Ok so before I get flamed for "go do a search you lazy bastard" I already went to scoobymod.com and searched here. I am replacing my OEM Cassette player in my 97 Subaru with a Pioneer DEH-1300. If anyone can impart some wisdom as to how I should go about this I would appreciate it. I am running subs, but I think all I have to do is run the RCA cables from my amp to head unit. As far as getting out the OEM Head unit.....I am at a complete loss. The guy on scoobymod.com said just pry around the sides and it will pop off. NO. this hasn't worked for me. I have the whole top center console off and look like a poor bastard. On top of that I have a date in a couple of days and don't want to look like my car just got broken in to. So yes I beg you guys for help.

 

okay, assuming that your car is the same as mine... your going to take the cup holder out and unscrew the two small screws that hold it in... then you're going to pull the ashtray out and feel on top, youll feel two screws there too. those come out. you may have to pull the center console where the shifter is located back to get at them... if you have to, open the arm rest and youll see two black screws on top, unscrew those. they hold everything down... then you should be able to wedge the shifter piece out... its either one or two pieces. i cant remember. once you get the two ashtray screws out, the big plastic piece surrounding the radio should pop out. once you get that off youll see a big metal bracket that surrounds the head unit and tray if you dont have the cd player too. i just had the cassette player. unscrew the screws that hold in the radio. now you need to get a wiring harness which i assume you know what that is. if you don't, go to an autozone or sears and ask for a wiring harness for a subaru legacy and say what year you have. it should be pretty self-explanatory... hook your new head unit up, and your golden. everything goes back together the same way you took it out, in that order. by the way, as far as the cig lighter socket, that's a ***** and i would advise pulling the shifter plastic out so you can do that. otherwise its really hard and i scratched some **** up bad trying to do that. hope this helps... if you have any other questions, feel free to pm me or post on here and i'll try to help you as much as i can.

-mike

 

oh yea, and when you run your subs, run the rca separate from the power wire. if i remember the remote lead also goes with the rcas, not the power wire... run rca/rl down one side of car and power on the other. its too bad you dont live close, i would help you in a second.

 

thanks bud......damn wannbe wood isn't moving! We seriously sat there for like 20mins trying to get it off and it won't budge. I really don't want to rip apart my dash to get at the damn thing. I was going to run the rca up the middle thought the center console. I think that is theonly thing we have actually been able to do. No worries we'll get it. Once I figure it out this will be a how to.

 

i really think you would find it a lot easier to run the wires down the sides of the car vs. the center. as far as putting the head unit in, try out what i told you, its pretty exact... that's how i put mine in. if you still have trouble, let me know. i had the fake wood ****, but i didn't have fake wood around the head unit, mine was just grey plastic, but i'm sure its the same piece. unscrew the screws that i told you to do, and you should be pretty golden, it should just pop right out once you do that. and remember to be careful with the cig lighter socket. the wood plastic piece will just hang to the side with the socket attached once you get that piece out.

-mike

 

thanks man

 

no prob guy! let me know how you make out... maybe you'll find an easier way than i did. i bet you're right and this will end up being a how-to thread.

-mike