Wow. I have no idea what Sully did to the car, but its pretty cool. The panel DOES NOT have to come off. Literally the cdplayer itseld just slips right out.
So I got everything out. Now just looking for a new cd player to put in there 
Thanks for the help guys. You were all right about the the little locks/clicks. I just used a thin piece of cardboard to unclip them. worked easy