What do you guys think...a/c dash?

[Smallz72project]

Hey, whats up everyone. I just thought of this and I wanted to see if anyone else has done or has thought about doing this. So I have a 72 non ac GMC. I really like the look of the ac dashes with the round vents on the side....but since I dont have nor need a/c I was thinking about getting an ac dash, and instead of the vents....put in speakers. I dont have any specs on the ac cabs, does anyone know the diameter of the vents? So what do ya'll think? Thanks for you input everyone.
Always keep truckin,
Todd

[72armyswbtruck]

Sounds like a pretty interesting alternative to speaker placement
Good luck, A/c Cabs can be spendy even just the dash itself. although when me and my dad put ac in his cab it was non ac and we just drilled out the wholes and inserted the round vents. maybe you could just do that

[Palf70Step]

You won't need to swap the dash if you want to do that, just cut the holes for your speakers. My 69's dash was converteed to accept the ac vent parts. I'm pretty sure someone out there provides a template for placement of the vents. Just remember that the ac side vents are not completely into the flat surface of the dash, so I'm not sure how that will effect your speaker idea, but I like the idea and you should be able to make it work pretty easily.

[Bob Moore]

Somebody did this already. There was a picture posted showing the speaker inside the vent. Can't recall who posted it or when. Maybe someone will post a link.

[cstanley]

i've also seen it done. do it well, because this is an easy one to make look bad. you shouldn't have to worry about cutting or drilling holes in the dash, since you're not running vents. just get a pair of vent housings and screw 'em on, drilling a small hole for the speaker wire. there's enouge depth to the housing that you won't need to cut holes in the dash, nor do you need an a/c dash. you can use your existing dash.

[67ChevyRedneck]

This thread has got me thinking.... does anyone make a plastic A-pillar cover with a tweeter in it? I've always thought that would be sweet.

smallz72project: you can also buy kickpanels with speakers in them. I wouldn't pay the $120 or whatever high price they are cause I'd want to change out the speakers they put in anyway. A guy sells blank ones on ebay for about $60 bucks, which is also too high in my opinion, but if you don't have the skills to make your own (like me) it's a good deal.

[Smallz72project]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I never thought about just buying the vents and attaching them to my current dash, I look into it. Anyone know a good place to get? 67ChevyRedneck: I have thought about and will be doing the kick panels with speakers in them. Although I didnt know people make pre-laid out panels with speakers in them already. But I used to work at a body shop so I am just gunna make them myself. Also dont know if anyone makes a piller mounted tweeter set up for our vintage trucks but I wouldnt think it would be too hard to customize and convert one for another truck to fit ours. Anyone happen to have a thread to the pics of previous owners who have done the vent speaker conversion? Thanks again guys, ya gotta love this board. Take it easy everyone.
Keep on Truckin,
Todd