To remove radio on a 1998 Buick LeSabre describes removing a plastic wood strip in middle of dash. It does not however, explain how to remove this trim strip.

I have a 1995 and 1999 LeSabre and the radio removal is the same on both.
1. Carefully remove the AC vents from the dash.
2. In each of the AC openings are screws that hold the top of the dash trim in place.
3. Starting from the passenger door gently pry off the "wood" trim piece, It is held in place with metal clips and velcro.
4. Do the same as 3 from the driver side (short piece).
5. Remove the remaing screws from the bottem of the dash.
6. Move the Shift knob (requires key) all the way down.
7. Starting at each end of the dash slowly pry/pull each clip along the top of the dash from its mounting hole. Be careful not to crack the silver trim piece on the top of the dash (especially on top of the passenger airbag).
8. When the dash is free tilt the top in towards the car and wiggle it loose around the bottom (over the steering column) and the whole piece should come free.

This gives access to the radio, heater controls, speedo etc.

For the radio - three screws - antenna cable pop out. The harness needs a little more work. If your radio has a security feature (blinking light when car is off) make sure you know the security unlock code. Test the code before pulling the power to the radio.
Turn the radio over and carefully unlock the blue clip at the bottom of the plug. Then work the harness loose.
This sounds much worse than it is - it should take 15-30 minutes depending if you have all the tools close by. BTW those AC vents have a top and bottom - the larger hole goes on the bottom and they snap back in place.

Takes a little work but normally they pull off, or carefully pry with something thin. Usually clips that snap into holes in dash are holding it.

Rear defrost not working, poor radio reception