So I fixed the problem of the rear panels not working. Actually, also realized the my power antenna wasn't working either, but not until I realized the fix. I had the blue antenna wire from the HU hooked up to the blue antenna wire from the harness. go figure. so accidentally bridged that to the "P Cont" wire coming out of the HU and it worked.

So the one and only change was took apart the antenna connection and hooked "P Cont" wire from HU to blue antenna wire from harness and now all is perfect. (blue antenna wire from HU left taped and unconnected.)
B