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If you ever need to replace the radio, get these tools!
My original radio stopped making sound when powered on, so I installed a PN-2543N from the R50 Pathfinder into my 96 I30 (a popular Bose upgrade for the crappy original 4th gen Bose PN-2083D). In my case, the new radio came with its bracket still attached, but I had to transfer my old bracket. Since the Pathfinder's bracket is different. This meant I had to deal with 16 of these damn things!
Most people here, especially if you've replaced your radio, know how difficult the screws on the bracket to the radio are to remove since they're on so ****ing tight! But I discovered a couple tools to make it much easier. Even though there may be a few threads on the topic, there are also many tools out there, some work and some don't. I found a couple that do work.
I was able to save 8 screws, which would be enough, but unfortunately I had to drill a few out, and two stubs are still stuck in the new radio, so I could only transfer 6 of the 8 screws. Three on each side should suffice.
I used the T-handle and extractor after I was struggling and drilling. (I went out and bought them during the swap)
The Craftsman Mach T-Handle screwdriver and the Craftsman screw extractor are awesome!
The T-handle is actually long enough to get both of your hands on it, and it helps you get enough force to push on the screw to get it off. At least 2 screws were able to be removed without stripping, thanks to this thing. Again,
The screw extractor is inexpensive and has the right sized bit for these screws. The smallest one in the kit is the right size for the radio's screws. Use a power drill, but make it spin SLOWLY, only pressing the trigger LIGHTLY (not full speed). It takes awhile, but will eventually come out.
And one more tip: you only have to remove/unscrew/drill out three of the four screws per side. For the last one on each side, what you do is bend the bracket upward a bit, and then turn it counterclockwise. Since the screws are on so tight, the screw will move along with the bracket and eventually unscrew. The brackets are thin metal, so they are easy to bend out for the screw removal and then back into shape for re-installation.
