cutting the dash - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chevymaz · 12-27-2005, 03:26 PM

I know there are different opinions about cutting the dash for a newer type radio and I know this has been discussed numerous times. However I would like to know does it truly effect the value and if so how much or is it just a preference thing. Also is this any different then relocating the fuel tank from behind the seat to under the bed? I cut my dash after struggling with my inner self for several days now I wonder if I screwed up. Has anyone ever repaired these cutouts with any type of success without replacing the entire dash? On another note I had the PO who is the son of the original owner call me today and ask if I wanted the protecto plate and the original radio...of course I said "HELL YES"

LawMan02 · 12-27-2005, 03:44 PM

I'm also debating whether to cut the dash or not. I've searched for a original radio but no luck. Let me know if you want to get rid of the radio that you're getting. Randy

jay_shy · 12-27-2005, 03:58 PM

The dash is cut in my truck(by po). However I have the center portion from an uncut dash if I want to return to original. I would have to find an AM/FM to return to original. Doubt that will happen because these things are not cheap.

Jason

Putter · 12-27-2005, 03:57 PM

LawMan02,
I have an original radio (spare) that you can have for the cost of shipping. I used to Live in St. Francisville. I worked at Angola for a while. Just PM me is you want the radio.

Mongo · 12-27-2005, 04:41 PM

I passed on three trucks that had the dash cut, there are newer radios that fit an uncut das that work and sound great. I would leave it alone. JMO

krue · 12-27-2005, 04:43 PM

It's not a deal breaker to me, but I would rather it not be cut.

Guardrail · 12-27-2005, 05:20 PM

Wow, I've been going back and forth in my head about this subject since aquiring my truck. As a bonified GM muscle car nut, I have NEVER cut a dash on any car I've ever owned. I tend to fall in love with cars that are more stock than hot rodded but each one has required at least some modification to get it just like I want it. I kinda like the "period correct" thing with some vehicle's, but lately I've been wanting some better tunes.

I love my truck a lot and for a couple of months now I use it every day. I've shuttled the kids around in it, hauled stuff to the dumps, hauled bags of "pothole patch", pulled my daughter's horse trailer, and used it for grocery shopping. All these things are things I never do with a Chevelle or Camaro, and that makes me realize that I'm using this truck as a tool to get stuff done. And I am willing to modify a tool to make it easier to use. Hence, I have decided to cut the dash of this fine old truck and install a DIN CD player that is Sirius capable. I've settled on one that has two big knobs and "sorta" reminds me of an old style GM radio. What do you guy's think of my decision?

Striker169 · 12-27-2005, 06:02 PM

that radio does kinda remind me of the old style GM one heh I have a cut dash done by the guy I bought the cab from, I had an uncut one in my old one but I junked that and didnt think about the dash :doh: I would perfer having and uncut dash IMO but its not a deal braker.

chevymaz · 12-27-2005, 06:14 PM

Do those of you who refuse to cut the dash also refuse to relocate your gas tanks, lower your truck, or other major modification?

vtblazer · 12-27-2005, 06:38 PM

Stock is stock and cut is not stock.

Maybe not so much a deal breaker as a bargining tool.

All depends on what your looking for and the criteria your working within.

A dash can be repaired once cut if done properly and as long as the initial cut was clean.

farside847 · 12-27-2005, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevymaz

Do those of you who refuse to cut the dash also refuse to relocate your gas tanks, lower your truck, or other major modification?

Yup

It was a wrench to install bucket seats or not, even though it was an original option...

Frizzle Fry · 12-27-2005, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevymaz

Do those of you who refuse to cut the dash also refuse to relocate your gas tanks, lower your truck, or other major modification?

I think an original radio in the dash with a hidden system is slick. It's not about factory correctness for me, I just like the classic look with modern audio skills. I'm doin other mods, just prefer dash left alone . Whatever you put in there after cutting will eventually be dated. The original radio will never stop being classy.

longhorn70gmc · 01-01-2006, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevymaz

Do those of you who refuse to cut the dash also refuse to relocate your gas tanks, lower your truck, or other major modification?

