Radio Delete plate

[dotcentral]

I have a radio delete plate that I would like to remove off a parts truck. Problem is, I can't figure out how to remove it without breaking it. Seems like there are plastic studs that go through the radio knob/shaft (calm down Beavis) openings, and they in turn have some sort of plastic nuts or clips that fastenen onto them. If any of that makes sense.

Short of cutting around the radio area of the dash with a sawzall or cutoff wheel, is there a way to remove the radio delete plate without damaging it?

[72hiboy4x4]

reach up behind the plate and unscrew the nuts off the studs. worked for me!

[dotcentral]

It has been a few months since I last tried, but it seemed like they were just spinning but not coming loose. Guess they could be stripped out. Is there an actual thread on the shaft, or is it a sheetmetal nut that cuts its own thread into the shaft?

[fordman]

i bet it makes its own threads.

[GT-Racer]

pull harder while twisting. I bet they were over tightened and striped the last bit. Put some pressure on it and it should twist off.

[Velcro]

Quite often you'll find what are called "speed nuts" on plastic shafts. Made of thin spring steel, with a small hole and several cuts coming from it, they flex and are pushed onto the shaft. The "springiness" causes them to bind onto the plastic. IF you can reach them, try inserting a small screwdriver blade under those tabs and popping them away from the plate. This should release the hold on those shafts.

[Stroked]

I had the same problem on m Galaxie. I think I had to screw it off and pry out on it at the same time.