Best way to cut my dash...

[Sinister]

I know it's sacrilege, but I'm thinking about cutting my dash for a stereo install. What's the best tool to cut the dash with and how do you go about measuring where to cut?

[67_C-30]

T'not to!!

[kelsfine69]

Originally Posted by 67_C-30

T'not to!!

Yup

[msgross]

Originally Posted by kelsfine69

Yup

that's what I want to do there...


How to cut your dash:

1. One get a rope
2. Find a tree
3. figure out the rest...


Just kidding.. it's your truck so go for it.. I would say a good jigsaw will get the job done, or sutoff wheel

[Piece of Work]

Dremmel tool with a solid cutting disk. You will probably need several. I used the steel box the radio slides into as a template. Go slow and don't cut any bigger than needed. It's an easy mod to do.

[berencam]

sheet metal scissors, it worked for all the previous owners

[kelsfine69]

Originally Posted by berencam

sheet metal scissors, it worked for all the previous owners

I think some just used an axe...

[Longhorn Man]

lets not bash him... he's already made up his mind.
You can use a hack saw blade holding it with vice grips if you don't have a whole lot of tools.
A dremel weould be cool, but I personally always seem to shatter those disks and that could hurt a LOT considering the close proximity of your FACE when doing this.
A cut off wheel used carefully would be great, place an old blanket or cardboard over your nice seat and carpet if aplicable.
I STRONGLY recomend NOT getting the jigsaw out.
I trace the INSIDE if the stereo cage to the dash, leaving the excess gat at the bottom (you'll see what I mean as soon as you hold it up to the dash) so it is hidden better.
Go slow, and you can always go back and trim more if need be.

[71swb4x4]

If you use a dremel get the good cutoff wheels. I have used the ones Andy talks about, and they suck. Dremel now makes some nice larger cutoff wheels that come with a quick change shaft, they work very well. Cut it a tiny bit smaller than needed, and then use a grinding wheel on the dremel to take the burs off. If you do it right, that cage will barely slide in.

[Sinister]

Thanks for the replies, picking up a dremel on Mon., ordered my stereo today. Looking forward to cutting her up...

[Piece of Work]

You already know this, but please use adequate eye protection. The disks can shatter and the metal filings can cause serious eye damage. Be careful, go slow, no worries.

[bad6772]

i have used a jig saw in a pinch....by far the easiest....but if you have a a;ready painted dash..you might stay away from that method.....if you dont...use plenty of tape over your cut lines and where the jig saw ends may come in contact with the dash....go slow with a good blade it will take no time....i also agree on a cut off wheel....but again if your dash is already painted ..the heat might get the paint to hot and do some damage....im totally against the dremel..most I have seen lack enough power to do the job correctly .and jump and bog down....but thats just my opinion .and as Andy pointed out almost MOST of the time those discs are junk.....there are several ways of doing this air saw .plasma....its just what ever you feel the most comfortable using....good luck.....



ynot

[71swb4x4]

If you are using a Dremel, and your dash is painted, use bad6772's advice and put a couple layers of tape on the dash. Tape it right around where you want to cut so if you ever slip you have a little protection there. It won't help if you jamb the wheel into the tape but if you slip it may be just enough to save your paint.