Hi all - thanks for the tips and pointers! Phoenix42, thanks for the offer as well -

For those curious, I have successfully performed the surgery and pulled the unit out of the car with no damage to anything and minimal cursing. The tabs needed a little coaxing, and I did have to pull a trim piece to do it cleanly, but nothing my little computer toolkit couldn't handle with ease.

I did cheat heavily on reinstalling the factory stereo though - I decided to attach the wiring harness to the back, and I didn't go tracking down the speaker connections. "Oopsies! No sound!" Since this was a trade in, my energy level at making things 100% (or even 20%) was pretty low.

The old car needed a new O2 sensor, a new catalytic converter, a front axle and a set of front control arms - and brakes. I was very happy to see it go.

All that said, I was still able to get a GREAT below invoice deal on a new vehicle *AND* a far-better than expected value on the trade, so no complaints from me.

Now I need to decide what to do with my trusty MkII...

Thanks again all - enjoy the Empegs...

-Greg