iPod connection - stereo removal
Yes indeed the faceplate surrounding the stereo unit must be removed first but it comes off very easy. Once off, the stereo can be removed with only 2 screws, very easy.
Some notes to be aware of.
The connectors on the harness have been updated from about early/mid 2004 to the new "F-150 style" harness which uses the 24 and 16 pin (2) rectangular connectors instead of the older 20 pin square connector.
As such, most of the currently available iPod direct interface systems won't fit. I contacted most of them and they all said "we're working on the newer harness system".
I was able to do a direct iPod connection by using an interface made to add RCA jacks for DVD apps made by a company called Precision Interface Electronics (PIE) in Chatsworth CA. I had a custom cable made using a RF adaptor where the RF section was cut off and the left/right connections were soldered up to RCA jacks allowing connection to the PIE unit. I kept the original 12v charging intact. This allows for a single cable connection to the iPod but does not allow you control the iPod from the dash or use of the click wheel for volume control but all other functions on the iPod work normally.
I had to also add a signal reduction unit to bring down the input signal as it was too high and caused distortion. I adjusted it to match the volume of a CD. You can still utilize the standard CD and tape features in addition to the radio.
I works perfectly and the sound quality is awesome plus the iPod is charging while the key is on.
Once you start using the iPod as your music source you'll never go back to swapping CD/tapes/etc. it simply rocks!!!
If anybody wants more info just ask. I have done a fair amount of research on this subject.