[CPNE]

I'll start by reiterating my thoughts from HotRod929's post.

Before I start, let me preface this by saying, it's your truck and to each his own but here's why I won't:

With some upgrades there are no alternatives including HEI and one-wire alternators, the stock design must be altered. And with many changes if someone wants to revert back, it's relatively simple. Once a dash is cut it's not simple (for most of us) to restore it to stock.

Furthermore there are many stereo alternatives, from alternative locations to post-style stereos with modern components that bolt right in. The "cut it" argument here is that the post-style radios are overpriced and produce poorer sound quality. True, but unless you are investing in sound-proofing and all the accoustical changes required to actually here the difference, the argument falls short. If you've invested in the acoustics to that degree chances are you've made radical modifications anyway, so a dash change is of little consequence in the big scheme.

Not that resale value (as parts) should be a major consideration (after all who builds a truck expecting to part it out) but in my 6 years experience selling parts, no one was enthusastic about modified sheetmetal. As a matter of fact, nearly everytime I advertised a cab for sale, the number one and 2 questions are "where's the rust?" and "is dash cut?". That, to me, speaks volumes about these type of alterations. BTW, same with speaker holes in doors!

Many people when they sell a vehicle will remove their custom stereo for the next project. If you cut you are forced to leave it in, buy a cheaper replacement, or sell it with a gaping hole in the dash.

Then there is the desirability/interchangability/theft factor the DIN style presents.

I don't mind disk brakes swaps, moderate lowering, engine/tranny swaps, aftermarket a/c, aftermarket wheels, convenience upgrades, detailed engine compartments, performance upgrades, etc. So I'm not a strict purist.

As you may have guessed I don't like chops, radical drops, 17 inch or larger wheels, bags, roll pans, louvers, shaved anything, frenched anything, (though I believe french women should shave), smoothed firewalls, seats that look out of place, small or radical steering wheels, wild customization, 88-98 beds, non-stock grilles, electronic gauges, one-piece windows, fuzzy dice, and cut dashes. But I respect you and your creativity if that's what you prefer!

My 2 cents on this.