Swapping stereo from Pioneer to Sony

[Beertinted]

I just got a 2006 SR5 4Runner and it already has a (crappy) Pioneer head unit (single-din). I'm upgrading to a less crappy single-din Sony.

I've read through a few instructions on how to remove the FACTORY double-din head unit and it looks like it involves removing most of the center console and loosening the finish panel. I can't tell from the instructions, but it looks like I don't need to remove all of that since the single-din kit has already been installed.

Can I get away with only popping out the lower storage bin and center control cluster?

Thanks!
(here's the instructions I was going off of, not sure if there are more appropriate ones)
How to Remove the Navigation Head Unit from a 2003 Toyota 4Runner

 

[Lowboydrum]

I would follow those instructions if I were you. I have been doing custom car audio for about 7 years and every time I have worked on a T4R those are the steps I have taken to get the radio out. Wether it be factory or already aftermarket. Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[Beertinted]

That does help - thanks for the quick response!

 

[run4estrunner]

ya every step is necessary. Just follow that whole thing. It looks like it takes longer than it really does. Everything pretty much just pops off. It will take you more time trying to figure out how to work your way around it. Just be patient and follow the steps exactly. After you do it once you will be able to do it in about a minute.

 

[riceandpho]

It depends on the first install, if they used the cage it should be easy to pop out the pioneer with the radio keys. And remove the pioneer cage to install the sony cage. But u have to redo the harness for the sony radio, if they did it din mount way, your gona haveto take everything out and get to the screws, what model was the pioneer u have?

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Really depends on if the single din kit is screwed/bolted down or not I would just remove the dash/console

 

[Beertinted]

Thanks guys - I'm going to dig into it tonight after work.

(the old pioneer that I'm removing is the discontinued DEH-1300MP)
Amazon.com: Pioneer DEH-1300MP CD Receiver with MP3/WMA Playback and Remote Control: Car Electronics

The new one I'm putting in isn't a massive upgrade, but it's got bluetooth/pandora controls and should be good enough for me. I don't plan on getting a sub or really caring about my audio as much as some on this forum - I just wanted to get rid of cable clutter when I pair up my iphone for podcasts and tunes.
Amazon.com: Sony MEXBT3000P Receiver with Bluetooth and Pandora: Car Electronics

Thanks, again.

 

[tony_4r]

Follow the instructions and should be a straight forward job. Once you do it once it would be much faster after that. Sometimes it feels that you have to pull a bit harder to pop the plastic panels out, but it is ok. However, make sure that once the panel pops out that you won't be bending it excessively.

 

[Beertinted]

Finally installed it and everything is great - streaming internet radio from my paired iPhone to my car stereo everytime I jump in. Thanks to everyone for their help.

Just a quick note that I thought I'd record for 'the internet' since I had to call Sony to find out: That stupid 'beep beepbeepbeep' every time you shutoff the car. It's supposed to be a reminder to take off the faceplate, but I don't want to bother with that on a $90 stereo!

So here's how to turn it off:
Turn car on, turn radio off using source button, so now it's in 'standby' mode
Now hold down 'select' knob, then rotate to 'Caution Alarm'
Push 'Select' knob, rotate 'select' knob to 'off' then press 'Select' knob again to set.
Press the 'back' arrow button
All done!

And here's the Sony KB article that I found later on:
View Document