You bet ya! ORIGINAL is where it is at for me. By all means this is not slamming anyone, I still respect other peoples choices to do what they need to get it done or look good. I love ORIGINAL but I like it when people change it too.

kaycee · 01-01-2006, 11:56 PM

matthufman : I dig that idea of the hidden HU using the radio delete but can not figure out what he used for the hinge part of it any ideas.I would dod this mod in a HEARBEAT CHevy HEARTBEAT NO DOUBT

matthufham · 12-27-2005, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevymaz

Do those of you who refuse to cut the dash also refuse to relocate your gas tanks, lower your truck, or other major modification?

yes!

and rick, that is one nice head unit! does the display show color, or is it black and white?

Guardrail · 12-28-2005, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthufham

yes!

and rick, that is one nice head unit! does the display show color, or is it black and white?

I haven't recieved it yet but I believe the display is white. If it sounds good, you'll be able to hear me singin'....I found it for $159 plus shipping on Ebay.

**Palf70Step** · 12-27-2005, 06:29 PM

It is your truck do what you feel comfortable with. I went to the trouble of repairing the dash in my 70's cab to get it back to normal or at least close to it, but if I decide down the line that I want to go with a DIN style CD unit, I'll cut er. If you just want radio, to me there are way to many options that will fit into the stock area of dash where you won't need to cut. The big problem for cutting is decent speakers and what you do with them.

BowTieMan · 12-27-2005, 06:32 PM

The way I see it is it's my truck so I will make it the way I wan't and not worry about what the next owner will want because I am not selling it for a long time.

blazerparts · 12-27-2005, 06:59 PM

Personally, I prefer an uncut dash. If I am looking to buy a truck and see a cut dash, I wonder what else has been hacked. There are alternatives with audio units that fit without modification to the dash, or in my case I mounted them in the glove box. So for me, a cut dash sends up a red flag.

crazyred · 12-27-2005, 07:15 PM

Hey that’s a good fix vtblazer!!! The PO cut up the dash on my truck and I was thinking the only way to fix that would be to find good dash at the scrap yard and cut it out under the dash pad. That way, my crapy welding skills will be hidden by the dash pad when I put it all back together. At least I think that would work.

vtblazer · 12-27-2005, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyred

The PO cut up the dash on my truck and I was thinking the only way to fix that would be to find good dash at the scrap yard and cut it out under the dash pad.

One word of caution about doing it that way is this:
There is a metal strip spot welded onto the underside of the dash that are very hard to get off "cleanly" meaning not messing up the dash section your wanting to save (the one in your truck) is hard to do.
It's hard to explain but I started in that direction recently and decided not to do it because of those spot welds.

avejoe · 12-27-2005, 08:40 PM

You cut the dash and NOW you want the original radio?

vtblazer · 12-27-2005, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avejoe

You cut the dash and NOW you want the original radio?

Might I suggest going easy here.

BubbaGreen · 12-27-2005, 10:47 PM

Guess it all comes down to your intentions....I didnt want the dash cut in my truck (am planning to use a AM/FM original radio)...but I had no problems relocating the gastank and cutting into the fleetside fender to do so. I really dont plan to sell this truck anytime soon, so i could careless if I damaged the resale value, but I just couldnt take the idea of 20+ gallons of gas within inches of me. I may end up getting a better stereo system and if so, will most likely be of a remote type thing and the stock radio will be a back up/decoy. Anything can be fixed with either time/money -or- both!!!!
HAVE FUN, in the end, that's what it's all about.

Brad · 12-27-2005, 11:03 PM

My Camaro, bought from the little old lady next door, is unmolested and will remain that way until the day I die!

My truck was a pile when I bought it and I have absolutely no qualms about hacking it up, lol!

I guess I'm Jeckyl & Hyde on this issue!

12-27-2005, 03:26 PM	#1
chevymaz What are you looking at? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Kellyville,Oklahoma Posts: 308	cutting the dash I know there are different opinions about cutting the dash for a newer type radio and I know this has been discussed numerous times. However I would like to know does it truly effect the value and if so how much or is it just a preference thing. Also is this any different then relocating the fuel tank from behind the seat to under the bed? I cut my dash after struggling with my inner self for several days now I wonder if I screwed up. Has anyone ever repaired these cutouts with any type of success without replacing the entire dash? On another note I had the PO who is the son of the original owner call me today and ask if I wanted the protecto plate and the original radio...of course I said "HELL YES" __________________ 1971 GMC LWB 2005 Honda Element 2007 Honda Fit

