Corolla trim panel removal... - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

supernova · 11-28-2006, 04:01 PM

I have a 1998 Corolla VE, and I'm attempting to replace the factory stereo. Has anyone had any experience removing the trim panel to get to the radio? I don't want to force anything unless I have to, but it looks like the panel pulls off somehow. Anyone have any suggestions?

syquestrd270 · 11-28-2006, 09:35 PM

You might be able to find instructions online at www.crutchfield.com.

supernova · 11-29-2006, 06:49 PM

Thanks, that site is amazingly helpful! I was able to remove the trim panel, now I'm crimping all the colored wires together that connect the speakers, illumination, and power. Which brings me to a new question: does anyone have any tips on crimping?

I purchased 19mm gauge butt connectors and am using a crimping tool to strip and connect the wires. However, on some of the connections I've created they seem either loose or have too much wire exposed. Anyone have any tips on crimping these wires together?

tfpfreak · 12-01-2006, 11:12 AM

Sounds like you are using the wrong size wires and/or connectors. My suggestion, take your time and do it right. It can be a pain to have to pull all of that back out a few months down the road because of a loose connection. Good luck.

souzafone · 12-06-2006, 07:21 PM

Probably too late for you, but heat shrink tubing will eliminate any bare wire issues, and is a good idea in any application where it's a pain to get back to.

catback · 12-08-2006, 02:53 PM

19mm gauge butt connectors? wth that's way too large for radio installation, 18 gauge butt connectors (blue in color) are more like it. Personally I buy the harness adapter and solder and heat shrink the connections between the adapter and the radio harness but that's just me.

11-28-2006, 04:01 PM	#1 (permalink)
supernova Tilted Location: NE US	Corolla trim panel removal... I have a 1998 Corolla VE, and I'm attempting to replace the factory stereo. Has anyone had any experience removing the trim panel to get to the radio? I don't want to force anything unless I have to, but it looks like the panel pulls off somehow. Anyone have any suggestions?

12-01-2006, 11:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
tfpfreak Crazy Location: MS	Sounds like you are using the wrong size wires and/or connectors. My suggestion, take your time and do it right. It can be a pain to have to pull all of that back out a few months down the road because of a loose connection. Good luck. __________________ Never grow a wishbone where your backbone ought to be. ~ Clementine Paddleford

11-28-2006, 09:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
syquestrd270 Tilted	You might be able to find instructions online at www.crutchfield.com.

11-29-2006, 06:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
supernova Tilted Location: NE US	Thanks, that site is amazingly helpful! I was able to remove the trim panel, now I'm crimping all the colored wires together that connect the speakers, illumination, and power. Which brings me to a new question: does anyone have any tips on crimping? I purchased 19mm gauge butt connectors and am using a crimping tool to strip and connect the wires. However, on some of the connections I've created they seem either loose or have too much wire exposed. Anyone have any tips on crimping these wires together?

12-06-2006, 07:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
souzafone Insane	Probably too late for you, but heat shrink tubing will eliminate any bare wire issues, and is a good idea in any application where it's a pain to get back to.

12-08-2006, 02:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
catback Psycho Location: North America	19mm gauge butt connectors? wth that's way too large for radio installation, 18 gauge butt connectors (blue in color) are more like it. Personally I buy the harness adapter and solder and heat shrink the connections between the adapter and the radio harness but that's just me.