the front piece has to come off to take it out. if you are planning on replacing it with a new stereo, I'd recommend observing and labeling the wires on the back so you know where they go and what they are for. there is also a bay underneath the radio (the "free box" on mine) where a second stereo can go. I plan on doing this in the future. Also, there is a section on this forum called "sparky lives here." Post there for anything electrical.