thanks for your responses guys. I finally managed to get the stock radio out today. turns out i was wrong and that third "bastard screw" was not securing the unit. It did take some doing to get the console out, however. I tried pushing it form the rear, but it wasn't budging. I finally popped off the dial for the fan control, grabbed the shaft with a pair of pliers, and yanked. had to pull really hard. that popped the clips on the left side, then I was able to get my fingers in and pop the right side clips.
Nice to have my old radio back.

-Matt