Hello all.
I am installing my amp after much agonizing, but all of you guys have been so helpfull.
Ok so i have everything planned out and am just about ready to get the amp installed.
The only thing i have not figured out yet is....
I had put the HU put in but do not know where the alpine HU removal keys are any idea what i could use to remove the unit from its housing.
Manual shows two thin looking keys.
Thanks all in advance.
Neil

 

I've used thin pieces of metal before now (on a Kenwood HU).
There's two spring loaded pieces on the sides of the HU that latch into the frame - you need to slide something in to compress them, and then slide the HU out with them still compressed.

The Alpine "keys" I have are shaped a lot; don't know if it's necessary to have that shape.

 

Thanks a lot.
Im an EX PAT too.
From Watford Hertfordshire.
Neil

 

I'm not sure if you got the keys or not, but I just installed my alpine deck and then later added some alpine amps. The keys I have don't work too well since the alpine deck also included this plastic trim piece that I found difficult to remove without damaging.

I found a much better way was to remove the deck completely by removing the torx bolts that hold it into place. This also gives you more space to work with when you are reaching back there (no metal bits from the apline holder to cut your self on either). I can remove the deck in under 5 minutes. You can probably search it quickly to find a DYI with pictures.

basically:
1. Remove the mirror control/ seated seats panel (I use a small pick and slowly pry around it)
2. Under you'll find 2 screws you need to remove
3. There are two more screws in the cup holders to remove
4. Pull down HARD on the knee panel under the steering wheel. It won't break, but you'll think you broke it.
5. Remove 4 torx screws on the pillars (2 on each).
6. lift up on the cup holder section and it'll allow you to then remove the 2 pillars
7. remove the torx screw holding the deck in place.

by doing all this it will also allow you to run your RCA cables and remote wires down and under the carpet easier. I put my amps under the seats so I also removed the seats and removed the styrofoam blocks under the seats and mounted one amp under each set. Remember, don't start the car without the seats plugged in or else your airbag warning will come on and stay on.

I'm not sure if you have an MC or MCS but if you have the MC and are installing amps in the back, remember not to run the power wires with the RCA's (to prevent noise from the engine).