anyone have a quick how-to on removing the factory radio from a '73 without breaking anything?

Do you have to remove the complete center section with the heater controls?

This is where it gets tricky. Some people have been able to remove the radio without removing the center console AND the heater control panel. Then again others being more cautious have removed both.

In a nutshell:

Remove radio knobs and the nuts holding the faceplate. Also remove the two screws holding the faceplate to the HCP.

With faceplate out of the way, determine if you can slide the radio out (it won't move just yet) through the hole in the lower portion of the HCP. Remember that the HCP is plastic and CAN break.

If you can, remove the two bolts on each side of the radio just behind the edges of the center column of the dash. These mount to the radio through the support bar in the dash frame. Your wiring will probably prevent you from sliding everything out, but should allow you to move the radio far enough forward that you can disconnect everything.

If the radio will not fit through the hole, then you'll either have to remove the center console and slide the radio down below the HCP or you'll have to remove the HCP.

FWIW

E