Radio/Head Unit

Remove and replace the factory radio/head unit in a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including dash bezel removal and antenna/speaker wire connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Replacement radio/head unit × 1 — DIN-size aftermarket or period-correct AM/FM unit
• Radio mounting bracket adapter × 1 — Universal or AMC-specific DIN mounting kit if installing modern radio
• Wiring harness adapter × 1 — AMC radio harness to modern radio adapter if applicable
• Antenna adapter cable × 1 — Motorola to standard adapter if installing modern radio

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery post
3. Allow interior to cool if vehicle has been in direct sunlight to avoid burns from metal dash components
4. Gather new radio unit and verify all necessary adapters and mounting hardware are available

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove instrument cluster bezel trim
   Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws at the top of the instrument cluster bezel. Remove the single screw beneath the radio area. Carefully pull the bezel forward from the top, then lift upward to disengage the lower clips. Set bezel aside in a safe location to avoid scratching.
2. 2

   Remove radio control knobs
   Pull the radio control knobs straight off the shafts. Some knobs may have small set screws on the underside that must be loosened with a flat blade screwdriver or 1/16 inch Allen wrench before removal. Remove the tuning knob and any volume or tone knobs.
3. 3

   Remove radio mounting hardware
   Remove the retaining nuts or trim rings from the radio control shafts using a 1/4 inch deep socket or appropriate wrench. Some models use decorative hex nuts that can be removed by hand or with pliers. Remove the support bracket bolt from beneath the radio if present.
4. 4

   Disconnect antenna lead
   Reach behind the radio and locate the antenna cable connection at the rear of the radio chassis. Unscrew or unplug the antenna lead from the radio. The 1970 AMC uses a Motorola-style push-on connector that pulls straight out with firm pressure. Note the routing for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Disconnect power and speaker wires
   Locate the main power connector and speaker wire connections at the rear of the radio. The factory harness typically uses a multi-pin connector for power and separate push-on connectors for speakers. Disconnect all wiring, noting wire colors and positions. Factory wire colors: constant power is typically yellow, switched power is red, ground is black, and speaker wires are paired colors.
6. 6

   Remove radio from dash
   With all connections disconnected, slide the radio forward and out of the dash opening. Support the radio from below as you pull it free to avoid dropping it. Inspect the mounting bracket and opening for any additional hardware or obstructions.
7. 7

   Prepare mounting bracket for new radio
   If installing an aftermarket radio, attach the DIN mounting bracket or sleeve to the new radio according to manufacturer instructions. For period-correct replacements, ensure mounting tabs align with factory bracket. Test fit the new radio in the dash opening to verify proper clearance and alignment before making electrical connections.
8. 8

   Connect wiring harness to new radio
   If using a wiring harness adapter, connect the adapter to the new radio following the wiring diagram provided with the adapter. Match power, ground, and speaker wire connections carefully. If direct wiring, connect constant power, switched power, ground, and all speaker leads according to the new radio's wiring diagram. Use crimp connectors or solder connections and insulate with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape.
9. 9

   Connect antenna cable
   Attach the antenna cable to the new radio. If the new radio has a standard Motorola connector and the vehicle has the original antenna, connect directly. If installing a modern radio with different antenna input, install the appropriate adapter between the vehicle antenna cable and the radio.
10. 10

    Test radio operation before final installation
    Temporarily reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to the accessory position and test the radio for power, reception, and speaker function. Verify all speakers are working and correctly balanced. Check AM and FM reception. If radio does not power on, verify power and ground connections. Disconnect battery again before proceeding.
11. 11

    Install radio into dash
    With battery disconnected and all connections verified, carefully slide the radio back into the dash opening. Ensure all wiring is routed properly behind the radio and not pinched. Align the radio mounting brackets or DIN sleeve with the dash opening. Install and hand-tighten mounting hardware.
12. 12

    Secure radio mounting hardware
    Tighten the radio mounting nuts or brackets securely, but do not overtighten to avoid cracking the radio faceplate or dash. If applicable, tighten the lower support bracket bolt. Verify radio is firmly mounted and does not move when pressed.
13. 13

    Reinstall control knobs and bezel
    Install the radio control knobs onto the shafts, aligning any set screws with the flat spots on the shafts if applicable. Position the instrument cluster bezel over the dash, engaging the lower clips first, then pressing the top into place. Install the bezel mounting screws and tighten securely.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten the terminal clamp securely
2. Verify all dash trim pieces are properly seated and all screws are tight
3. Check that no tools or parts have been left inside the dash cavity

Verification

• Turn ignition to accessory position and verify radio powers on
• Test AM and FM reception by tuning to known local stations
• Verify all speakers are functioning by adjusting balance and fade controls
• Check that all control knobs operate smoothly without binding
• Confirm radio illumination works with headlight switch on
• Verify no rattles or loose components in dash area when driving

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