Issue Removing Built-in Audio Deck

[jeneral]

I was hoping to try an AUX mod on my 2004 Mazda 3 GT but I'm not quite sure how to remove the extra dealer-installed panel to access the deck. My car seems to come with a Stainless Steel interior accents package. Most install guides don't have this extra piece of plastic. Any tips on how to remove this without damaging the piece?

https://goo.gl/photos/9S2P1uWfMLNF2fmTA
https://goo.gl/photos/EYaJTrNW6B3e9Yzr7

[jeneral]

I hate replying to my own post but my images didn't appear. I am trying again with different links.

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae117/Paco_Jeneral/20150904_143444_zps1bbgsfv7.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/user/Paco_Jeneral/media/20150904_143444_zps1bbgsfv7.jpg.html)

http://i963.photobucket.com/albums/ae117/Paco_Jeneral/20150904_143518_zpsmrfrp4vj.jpg (http://s963.photobucket.com/user/Paco_Jeneral/media/20150904_143518_zpsmrfrp4vj.jpg.html)

[Noisy Crow]

You shouldn't need to remove the add-on faceplate. The whole top section pull out as a unit. You may have to life up the center top part of the dash to get it to clear the top of the headunit... it looks like you've already pulled the two screws that hold it in place. Just tug at the top of the head-unit and it should come out.

[Reddie1337]

It seems like that faceplate was added to the radio and the HVAC controls. Not sure if it's screwed on or not. Never seen that before.

[c_del]

You shouldn't need to remove the add-on faceplate. The whole top section pull out as a unit. You may have to life up the center top part of the dash to get it to clear the top of the headunit... it looks like you've already pulled the two screws that hold it in place. Just tug at the top of the head-unit and it should come out.
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I think that OP is correct actually. The single piece ends at the radio controls; the HVAC controls are separate. The metal accent piece covers the cut between the radio and HVAC, effectively attaching them together. If I had to guess, it's probably standard 3M two-way tape holding all that on and it can likely be carefully unstuck with some light pressure. Just take care not to bend the metal, but I doubt that it's screwed on in any way.

[Noisy Crow]

Hmmmm, yeah, looks like one piece, missed that. Since it is likely just tape.... maybe warming with a hair dryer would work?
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