12-27-2005, 03:44 PM	#2
LawMan02 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Saint Francisville, Louisiana Posts: 157	Re: cutting the dash I'm also debating whether to cut the dash or not. I've searched for a original radio but no luck. Let me know if you want to get rid of the radio that you're getting. Randy __________________ 1972 GMC K2500, stepside, stock 350, 4 speed. Former F/D truck with 32,000 miles, no rust. 1973 Jeep CJ 5, 304, 33's with side pipes 2008 GMC 2500HD, CC, SWB, D/A, SLT

12-27-2005, 03:58 PM	#3
jay_shy SWB 4X4 CLUB Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 1,088	Re: cutting the dash The dash is cut in my truck(by po). However I have the center portion from an uncut dash if I want to return to original. I would have to find an AM/FM to return to original. Doubt that will happen because these things are not cheap. Jason

12-27-2005, 03:57 PM	#4
Putter More Cowbell.... Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, MS Posts: 3,569	Re: cutting the dash LawMan02, I have an original radio (spare) that you can have for the cost of shipping. I used to Live in St. Francisville. I worked at Angola for a while. Just PM me is you want the radio. __________________ *There once was a member from Puckett.....Who ( fill in the blank blank blank* ) bucket** Last edited by Putter; 12-27-2005 at 03:57 PM.

12-27-2005, 04:41 PM	#5
Mongo YES_____NO Join Date: Jul 1999 Location: Somewhere in the vicinity of betelgeuse Posts: 7,351	Re: cutting the dash I passed on three trucks that had the dash cut, there are newer radios that fit an uncut das that work and sound great. I would leave it alone. JMO __________________ People many not remember what you said or what you did, but they will remember the way you made them feel. - unknown Cause, remember: no matter where you go... there you are. - Buckaroo Banzai 1984 Help support the board

12-27-2005, 04:43 PM	#6
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: cutting the dash It's not a deal breaker to me, but I would rather it not be cut. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

12-27-2005, 05:20 PM	#7
Guardrail And Don't Call Me Shirley Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cameron Park, CA Posts: 115	Re: cutting the dash Wow, I've been going back and forth in my head about this subject since aquiring my truck. As a bonified GM muscle car nut, I have NEVER cut a dash on any car I've ever owned. I tend to fall in love with cars that are more stock than hot rodded but each one has required at least some modification to get it just like I want it. I kinda like the "period correct" thing with some vehicle's, but lately I've been wanting some better tunes. I love my truck a lot and for a couple of months now I use it every day. I've shuttled the kids around in it, hauled stuff to the dumps, hauled bags of "pothole patch", pulled my daughter's horse trailer, and used it for grocery shopping. All these things are things I never do with a Chevelle or Camaro, and that makes me realize that I'm using this truck as a tool to get stuff done. And I am willing to modify a tool to make it easier to use. Hence, I have decided to cut the dash of this fine old truck and install a DIN CD player that is Sirius capable. I've settled on one that has two big knobs and "sorta" reminds me of an old style GM radio. What do you guy's think of my decision? Attached Images __________________ Rick Tucker 1969 C20/Custom Camper (the Green Machine)Sold 1970 GMC 4000 COE (future Ramp Truck) 1972 K10 Longbed (restoration begins June 2020)

12-27-2005, 06:02 PM	#8
Striker169 Car O'Holic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Austin, Tx. Posts: 692	Re: cutting the dash that radio does kinda remind me of the old style GM one heh I have a cut dash done by the guy I bought the cab from, I had an uncut one in my old one but I junked that and didnt think about the dash :doh: I would perfer having and uncut dash IMO but its not a deal braker.

