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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida
Posts: 117
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What works best to cut dash to install radio?
Well...finally decided to cut a hole in my dash and install a CD player. (Got to have music if I am going to be a "Long Hauler" on the 2011 Hot Rod Power Tour !) What is the best saw to use? I tried my Dremel today with a diamond tip wheel - but did not like the results.
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#2 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: sacramento ca.
Posts: 1,038
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: sacramento ca.
Posts: 1,038
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida
Posts: 117
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
Thanks...but, to late for the slick glove box mount. I already started cutting. Now I need to finish it and make it look good!
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#5 |
Redneck Hillbilly
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Backwoods
Posts: 1,307
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
meh, it's only metal. I use my air saw with a small metal blade. Slow and steady for a nice clean and straight cut. Having a marked outline for the hole you need is a big help. I've used my RotoZip a time or two with a metal bit, but it is a bit too aggresive for my taste (a little too easy to let get away from you).
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#6 |
Senior Enthusiast
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Spokane Valley, WA
Posts: 8,356
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
I use the Dremel EZ Lock cutter for virtually all of my sheet metal cutting up to 1/8" thick. The discs are very strong, last a long time and are easy to change without a screwdriver. You just pull down on the collar and swap out the disc. They are also very thin, resulting in a cut about the width of a hacksaw blade.
![]() I find they work best when using a foot controller, so you can set the tool on full speed and use both hands to control the cut. If I were doing something like a dash, I’d drill the four corners first, then slice between the corners. This leaves nice smooth corners and avoids the risk of cutting too far. |
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#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
__________________
Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index Last edited by Ackattack; 11-06-2010 at 10:18 PM. |
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#8 | |
Redneck Hillbilly
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Backwoods
Posts: 1,307
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
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#9 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Plumas Lake, Ca.
Posts: 1,009
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: St Charles MO
Posts: 481
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
I just did my dash for a radio install.
I tell you that the decision took awhile because I did not know if I wanted to cut up the dash. The tools I used were masking tape, a sharpie, a dremal like tool, and several files. First I layed out my pattern(measure,measure) then I applied my cut off wheel( I liked the smaller wheels because of less sparks) then I filed to fit. I tell you that with patience you will make it look clean and professional. |
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#11 |
Rottenwood Garage Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Marietta, Georgia
Posts: 4,321
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
__________________
2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!! Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere! |
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#12 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 4,780
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
I think I used an air body saw but I might have just used my jig saw with a metal blade in it. Heck it was about 8 years ago I did this.
__________________
"A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536 |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Saint Petersburg, Florida
Posts: 117
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
Well...it's done. I used one of the Dremel "EZ Lock" blades and a file. Worked like a champ. Thanks for the help.
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#14 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: High Plains of Colorado
Posts: 2,485
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
Quote:
The 64-66 dashes have rectangles all over them, the more modern radios just look correct, more so than the oem radios, IMO. Last edited by lakeroadster; 11-08-2010 at 10:00 PM. |
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#15 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 4,780
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
__________________
"A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536 |
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#16 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Menifee, CA
Posts: 471
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Re: What works best to cut dash to install radio?
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