If I cut the dash......

[muddpile]

Can the pieces be put back if I go to sell the truck? The glove box is too far away, under the dash doesn't look really good, a console in not in the cards because I have a bench, and I want bigger speakers so the Highliner headliner is out. Basically, cutting the dash is all I have left. I like the look of the stock radio, and I don't like cutting things up, but its my only option as far as convenience and style goes. If I save the pieces, is it possible to successfully re-weld them in? Also, how do I hide the knob indents in the dash? With a false plate of some sort? Thanks!

[Palf70Step]

Anything is possible with a welder and some paint. Reverting back may or maynot increase you chance at selling it. I agree with you though on the stereo placement thogh. I haven't decided if I am going to "modify" mine or not to put in a decent stereo.

[LUV2XCLR8]

Have you considered relocating your Heat / Fan / Air controls, just a thought

[70c10]

My dads truck was cut up when he bought it so he welded in a complete center section and you can't even tell. I mounted the CD player in the glovebox and installed speaker pods in the back of the ceiling and a dual speaker in the factory dash location. He has a factory AM radio in the dash that looks/works great also!

[muddpile]

Is the heater control spot DIN sized, or is it bigger/smaller? Where would I put the heater controls if I mounted a deck there?

[69 Short Fleet]

Mud. You could still go the glovebox route. Install a MP3/CD head and stratigically install a couple of small round mirrors (dentice type) for the remote. This way you can have your glovebox door shut and change tracks (songs) with the remote. I will be doing this upgrade later on when I get a high end head unit. A board member (can't remember their name) previously did it and it worked awesome. Doug

[krue]

I have a 2 post radio controlling a 10 disc changer. Didn't have to cut anything.
Plus with the tape deck in the dash I can do the xm thing when I get around to it.

[bobs409]

I'll be adding CD players to my cars as time goes by and what I plan on doing is making a metal box that mounts under the dash and holds the CD player. Basically, just a fancy metal box with the correct size opening so the CD player can slide into.

I'd advise finding an alternative to cutting dash boards up but that's the purist in me. (of course, it's your truck, your decision)

For those that have butchered radio openings and want to repair, I have a radio patch panel just cut from a 71 in the for sale ads here if anyone needs one. Will fit 68-72's.

[86swb]

I am against cutting our dash boards. Just hate to see the dash all cut up for a new radio. But to each his own. MO

[ChevyDude]

Well....I'm cutting mine. JMHO.

[classicchev]

I just cut out a perfect non air dash out of a 68, that cab was crap, Duece and I spent the morning chopping it up. There are tons of crappy cabs out there, IMHO a cut dash can always be fixed, its pretty hard to find a decent stereo to put into the trucks. You will always take some heat from the "purists", but it is your truck, do what you want.

[screamin_c102]

HAck it up
These aren't Yenko Camaros, Shelby 'stangs, or 138 Chevelles.
Metal can always be replaced, and theres always a viable dash somewhere to be had. So enjoy your tunes now and sweat the "originality" factor when you go to sell it.

[junior219]

there is a aftermarket headliner to install a cd player and some speakers without hackin the dash at all

[Longhorn Man]

I'm pretty sure they discontinued that tacky headliner thing.
Hack it up. I hear they are making patch panels for this.
I was hesitant on cutting mine in my first truck, I totaled it before I was able to bring myself too it. However, I complained about the crappy tunes. When i got truck #2, I had the dash hacked up before it wes even registered or inspected, and never regreted it for a moment.
Truck #3 is getting hacked, but I think I have an idea to keep ppl quiet, and thieves away.


Here's one that oughta tick off some ppl... I'd cut my doors for speakers, but first I need to find some doors WORTH CUTTING.

[muddpile]

I've been on the road all weekend in this truck, and realized a few things.
1. AM radio through a mono speaker sucks.
2. The stock radio lights are WAY dimmer than the gauge lights.
3. One out of the 5 stock gauges in my dash works correctly.
4. The glove box is a long way to reach to play with the radio.
5. The glove box door rattles badly when open.
6. A quartet of 4" speakers and radio in the roof radio will not overcome the road noise.

All I can say is "Where did I put that dremel?". If I measure and triple check everything, I should be able to cut it out and do a nice enough job that I can go without trimming and have nice pieces to save and re-weld if I ever lose my mind and want to go back to stock or sell the truck . At the same time, I plan on building a custom cluster full of autometer gauges (see point 3). I figure I've never done anything 100% stock, so why start now. I'm also an avid car audio guy, so keep an eye out this winter for some pretty unique stereo install pics. This is my truck, so I might as well do it for me. Thanks for the help everyone!

[Longhorn Man]