Removing the heater controls Options

[runriot95]

I'm still in the process of putting a new stereo system in my '99 GT but I ran into a snag with the installation of the head unit. I can't get to the stock amp to remove the wiring harness - the heater controls are in the way. I unscrewed the screws holding in the controls but there are 2 cables(black and blue) that are connected to the control unit which prevent it from coming out. Any ideas? Thanks for any help!

[runriot95]

A couple questions for Audio Freak: 1) By lower finish panels, do you mean the trim on the side of the console that comes up on the side of the stereo/heater controls? 2) By glove box, do you mean the pocket underneath the stereo?

I've already gotten to the point where I have everything removed from the panel cluster except the heater controls. When I removed the control mounting screws, all I could do was pull the unit far enough to slide it off the nipple-type knobs that hold it in place.

I can't get to the back of the unit to even see where the cables connect. The only option (that I see) is to trace the cables through the dash and underneath the steering column to disconnect them there. I found where the blue cable connects under the dash but I can't find the black cable- which runs into a white plastic tube.

Thanks for any help!!