The radio can be operated with out the cd as far as i understand. Im pretty sure they used the same radio in the cars they shipped out without a cd player. Anyway you still have to take the entire assembly out when you remove the cd player but its fairly easy to do as long as you take your time and watch out when you take the stereo out because it was put in after they put the dash cover on so it will rip an ugly hole by your radio if you arent careful. Removing the cd player from the main unit is very simple theres just a single plug to remove and your done. hope that helps.