
I used the removal tools that came with the new (same brand, Clarion M309) stereo but the old one would not budge!
There is no access to it from above the microwave either, there is a 1/4" board staple-nailed above the micro and the stereo is above it, completely blocking access to the stereo.
I used the removal tools that came with the new (same brand, Clarion M309) stereo but the old one would not budge!
There is no access to it from above the microwave either, there is a 1/4" board staple-nailed above the micro and the stereo is above it, completely blocking access to the stereo.
Ideas?????
Someone who installs auto stereos for a living should know how to get it out. Try to find a local auto stereo shop and ask them. If your boat is trailerable, take it to them (make an appointment first).
You might find an auto stereo forum on the Internet. Join and ask them.
The radio was designed to be removed if necessary, but it takes the proper tools and technique to do it. No point in cutting up the boat to get it out.
Here's a suggestion:
Go on-line and find the manual for the radio. This should tell you how to install and remove it.
If I remember correctly (it's been a while), a case or bracket gets installed, then the radio slips into it. So, you get the radio out with the special tools, then remove the bracket.
The tools should look like a couple of serrated butter knives. Slip them between the radio and the case on each side. What they're (trying to do) is to depress a couple of tabs in the case that are holding the radio in. Think of shark teeth that hold prey from wiggling back out.
With both tools inserted all the way, can you wiggle the radio at all?
Re: removing the panel. you won't have additional 1/8" if you remove the original and then replace with the same product.
__________________ Rick
Alabama's Gulf Coast
Chaparral 240 Signature (Sold)
Location: Solomons, Maryland / Now just visiting Marathon
Posts: 4,683
I spoke to Clarion, they no longer give support for this unit nor have documentation to read to me.
They gave me a phone number to use to possibly get the side keys (800-421-5080).
Of course they aren't free, and he said shipping would be more than the keys.
Rick, I'll try butter knives when I return from the Keys, thanks!
Pic of sealed space above microwave space, where stereo is. Clarion M3170.
I was trying to remove some speakers that were mounted behind a t-top post, they were strip from the original installation. I went got my drill and a very long carbide bit to drill out the heads. Then when I went to do the removal I chuckled and said, "Man I sure am making this much more difficult than it needs to be." I broke out the tin snips and pliers and demolished the speakers...much easier to get those screws out with channel locks :-)
So are you going to donate this radio to a museum? If not just rip the guts out slowly...work on the side edges slowly until you see the tabs that hold it in.
Steve, that plastic trim piece on the perimeter of the radio gets pried off first. Then you'll see the indents on each side of the radio. Go to any radio repair place for the removal keys...pretty standard, IMO.
Chances are that tearing the radio to bits in order to remove it will cause damage to the cabinet. Leave the hammer and chainsaw in the garage!
__________________ Rick
Alabama's Gulf Coast
Chaparral 240 Signature (Sold)
Steve, that plastic trim piece on the perimeter of the radio gets pried off first. Then you'll see the indents on each side of the radio. Go to any radio repair place for the removal keys...pretty standard, IMO.
Chances are that tearing the radio to bits in order to remove it will cause damage to the cabinet. Leave the hammer and chainsaw in the garage!
No don't use a hammer or a chain saw, but tin snips, needle nose pliers, and care and patience should help him remove cover and get to where he can use a screw driver to bend up the tabs. I think this will take a lot less time than going and getting a set of keys and trying to use them if you've never used them. Also the case and the radio body some times rust together from humidity.
I'd demo it before I spent too much time fretting and running around trying to find tools.
Location: Solomons, Maryland / Now just visiting Marathon
Posts: 4,683
Awwwwwww Glen!!!!
I figured as much, with all the banging the unit would take.
If the butter knife trick doesn't work, it's Hammer Time!
Well, I mean gently picking it out with a screw stick.
but's usually a piece of malleable strap steel - it should allow you to pull out a bit and then it hangs up
at this point, I also would have no qualm about using a hammer/pliers/chisel/big screwdriver - what ever - screw the gelcoat....you will not do that much damage if you're careful and if you do, make a acrylic plate for 10 bucks...
but's usually a piece of malleable strap steel - it should allow you to pull out a bit and then it hangs up
at this point, I also would have no qualm about using a hammer/pliers/chisel/big screwdriver - what ever - screw the gelcoat....you will not do that much damage if you're careful and if you do, make a acrylic plate for 10 bucks...
Remember, someone installed the strap when they installed the radio. If it's there, there's a way to get to it.
I'm really surprised the manufacturer doesn't have the manual on-line, even for a discontinued model.
I would say, before trying to cut the radio out or dissassemble it in place, he would be better off hiring a radio shop to come to the boat and remove it. They know how and have the tools, it would be a few minutes plus travel time.
Location: Solomons, Maryland / Now just visiting Marathon
Posts: 4,683
Old stereo removed.
It's amazing what a hammer and a screwdriver will accomplish.
No damage to anything but the stereo.
I had to dremmel-sand the opening a little bit for the new Clarion frame to fit in.
Now I have to figure out how to run the satellite antenna and remote control up to the helm.
I started another thread about running wires.
Thanks for all the suggestions!
Wellcraft 270 stereo removal 
I broke out the tin snips and pliers and demolished the speakers...much easier to get those screws out with channel locks :-)
