How do i get to the back of the stereo....like actually pull the stereo out?

 

There are two phillips-head screws that hold it in place. They are on the underside of the head unit. Once those two are out you should be able to slide it out far enough to disconnect the harness and antenna connector.

 

I have an aftermarket stereo that came with the car...what I really wanted to know was does the whole plastic piece just pop off?

 

If you mean the plastic piece around the radio and climate control, no, it can stay in place. But, you do have to remove the lower center console piece under the radio to get to the two screws (if they are still there with an aftermarket radio). If the lower screws aren't there I'm not sure. Some aftermarket radios lock into the aluminum DIN sleeve, some use a rear support bracket. If it uses a rear support bracket it just needs a good tug.


Here's the bracket I'm talking about.

 

after you remove the screws, just leave the DIN sleeve and that's enough to hold it in there nicely. good luck!

(i just replaced my honda side harness with a 87+ Toyota one, and it looks MUCH cleaner.

 

if its aftermarket, there are these 2 little tools that come with the deck. liik like 1/2" flat pieces of metal with l angles on them for our fingers to hold onto. you use those. if you dont have any see if the local best buy or circt city install bays will let you use a set for a minute.