Opening up the dashboard of a Hyundai Tiburon

December 20, 2004 1:57 PM

Anybody know how to get into the dashboard of my Hyundai Tiburon? I am getting an aux adapter cable to plug into the back of Pioneer head unit, but poking around doesn't show any easy way to get the dash off. It might be there are some screws on the front of the head unit that will release it without taking apart the car.

It looks like Pioneer has some fancy pokers and pullers, but I don't have them. Any equivalents I can find laying around my house?

posted by mzurer to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

This outta help.

Found here.
posted by O9scar at 2:18 PM on December 20, 2004

Jebus. I hope you don't have to remove the dashboard! That would be the worst piece of engineering ever.

The removal of car stereos usually necessitates use of a DIN tool, which is a u-shaped device. You push in, then pull out. You can probably get by with a coat hanger. Failing that, call your local parts factor, as he is likely to stock such a tool.

Of course, if your stereo doesn't have DIN fittings, my advice is worthless. Nonetheless, I'd be very surprised if you had to remove the dash. Maybe the fascia that goes over the center instruments and controls (which usually snaps in or uses regular Phillips screws), but, again, I'd be really surprised if you had to remove the dash.
posted by trharlan at 2:24 PM on December 20, 2004

Just back from the parking garage... No luck with the DIN - I think this was installed to replace a stolen head with the idea that this one wouldn't be so easy to yank out. On the other hand, it looks like certain pieces of what I am now to understand is called the fascia can be removed, although it also looks like someone did that in a non-gentle manner at some point in the past.

(mzurer looks at other post he did not notice before)

HOLY CRAPOLIANS. O9scar is the winner.
posted by mzurer at 2:35 PM on December 20, 2004

It's not a bad idea to buy a Haynes or Chilton's manual for your car; I use mine quite a bit.
posted by Doohickie at 3:22 PM on December 20, 2004

If you have an aftermarket unit in the dash, it might be additionally secured with a "backstrap," a metal piece bent into shape and screwed to the unit and the firewall. If the thing won't slide out, don't force it -- get your head under there so you can see what's behind it.
posted by Tubes at 5:33 PM on December 20, 2004

Thanks again, O9scar, today was the first day of the rest of my life, a life filled with aux input mp3 player goodness.
posted by mzurer at 8:59 PM on December 21, 2004