12-27-2005, 06:14 PM	#9
chevymaz What are you looking at? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Kellyville,Oklahoma Posts: 308	Re: cutting the dash Do those of you who refuse to cut the dash also refuse to relocate your gas tanks, lower your truck, or other major modification? __________________ 1971 GMC LWB 2005 Honda Element 2007 Honda Fit

12-27-2005, 06:38 PM	#10
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: cutting the dash Stock is stock and cut is not stock. Maybe not so much a deal breaker as a bargining tool. All depends on what your looking for and the criteria your working within. A dash can be repaired once cut if done properly and as long as the initial cut was clean. Attached Images

01-01-2006, 11:56 PM	#14
kaycee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Wyoming USA Posts: 2,446	Re: cutting the dash matthufman : I dig that idea of the hidden HU using the radio delete but can not figure out what he used for the hinge part of it any ideas.I would dod this mod in a HEARBEAT CHevy HEARTBEAT NO DOUBT __________________ 2001 Silverado K-1500 2005 FXDWG stage3 69 CHEVY Short/Step 327/4L60 373 posi 63 IMPALA 327 Last edited by kaycee; 01-01-2006 at 11:58 PM.

12-27-2005, 06:29 PM	#17
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,083	Re: cutting the dash It is your truck do what you feel comfortable with. I went to the trouble of repairing the dash in my 70's cab to get it back to normal or at least close to it, but if I decide down the line that I want to go with a DIN style CD unit, I'll cut er. If you just want radio, to me there are way to many options that will fit into the stock area of dash where you won't need to cut. The big problem for cutting is decent speakers and what you do with them. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-27-2005, 06:32 PM	#18
BowTieMan Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Glendale Arizona Posts: 747	Re: cutting the dash The way I see it is it's my truck so I will make it the way I wan't and not worry about what the next owner will want because I am not selling it for a long time. __________________ "A true hotrodder wouldn't be content untill he had created a car so violent, so hairy, so totally sick that the very act of dropping the hammer would result in instant death. Anything less results in the need to go faster." - Tony DeFeo

12-27-2005, 06:59 PM	#19
blazerparts No,I DON'T have Tourett's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 556	Re: cutting the dash Personally, I prefer an uncut dash. If I am looking to buy a truck and see a cut dash, I wonder what else has been hacked. There are alternatives with audio units that fit without modification to the dash, or in my case I mounted them in the glove box. So for me, a cut dash sends up a red flag. __________________ '72 K5 CST 350/350 Daily Driver '69 GMC3500 Camper Special CST Flatbed 396/400 Upgraded to show truck '69 GMC 2500 L6292, 3spd beater

12-27-2005, 07:15 PM	#20
crazyred yeeha Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sherwood Park & Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 72	Re: cutting the dash Hey that’s a good fix vtblazer!!! The PO cut up the dash on my truck and I was thinking the only way to fix that would be to find good dash at the scrap yard and cut it out under the dash pad. That way, my crapy welding skills will be hidden by the dash pad when I put it all back together. At least I think that would work. __________________ 1969 GMC 910 97% rust free 2002 olds Alero 1986 New Yorker 4dr ... the new DD...My POS car... dude its got a turbo!!! Don't drink and drive, you might spill something!!! Daryl Kuchmak



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12-27-2005, 08:40 PM	#22
avejoe Custer had a plan too. Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: No. California Posts: 344	Re: cutting the dash You cut the dash and NOW you want the original radio? __________________ 72 K15 GMC (aka Big White) Performance Rockers, Cab Corners, and Floors Fossil Fuel Glutton Neighborhood Nuisance 98 BMW 540i for Speed (Sold ) 05 Subaru Outback for mileage

12-27-2005, 10:47 PM	#24
BubbaGreen Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Cedar Park, TX Posts: 686	Re: cutting the dash Guess it all comes down to your intentions....I didnt want the dash cut in my truck (am planning to use a AM/FM original radio)...but I had no problems relocating the gastank and cutting into the fleetside fender to do so. I really dont plan to sell this truck anytime soon, so i could careless if I damaged the resale value, but I just couldnt take the idea of 20+ gallons of gas within inches of me. I may end up getting a better stereo system and if so, will most likely be of a remote type thing and the stock radio will be a back up/decoy. Anything can be fixed with either time/money -or- both!!!! HAVE FUN, in the end, that's what it's all about. __________________ 71 Chevy C-10 SWB Fleetside RamJet-350/4L60e & Compushift/3.73Posi See it at www.prismnet.com/~grzanich

12-27-2005, 11:03 PM	#25
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,673	Re: cutting the dash My Camaro, bought from the little old lady next door, is unmolested and will remain that way until the day I die! My truck was a pile when I bought it and I have absolutely no qualms about hacking it up, lol! I guess I'm Jeckyl & Hyde on this issue! __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

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