how do i get the f'n stereo out w/o the stereo tool?
its a 98 a4 quattro. theres "wood" surround that i cant get off either and i dont want to break it.
any advice/guidance greatly appreciated!

 

You need the speacial radio removal keys/tool. Some people have been able to make their own out of sheet metal, but it would be hard. Just drive to the dealer and ask them if they can just slide it out with their speacial tool. They wont disconnect it or fully remove it without a charge, but if they are cool they will pop in the keys and slide it out for you. They did it for me. You can get it done at a VW dealer too, they have the same tool.

 

just get a realy small/thin knife put it in wiggle a lilttle bit and pull out one side at a time by the **** and a finger in the tape deck. Thats what I did.

 

My friend cut up an old credit card (actually not a credit card, but something like that without the embossed numbers) and was able to get it open with those.

 

my 98 a4 has 4 holes one at each corner. stick some stiff wire or anything that will fit down the holes and
it will slide right out. no need to touch the wood

 

I just did this over the weekend. The stock stereo does have slots above the volume / tuning controls if you have the same stereo i do then it will have 4 slots. 2 above volume/tuning and 2 directly below those by the lower buttons. To remove the stereo you can go to "frys" or "circuit city" or car stereo shop and ask for some generic stereo removal keys. the ones that come when you buy a new head unit ig pioneer or clairion. They just need to be flat and narrow enough to fit in the slots. The 4 keys need to go in and then get "pushed" outward which piviots a pin inward and depresses the spring holding the radio in place, insert the keys in at a angle then push them out and you will feel the click then put your finger in the cassette slot and pull. mess with it and you will get it. good luck