I looked quickly through posts on the subject, but didn't find anything relevant.

Our 1979 Toaster has the original 2-knob analog dial Craig AM/FM radio in the dash. Only one of the four speakers is producing sound ("real" mono), so I will be first trying to figure if it is the radio, speakers or wiring. I suspect wiring. The eventual plan is to put in an AM/FM/CD head unit, but that is eventual for now.

To get to the wiring behind the radio (or to eventually upgrade), the radio must come out. It mounts behind the dash. There is no obvious easy access to do this. Before I start removing everything that looks like it is in the way, is there a way to get the radio out without disassembling the entire dash? I know someone out there has been through this before.

Thanks,
Steve

We have a 77 20 ft and for ours --"The bad news and the good news" is the same--- you have to remove the dash.
Maybe yours is a bit easier/better-- good luck

Bud

That's what I was afraid of. A very short-sighted design feature if you ask me.
Is there a procedure documented anywhere or do I just start taking stuff off? Usually, once you start something like this, you end up taking something off that you didn't need to or breaking some irreplaceable part you didn't see until too late. I may just wait until I have to remove the dash for some better reason. I can always pack along a portable radio or CD player and headphones...

I changed mine several years ago, I didn't remove the dash. Seems to me I was able to weasle it out via the drivers side, either that, through the hole for the heater control. Recommend a cd unit with a remote. I'll try to look at it this weekend.

Any advice on how or the best way to remove the dash with smallest amount of stress and damage?

Radio shops have special tools for releaing different brands of radios. Can't hurt to ask, might save some time and a few cuss words.......

I am not sure if this will help. The forward part of the engine dog house is removable on my coach giving access under dash. your vintage has the a/c unit mounted above that area, but you may still have access around that. On both our 86 Regal and 76 class C the speaker wiring was the same with a pair of spade connectors for each speaker.

Just to add the screws for the forward dog house were hidden under the carpet.

I'm wondering if it might be possible to dremel out the area between the two knobs to remove the radio from the front rather than having to remove the whole dash?

This is one job I would just leave to the pros. If you have a good stereo shop in your area, use it. They will be able to remove and replace the radio with no damage and it will be done right. I'm not insulting anybodys abilities here, but skinned knuckles and possible electrical damage aren't worth the cost savings.