I had some time tonight that I was able to dedicate to the WJ, and decided to install the Uniden. I took some pics of the process:
Use a trim tool, or other flat tool, to release the clips and remove the center bezel:
I realized that I needed to remove the tray below the bezel so that it would come out. This should have been step one. Remove the tray liner, then remove two screws, and they both come out.
After the tray comes out, the bezel slips right out. You have to unplug everything. On mine, I had a light on top of the ash tray, heated seat on each side, and a cig lighter and power source on each side.
My factory bezel (woodgrain) next to the non heated seat 2003 bezel with the cubby hole.
The first thing to do was swap the switches over. I realized that all my small cutoff wheels for the dremel were gone, so I went to the slower method of heating a blade over a candle and slicing through the plastic. It took longer, but it was the tool I had. I cleaned the edges up with sand paper when I was done cutting.
Both cut:
The 03 bezel had the switch mounting screw holes, even though it didn't have the switch cut outs. Switches swapped over:
One of the power outlets on the new unit was not the same as my 99. It had two prongs, mine had 3. The 99 one is green, the donor one I swapped out and did not use was the grey one:
There was also a difference on the side...metal vs no metal:
There are two pinch clips that hold the power sockets in place. It doesn't seem like you can get the switch out without doing some damage to the little clips. I just mixed up some 2 part epoxy to help strengthen the clips and hold the sockets in place:
Then, I test fit the CB unit in the cubby. I cut the bottom back section of the cubby off, allowing for the CB to sit at an angle upward as it comes out:
Then it was time to head outside and install it. The CB wire was already run, so I just had to move it from the center console to the bezel area. I have about 18 extra inches still sitting under the center console. The ash tray had a light, and this does not have one. I just unplugged the bulb for now, maybe I will use this for other interior lighting at a future date:
I re-installed the bezel, plugged in all of the switches and tested them, good to go:
I just left the power wires for the running out of the center console for now. It was late, and I can easily wire it up later.
a BIG thank you to many jeepers on JeepForum who have done this already, their pics and advice was been perfect!