how do you remove this thinking of wrapping it in carbon fiber vinyl ?

 

There are two screws under the radio (above the heater/AC controls) that need to be taken out. Other than those screws there are only a few clips that hold it in. You should be able to pop it out no problem. The radio is attached to the bezel so the will come out together unless you remove the radio first.

 

Watch out when taking the thing out.

Get the right tools and remove the radio first.
Then take the two screws out.
Now being very careful you need to pull out of the bezel, there are four clips that to be pulled out BUT these clips break very easily so take your time, a little in one corner and then the other.

 

The screws point up, the radio wont need to come out if your just working on the bezel. On my 07 the radio is supported by the frame work behind the bezel. If you have a cigarette lighter/power outlet or passenger air bag light in it be careful on how far you bring the bezel out away from the dash. I found a few picture ,this was the best to show you where to look for the 2 screws. There seems to be differences in earlier Ranger. I went on YouTube and looked at some videos . Some have the bezels and radio out as one and like my 07, bezel first then the radio.

 

Not sure but I think the reason the clips break off is because of the uneven pressure applied when the radio is still in the bezel.

Wouldn’t hurt to remove it and be on the safe side.

It only take the two “U” shaped tools, push them in and pull out the radio.

Here is an Amazon site for the tools:

 

I never pull my radio when i take out my bezel. Its easier to take it out as 1 solid piece

 

I'm not saying it can't be done but I broke the clips off of the bezel that I wanted removing them with the radios still in them.

All I am saying is to be on the safe side remove the radio... !